Higher Performance Insights | The 10/10/10 Decision-Making Framework

March 19, 2024
higher performance insights

In a recent blog post, we delved into the"Trichotomy of Control", a framework that provides a lens to understand the elements of agency and change. It suggests that some aspects of life are entirely within our control, others are beyond it, and others lie in a middle ground, influenced but not wholly governed by us. This framework sets the stage for this post on decision-making.


Chip and Dan Heath's pivotal book, "Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work",  highlights four impediments to sound decision-making.

Notably, they emphasize the damaging effect of short-term emotions—those powerful yet ephemeral feelings that can prompt you and me to act against our long-term benefits, leading to hasty financial decisions, overconsumption, or neglect of public health guidelines.


The Heaths' antidote to this is the "10/10/10 Rule," a strategic tool prompting us to evaluate the consequences of our decisions across three distinct time frames:

  • The immediate future (10 minutes)
  • The midterm (10 months)
  • The long-term (10 years)


This technique doesn't invalidate one’s immediate emotional responses, which can offer important context about one’s situation. It also doesn't assume the supremacy of the long-term view. It broadens one's perspective, integrating the immediate with the extended to ensure well-rounded decisions.


The "10/10/10 Rule" offers a balanced approach to decision-making, ensuring that fleeting emotions don't overshadow the process. This multifaceted strategy is beneficial and specifically designed to address campus leaders' unique challenges, especially during uncertain periods. It helps safeguard the interests of both the individuals and the institutions they serve, making it a valuable tool in their decision-making arsenal.

Announcement


For years, HPG has enlightened campus leaders about their cultural dynamics. Now, addressing the broader question of national Campus Culture, we will introduce the State of Campus Culture Report® in April 2024.


This concise report, powered by the Higher Performance Research Group and its 5 Lead Measures, is more than just another interesting bit of information. It's a powerful tool that highlights the most significant dynamic of performance found across any learning institution, providing invaluable insights for campus leaders like you.

We're excited about its upcoming release and grateful to the many leaders who contributed. Look for it soon under our website's "Research" section.


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