S6E5 | Who else could benefit from learning these skills?
This season was made possible in partnership with the Society of Decision Professionals.
In this episode of Ask a Decision Engineer, Michelle Florendo explores a fundamental question with decision science practitioners from around the world: Who should be learning decision-making skills? Through conversations with professionals across industries—from corporate executives to data scientists—this episode reveals the universal applicability of decision science principles. Guests share insights on how structured decision-making can transform organizations, improve personal choices, and create more inclusive conversations. Whether you're leading a team, influencing strategy, or simply navigating life's complexities, this episode demonstrates why decision-making skills aren't just nice-to-have—they're essential for everyone.
“On some level everybody should learn this stuff. When you think about the fundamental principles underlying this, like ideas like that decisions and outcomes are not the same thing... those are things that could benefit everybody.”
From boardrooms to family dinner tables, decisions shape every aspect of our lives. Yet formal decision-making education remains surprisingly rare. In this thought-provoking episode, Michelle explores who stands to benefit most from learning structured approaches to decision-making, revealing that the answer might be simpler than expected: everyone.
Drawing from conversations with decision science practitioners across diverse industries and backgrounds, this episode examines the universal need for better decision-making skills. Guests share compelling examples of how decision science principles can transform everything from corporate strategy to personal relationships, highlighting the human side of analytical thinking.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Executive Leadership and Decision Quality
Organizational Applications and Better Conversations
Clearing the Chaos in Decision Making
The Human Side of Analytical Thinking
From Resistance to Revelation
Personal Applications Beyond Work
Universal Education and Life Philosophy
Introduction [00:00:00]
Michelle opens by posing a question that cuts to the heart of decision science education: who really needs these skills? Jordan Stephens immediately responds with a compelling perspective—that the fundamental principles underlying decision science could benefit everyone. The distinction between decisions and outcomes, approaches to uncertainty, and the value of considering alternatives represent concepts with universal applicability.
This sets the stage for an exploration that moves beyond traditional corporate applications to examine how decision-making skills can enhance every aspect of human experience.
Executive Leadership and Decision Quality
Akeem Bacchus highlights a critical gap in executive decision-making: the tendency to accept implicit problem framing without question. He advocates for C-suites and executive boards to embrace the philosophy that decision quality is separate from outcome quality, emphasizing the importance of proper problem framing.
In his "fantasy world," better decision processes would lead to higher quality decisions by moving beyond the first alternatives that come to mind. This requires structured processes that balance diligence with efficiency—avoiding both hasty choices and analysis paralysis.
Organizational Applications and Better Conversations
Walter Kosi shares insights on how decision science can transform organizational conversations. He identifies common decision traps like "plunging into a decision" or considering only one alternative, explaining how simple framing tools can bring people together for more complete discussions.
The structured approach creates more inclusive environments where all issues are considered and stakeholders feel heard. This transformation from chaotic decision-making to organized, collaborative processes represents one of decision science's most valuable organizational contributions.
Clearing the Chaos in Decision Making
Eva Roa brings a data science perspective to the conversation, emphasizing that anyone who influences or makes decisions within organizations—essentially everyone—can benefit from these skills. She highlights how decision-making in organizations is "extremely chaotic" and how structured approaches can provide much-needed sharpness and effectiveness.
Using the example of defining metrics like revenue, Eva illustrates how lack of alignment on basic definitions can derail entire decision processes. Decision science provides tools for ensuring people are literally talking about the same thing before attempting to make choices together.
The Human Side of Analytical Thinking
Eva continues by explaining how decision science beautifully balances quantitative rigor with human considerations. For professionals coming from purely analytical backgrounds, this field provides tools and language for approaching qualitative aspects that are essential for getting decisions implemented.
This integration of analytical thinking with human factors addresses a critical gap in many technical fields, where data skills alone are insufficient for effective decision-making in organizational contexts.
From Resistance to Revelation
Tyler Ludlow shares candid observations about teaching decision science in corporate environments. Initial reactions often resemble "deer in the headlights," with people viewing structured approaches as excessive talking rather than decisive action.
However, he notes that resistance typically transforms into enthusiasm once people experience the process. The key lies in creating "aha moments"—flashes of clarity about problem definition, new alternatives, or uncertainty management that unlock better decisions.
Personal Applications Beyond Work
Lindsay Oyola expands the conversation beyond workplace applications, emphasizing how decision-making skills transform personal relationships and life choices. From vacation planning to major life transitions, structured thinking helps people move from avoidance and discomfort to confidence and satisfaction with their choices.
The process of understanding personal values and trade-offs proves particularly valuable, helping people feel good about their decisions rather than constantly second-guessing themselves. This emotional benefit—feeling done and satisfied with choices—represents a significant quality-of-life improvement.
Universal Education and Life Philosophy
Reidar Bratvold concludes with perhaps the most expansive vision: decision science as compulsory education from kindergarten through university. He argues that since every decision concerns an uncertain future, learning to think clearly about uncertainty should be fundamental education.
Combining logical thinking with emotional awareness, decision science offers what Reidar describes as "a life philosophy." His experience teaching these concepts to his children demonstrates their universal applicability and lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
The fundamental principles of decision science—like separating decisions from outcomes—have universal applicability
Executive teams would benefit enormously from embracing structured decision processes and proper problem framing
Decision science creates more inclusive organizational conversations by ensuring complete consideration of issues
The field uniquely balances analytical rigor with human factors, making it valuable for both technical and non-technical professionals
Initial resistance to structured approaches typically transforms into enthusiasm once people experience the clarity these methods provide
Personal applications extend far beyond work, improving everything from relationships to major life transitions
Decision science could be viewed as fundamental education, similar to math or reading, given that everyone makes decisions about an uncertain future
