How to Make Decisions: 3 Tips From Presidential History

How did past American presidents gather information and avoid pitfalls like groupthink and confirmation bias? How did they explore possible alternatives to the conventional wisdom of their day? Look to American presidential history for examples of decision-making in the face of challenges. Here are some insights into the decision-making process from the lives of American presidents:

1. 1. Accept that you won’t get it right every time. Franklin Roosevelt once said: “I have no expectation of making a hit every time I come to bat. What I seek is the highest possible batting average, not only for myself, but for the team.” By accepting the fact that he wouldn’t always make good decisions, FDR freed himself from the kind of self-doubt that can paralyze leaders in moments of crisis.
2. 2. Embrace criticism. Lyndon Johnson is considered to be one of the most successful presidents in terms of domestic policy and one of the most flawed in terms of foreign policy. Lacking the self-confidence he radiated in domestic affairs, his handling of the war in Vietnam will forever remain a scar on his legacy. He narrowed his circle of advisors to only include those who agreed with his ill-fated policy of slowly mounting escalation, a catastrophic course of action. LBJ’s insecurity when it came to Vietnam exposed him to flawed advice from unreliable sources and led him to make bad decisions.
3. 3. Set your ego aside. Sometimes, if you care passionately about something, you must sacrifice your own ego to advance its cause. Theodore Roosevelt's decision to challenge his friend and successor, William Howard Taft, for the Republican nomination in 1912 not only split the party—it led to Democrat Woodrow Wilson’s victory and hurt the very progressive cause that Roosevelt symbolized and led.

Get the MasterClass Annual Membership for exclusive access to video lessons taught by masters, including Doris Kearns Goodwin, Sara Blakely, Bob Iger, Howard Schultz, Anna Wintour, and more.