Time and decision making

"Vacillate" is a word I remember exclusively because of a quote relating to Midway and a Japanese Admiral who could not decide between launching and rearming his aircraft that were refueling on deck. And that inability to make a decision was a pivotal piece in that battle.

Seth Grodin writes about time and decision making. "First rule of decision making: More time does not create better decisions. In fact, it usually decreases the quality of the decision."

He goes on to talk about the potential for needing more information...but that can also lead to a decrease in the quality of the decision - analysis paralysis. I worked for a brief time for a well known and dictatorial Navy Admiral who has now moved on to the political world. He was known for brialliant strategical moves - as well as for a harsh, demanding, and demeaning work ethic. What was little known to those outside his close staff, was a penchant for delaying a decision until after the last minute.

You can get away with that in staff work...doesn't work so well in a car, or on a ship, or in battle.

A good rule of thumb - make a decision. Even if it is the wrong one, you did something. And, if you made the decision early enough, you may be able to monitor the outcome and alter it. If you wait until too late, you may be committed before you get a chance to influence things.