Are You a Microwave or a Crockpot? Pick the right method for smarter decisions.

Think fast…or slow. Are you a microwave or crockpot? Your style decides more than your strategy.

Microwaves decide and act quickly. Strength is momentum. Risk is rework.

Crockpots gather inputs and let ideas simmer. Strength is quality. Risk is missed windows.

Neither is better. Overplaying the strength is the problem.

3 actionable lessons

1. Match the method to the recipe
   1. Reversible and time-bound decisions favor speed
   2. Irreversible or expensive decisions need stew time
   3. Use a simple 2×2: impact and reversibility
2. Install guardrails
   1. Cooldown Rule for high-cost choices
   2. Simmer Timer and Three-Option Limit to prevent analysis loops
   3. Red Team Lite and Two Checkboxes to reduce blind spots
3. Design for humans
   1. Idea drop, then 24-hour pause for additional input
   2. Speaking order that prevents anchoring
   3. Decision labels with an owner, not a committee

Pick one guardrail this week. Tell your team which you will use and by when.