Decision Making

The theory behind ‘quantum ideas’

July 9, 2010

Physicist Gerald Harris uses the study of quantum mechanics, or the action of tiny particles, to shed light on decision-making. As with many unconventional thinkers, Harris winds up with a set of questions he calls “quantum ideas.” Here are some of his more accessible ones:

A flexible strategy at Office Depot

April 12, 2010

Strategic planning has always accounted for changing circumstances. But leaders have now shifted their planning habits to allow for on-the-fly adjustments. For example, Office Depot began updating its annual budget monthly at the start of 2009. “This downturn has changed the way we will think about our business,” says Steve Odland, Office Depot’s chairman and chief executive.

Emotional intelligence: Turn regret into a positive force

December 11, 2009

Research from the University of Victoria shows that most people hold regret in high regard, partly because it helps them make sense of things and fix them. In a weird way, it also feels good. Advances in neuroscience show that we learn better with an emotional connection. Regret may help us grow. Three guidelines on using regret:

The dangers of hasty decision-making

December 1, 2005

While it’s true that any decision is better than no decision, it’s also true that entrepreneurs have created a myth that all decisions have to be made quickly.

Stand up to problems

March 8, 2004

You can reach difficult decisions up to 20 percent faster when standing instead of sitting, says research from the University of California.