#130: Gold Standard, Straw Man Proposal & Do-Nothing Option
3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Making Recommendations
I. Gold Standard
When making recommendations, the Gold Standard is the most excellent and triumphant course of action to take. The one against which all other options are measured. It would solve all our problems with no trade-offs. If only the conditions were ideal and we had unlimited resources.
The value-add of including this option is to show what’s hypothetically the best possible solution. This can put all other options in better perspective.
When deciding what to do on the weekend, having a BBQ with all your friends and family might be the Gold Standard. If it weren’t winter and half of your potential guests had already made other plans.
II. Straw Man Proposal
You’re probably familiar with Strawmanning, the refutation of a weak argument the other side hasn’t even made. The Straw Man Proposal is similar in nature but used transparently to guide decision-makers towards your preferred option. It’s a deliberately flawed solution that highlights the advantages of other courses of action in comparison to the straw man.
The idea of going to a 12-hour Lord of the Rings marathon with your little kids is obviously not viable. But it can be smart to include it as it highlights why your preferred option (a trip to the indoor play centre) should be picked. It’s like an inverted brainstorming exercise. It makes you realise how desperately you just want the kids to be entertained while you can relax. Just once. For a few minutes. Is that too much to ask?
III. Do-Nothing Option
The Do-Nothing Option sits at the other end of the decision-making continuum. Sometimes we’re so obsessed with taking action that we forget that not doing anything is a legitimate option. Perhaps to wait and see how things develop further or to buy ourselves some time. We should, however, always factor in the potential costs of inaction and review the decision after some time.
In our weekend activity scenario, we could choose to not make any plans at all. It’s only Wednesday. Who knows what serendipity brings? Don’t count on it, though. If nothing comes up, it’s time to panic and book those movie marathon tickets.
In case you’re interested, these three ideas are taken from my article on Making Recommendations: 5+2 Principles for Decision-Making. 🐘
Have a great week,
Chris
themindcollection.com