MEPX
Chapter 7 of 10All chapters
  1. 1Process over outcome
  2. 2Matching effort to stakes
  3. 3Framing the decision
  4. 4Working with uncertainty
  5. 5Where judgement bends
  6. 6Deciding in groups
  7. 7When to gather more
  8. 8Committing and changing course
  9. 9Personal decisions
  10. 10Reviewing decisions

Chapter 7 of 10

When to gather more

The value of waiting.

Is it decision-relevant

More information helps only if it could change the choice. Ask what you would do differently under each possible answer; if the action is the same, stop researching.

  • Set a deadline for gathering before you start.
  • Perfect information usually arrives after the option has expired.

Analysis paralysis

Endless research often means the real blocker is fear of blame rather than missing data. Naming that changes the conversation from what else do we need to who decides.