"It's not just about making the right decision, it's about making the decision right." - Andrew Strauss, from Making Decisions by Ed Smith
We arrive at decisions by varied pathways - analytics, experience, intuition. Transforming the decision into effectiveness takes more. Ed Smith argues it requires persuasion, tact, management, and leadership.
Dispense with the abstract. The "old guard" argues for the "old ways" the grizzled veteran with maturity and an established track record, even if unspectacular. "The devil you know..."
The new norm says the "risky pick" (consider Jaylen Brown coming out of Cal) has serious upside with elite athleticism and flashed skill, even with flaws of inexperience and unproven shooting. Does anyone think Michael Jordan would shoot .327 from three in today's NBA?
For "the decider" the results won't flow from massaging ego and media with conversations. Help the decision grow through the best technical, tactical, physical, and psychological training. That means skill trainers, film study, strength and conditioning, and sports psychology and mindfulness.
Coaches may not know what we don't know. Twenty years ago, I could help players become All-League winners but not transform them into Division 1 talent. Now the program graduated one to D1 and another is on the cusp. But there's ALWAYS work to be done.
Herb Welling said when you get the generational player, "you have to take care of her."
Lagniappe. "Let your game be your marketing tool."
