Decision Making
Overview
Decision making is the process of choosing a path with incomplete information while managing risk and reversibility.
Why It Matters
Better decisions create faster teams because they reduce rework, debate, and uncertainty.
Core Concepts
- Not every decision deserves the same level of analysis.
- Reversible decisions should move faster.
- High-risk decisions should be documented.
Mental Models
Ask what is known, what is assumed, and what would change the decision.
Best Practices
- Write down the options and trade-offs.
- Bias toward the smallest decision that still works.
- Revisit decisions when new evidence appears.
Common Mistakes
- Arguing preferences as facts.
- Treating uncertainty as a reason to stall.
- Forgetting to record why a choice was made.
Trade-offs
Fast decisions keep momentum. Better-documented decisions keep the team aligned when context fades.
Decision Framework
- Define the problem.
- List the constraints.
- Compare the realistic options.
- Choose the lowest-risk option that satisfies the goal.
Examples
- Use native browser behavior when it is sufficient.
- Prefer an existing shared component over introducing a new abstraction.
Checklists
- Do we understand the real constraint?
- Is the decision reversible?
- Will the team understand the reasoning later?
Senior Engineer Notes
Senior engineers make fewer but higher-quality decisions by reducing ambiguity before choosing.