5 Structured Analytic Techniques for Better Decision-Making
A deep-dive into Structured Analytic Techniques; methodical approaches to improving the quality of your thinking and decision-making.
Intelligence Analysis
Posts that feature concepts and techniques used in the professional field of intelligence analysis
Thinking Models: 5 Little-Known Concepts to Navigate the World
A reflection on five thinking models to help you navigate the world of problem-solving and decision-making. If you know their limitations.
Red Team Analysis: How to Think Like Your Opponent
A reflection on Red Team Analysis, a technique used to see the world through the eyes of your counterparts in order to outsmart them.
The Tenth Man Rule: How to Take Devil’s Advocacy to a New Level
A reflection on the Tenth Man Rule, a form of institutionalised devil’s advocacy. How can we benefit from a professional pain in the neck?
Five Habits of the Master Thinker: How to Upgrade Your Mind
A breakdown of the five habits of the master thinker; practices worth cultivating proposed by a former CIA analyst.
Via Negativa: The Power of Knowing What Not to Do
A reflection on the powerful decision-making strategy of via negativa and what it has in common with exploding whales and inner daemons.
How to Ask Good Questions: 5 Ways to Discover the Truth
An exploration of the power of good questions and five ways to ask them. From Story-eliciting Questions to the Columbo Method.
The Law of Unintended Consequences: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
An exploration of the Law of Unintended Consequences, an adage about undesirable or unexpected side-effects of our life’s decisions.
Premortem Analysis: How to Anticipate Failure
A deep dive into Premortem Analysis, a technique designed to foresee spectacular failures before they happen.
5 Books on Intelligence Analysis to Level Up Your Critical Thinking Skills
A collection of fascinating books on intelligence analysis, a field with a surprisingly rich literature about critical thinking.
25 More Interesting Concepts to Help You Make Sense of the World
A collection of 25 interesting concepts on critical thinking, human nature and more. Make better sense of the world one idea at a time.
The Mind Collection Model: How to Explore the Known Unknowns
An exploration of The Mind Collection Model, my personal interpretation of a mental model designed to help us navigate the known unknowns.
Mental Shortcuts: 5 Ways Heuristics Can Lead to Poor Decisions
A reflection on mental shortcuts and how their misapplication can inhibit problem-solving or lead to poor decision-making.
OODA Loop: How to Make Fast Decisions in Chaotic Situations
A reflection on the OODA Loop, a decision-making tool designed to improve our situational awareness in high-stakes situations.
Making Recommendations: 5+2 Principles for Decision-Making
An exploration of seven principles on making recommendations and how to avoid the age-old Cassandra problem.
