Success depends on smart decisions. Yet often, we avoid decisions that challenge the status quo. Over my business career, I've learned several lessons on making smarter decisions.
» Identify problems. At Netscape, we used the "three rules of snakes." First, when you see a snake (problem), kill it. Don't call committee meetings – just kill the snake. Second, don't play with dead snakes – move on once a decision is made. Third, every great opportunity starts out looking like a snake!
» Prioritize people. At Tellme, I learned no decision is more important than hiring. When circumstances necessitate a change in personnel, it's tempting to do nothing. Resist this! As a manager, you're running a pro sports team. Sometimes that means changing players in the game, even those you admire off the field.
» Be open. At Swipely, our transparent culture of data-driven decision-making lets us be honest about what's working, and what's not. Being open with our team makes it easier to earn their support on tough decisions, since we see the same data.
» Engage. Business leaders can impact our community by taking a stand on public decisions. I use Twitter and Facebook to speak out on issues like education reform, the Rhody Red Sox, Uber, or the "Superman Building." I haven't been right every time I stuck my neck out, but I never regretted doing so. Only by engaging can we learn from each other.
In life, as in business, we face many key decisions. I hope these ideas help you succeed in your endeavors, and in our community. •