HBR's 10 Must Reads on Making Smart Decisions

Despite all the time and energy most companies put into strategic planning, the process is most often a barrier to good decision making, our research indicates. Traditional planning's shortcomings. Many companies invest heavily in strategic planning, yet the process often falls short of its intended purpose. Instead of facilitating effective decision-making, it can become a cumbersome exercise that consumes time and resources without yielding tangible results. This disconnect arises from several factors, including the annual nature of the process, its focus on individual business units, and a

Lesson 1: Strategic planning often fails to drive effective decisions

This principle from HBR's 10 Must Reads on Making Smart Decisions is backed by Harvard Business Publishing's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 2: Continuous, issues-focused planning is more effective

This principle from HBR's 10 Must Reads on Making Smart Decisions is backed by Harvard Business Publishing's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

Lesson 3: Link decision-making and planning for better outcomes

This principle from HBR's 10 Must Reads on Making Smart Decisions is backed by Harvard Business Publishing's extensive research and real-world examples. Understanding it deeply can shift how you approach decisions, relationships, and long-term planning in meaningful ways.

How to Apply HBR's 10 Must Reads on Making Smart Decisions's Lessons

The real value of HBR's 10 Must Reads on Making Smart Decisions lies in its applicability. After reading, the most important step is identifying which of Harvard Business Publishing's principles speak most directly to your current situation.

Consider keeping a journal while reading — noting where the ideas challenge your current approach and where they confirm what you already suspected. The friction of your own resistance often points to the most important insights.

Key Quote

"Strategic planning often fails to drive effective decisions" — Harvard Business Publishing, HBR's 10 Must Reads on Making Smart Decisions

About the Author

Harvard Business Publishing is the author of HBR's 10 Must Reads on Making Smart Decisions. The book reflects years of research, observation, and synthesis of evidence from multiple disciplines.