Decision Frameworks
| Situation |
Framework |
| Challenge assumptions |
First Principles |
| Find root cause |
5 Whys |
| Prioritize tasks |
Eisenhower Matrix |
| Focus effort |
Pareto 80/20 |
| Identify risks |
Inversion |
| Map consequences |
Second-Order Thinking |
| Compare options |
Decision Matrix |
Processes
First Principles: State problem → list assumptions → challenge each → identify fundamentals → build from truths.
5 Whys: State problem → ask "why?" iteratively → verify chain backwards → act on deepest cause.
Eisenhower: Urgent+Important (do), Not-Urgent+Important (schedule), Urgent+Not-Important (delegate), Neither (eliminate).
Pareto: List items → measure impact → sort → find ~20% driving ~80% → focus there.
Inversion: State goal → "what guarantees failure?" → list failure modes → invert into prevention.
Second-Order: Map effects → map what THOSE cause → find hidden costs → decide with full picture.
Decision Matrix: List options → weighted criteria → score each → sum → sanity check winner.
