Classify decisions as speed-dominant or accuracy-dominant…

When This Fires

• Before beginning analysis on any decision — this is the first classification step
• Extends Classify every decision as one-way or two-way door before… (one-way/two-way doors) with a more granular three-factor classification
• When a team is debating how much analysis a decision deserves — classify first, then calibrate process
• When decision velocity feels too slow or too fast — check if classification is happening

Common Failure Mode

Applying accuracy-dominant process to speed-dominant decisions because "this feels important." Emotional intensity isn't a classification factor — reversibility, cost of wrong, and cost of delay are. A decision can feel important (choosing a conference to attend) while being objectively speed-dominant (reversible, low cost of wrong, high cost of delay since early registration is cheaper).

The Protocol

(1) Before any analysis, score three factors: Reversibility: can I undo this within a week at reasonable cost? (high = speed-dominant) Cost of wrong: what's the worst realistic outcome if I choose poorly? (low = speed-dominant) Cost of delay: what do I lose by waiting another week to decide? (high = speed-dominant) (2) If 2-3 factors point speed-dominant → 15 minutes, bias toward action. Choose from available options with minimal analysis. (3) If 2-3 factors point accuracy-dominant → structured analysis. Deploy the full decision toolkit: framework (Every decision framework needs five explicit components), matrix if needed (Use a weighted decision matrix when options exceed 3…), appropriate time budget (Classify every decision as one-way or two-way door before…). (4) For mixed scores → default to speed-dominant with one guard: a quick check for any dealbreaker that would make the fast choice catastrophic. If no dealbreaker → proceed fast.