But, then, ultimately, we get to this somewhat stark moment of conviction – a decision without certainty but with some level of instinct and belief. The work you’ve done is a big input, but then, I find there’s something else, too. It’s some combination of understanding, excitement, experience, gut, and fear. And this process repeats throughout our... See more

high-value advice, in general), is about insight .

Insight requires context, nuance, and judgment.

• What are you trying to accomplish?


• What's your timeframe?


• What other constraints should I be aware of?


• Do you have more time to invest than money, or more money to invest than time?


• What do you love?


• What do you hate?


• What will you say you'll do?


• What will y

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To determine how you can best tailor your message to your audience, it’s key to understand whether cost or speed is the main driver for your organization. If available, the company’s annual report can help you identify which is the main driver. I personally invested a lot of time in lunch discussions with people like the CFO, CTO, CIO, CEO, and CMO

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“I’m not sure what you mean,” I said. “What’s most important differs for each decision.” I listed off a few different types of decisions and how the variables were different. “That’s not what I mean,” he replied. “Do they know what you value most?” I hesitated. He looked me square in the eye. “Shane, do you know what you value most?” I stared at hi

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3. Properly assess strategy (or how a business makes money).