Decisive: How to make better choices in life and work

by Chip Heath

CHAPTER THREE IN ONE PAGE Multitrack 1. Multitracking = considering more than one option simultaneously. The naming firm Lexicon widens its options by assigning a task to multiple small teams, including an “excursion team” that considers a related task from a very different domain. 2. When you consider multiple options simultaneously, you learn the “shape” of the problem. When designers created ads simultaneously, they scored higher on creativity and effectiveness. 3. Multitracking also keeps egos in check—and can actually be faster! When you develop only one option, your ego is tied up in it. Eisenhardt’s research on Silicon Valley firms: Multitracking minimized politics and provided a built-in fallback plan. 4. While decision paralysis may be a concern for people who consider many options, we’re pushing for only one or two extra. And the payoff can be huge. We’re not advocating 24 kinds of jam. When the German firm considered two or more alternatives, it made six times as many “very good” decisions. 5. Beware “sham options.” Kissinger: “Nuclear war, present policy, or surrender.” One diagnostic: If people on your team disagree about the options, you have real options. 6. Toggle between the prevention and promotion mindsets. Prevention focus = avoiding negative outcomes. Promotion focus = pursuing positive outcomes. Companies who used both mindsets performed much better after a recession. Doreen’s husband, Frank, prompted her to think about boosting happiness, not just li...