When Paul Epstein served as a high-level executive for numerous NBA and NFL teams, he often needed to make rapid yet savvy decisions. In Better Decisions Faster, he provides clear structures to help readers do the same.
“The quality of business and the quality of life,” he writes, “comes down to two things: the decisions we make and the actions we take.” Epstein’s decision-making philosophy helped him break every Super Bowl record in premium sales revenues; open a $1 billion stadium; and found the Talent Academy for the San Francisco 49ers. At its essence are two components: the “Head + Heart = Hands” (3H) strategy and the symbolic use of the red, yellow, and green lights on a traffic light.
Making logical (head) decisions involves growth (overcoming self-limiting beliefs and blocks); positivity (staying away from energy vampires!); grit (courage, perseverance, adaptability, and resilience); and curiosity (innovating every day).
But good decision-making also involves factoring in elements of the heart: What fuels a person’s passion, feels authentic, and inspires gratitude and happiness? Considering head and heart, readers decide if a certain decision path triggers a red light (no), a green light (yes), or a yellow one, which means the decision requires further evaluation.
To help with the process, the author offers useful charts and “decision drills” where readers list pending decisions and brainstorm their thoughts and feelings.
Epstein says that his biggest, best, and fastest decisions—getting an MBA, becoming an entrepreneur, and leaving the sports industry—came to fruition when his head and heart were in alignment. He has coached people through business, parenting, leadership, and relationship decision-making through his 3H/green, yellow, and red light formulas. Interestingly, he notes that faster decisions aren’t necessarily “fast”; significant decisions may still take time, even with the book helping streamline the process.
Professionally written with plenty of relevant examples, this book provides valuable decision-making advice. Readers can also access QR codes for additional resources.
