Decision time? Use 40/70 vision

You need to make a decision between two options and time is a factor. But you don’t have all the information you need, probably only 75%.

Is it better to decide now or wait until you have more information?

You should make the decision now, according to the 40/70 rule. The rule states that if you have 40% or less of the information you need to make a decision, you probably shouldn’t make it. If you have 70% or more, ask yourself, “Why haven’t I made a decision yet?”

Caveats: You may need more than 70% if it’s something that’s never been done or if making a mistake would doom the organization. You may need less than 40% if you’re an expert and see the same trends every time you’re confronted with this situation.

Most people, though, should decide with 70% or more of the information.