Instinct over data?
Managers who use their gut instinct together with simple decision-making strategies may make equally good, but faster, decisions as those who use data to reach an outcome. This may explain why 12 different publishers initially rejected the opportunity to publish "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" – because it had no data to inform its potential. A report by researchers from various business schools, after examining 122 different companies, found that when under extreme uncertainty, managers, particularly those with more experience, should trust the expertise and instincts that got them the job in the first place. The nous developed over years as a leader can be more effective than an analytical tool which, in situations of extreme uncertainty, could act as a hindrance rather than a driver of success.
Extreme togs
Never forget even the small transgressions
A reader writes: "Some friends from work planned a get-together at a local chain restaurant for my birthday. One of my co-workers found out and decided it should also be to celebrate her birthday because it's the day before mine. Already annoyed, but whatever. The night of the dinner, a friend bought us both slices of cheesecake and they were presented, with candles, and everyone sang Happy Birthday. At the end, she blew out her candle AND THEN MINE. AND LAUGHED ABOUT IT. It was MY candle. You were barely invited. I've never forgotten about it."