Mastering Decision Making: Insights from Atlas Altman

In the latest episode of The Patrick Bass Show , Atlas Aultman , celebrated leadership speaker and bestselling author, shared his revolutionary approach to decision making and leadership. With accolades including being a decorated military veteran and a top 40 under 40 in tech and innovation, Atlas offers unique insights through his concept of "professional mutiny" and his various methods of effective decision making.

The Complexity of Decision Making

Atlas began by discussing the overwhelming number of decisions we face daily, estimated at 33,000 to 35,000. He emphasized simplifying decision making to improve efficiency and effectiveness, drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs, who famously wore the same outfit every day to reduce decision fatigue. Atlas introduced several methods to streamline decisions:

1. 10-10-10 Rule: Developed by Suzy Welch, this method involves evaluating decisions based on their impact in the next 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years.
2. The Five W's: A classic decision-making framework focusing on Who, What, Where, When, and Why, with a sixth element, How, for more complex decisions.
3. The Rule of Three: This rule simplifies tasks into three priorities, helping individuals and teams focus on manageable chunks. Atlas believes in giving people three tasks, as they are likely to accomplish at least one, whereas four tasks can be overwhelming.

Decision Making in Leadership

Atlas elaborated on how leaders can apply the Rule of Three in their teams, drawing from military practices. In the military, leaders often present three courses of action (COAs) to decision-makers, who then choose the best option or a hybrid of the options. This method ensures that decisions are well-considered and practical.

Atlas highlighted the importance of involving the right people in decision making, stating, "Show me your network and I'll show you your net worth." He emphasized that surrounding oneself with the right people, both in personal and professional networks, is crucial for success.

Identifying Team Members

Atlas shared a humorous yet practical way of categorizing team members: assets, assets, and a-holes. He explained:

• Assets: The highly productive individuals who are essential to the team's success.
• A$$hats: The team members who provide comic relief and keep the team's morale high.
• A$$holes: The naysayers who often challenge decisions but can sometimes provide valuable critical perspectives.

He stressed that every team needs a balance of these personalities to function effectively.

The Platinum Process

In his book, The Rule of Three: How Elite Leaders Win, Atlas introduces the Platinum Process. This process prioritizes people over time and money, advocating for a people-first approach in leadership. By focusing on the right individuals (the "who"), leaders can save both time and money in the long run.

Professional Mutiny and Personal Growth

Atlas's concept of professional mutiny involves challenging conventional norms and embracing innovative leadership approaches. He draws parallels to the Golden Age of Piracy, where pirates operated under a black flag of freedom, sharing resources equally and adhering to a strict code of conduct.

He shared a personal anecdote from his military career, where he was given the call sign "Atlas" for his ability to carry immense burdens while leading his team effectively. This experience underscored the importance of focusing on people and maintaining resilience under pressure.

Targets vs. Goals

Atlas argued that targets are more effective than goals. While goals are often broad and unrealistic, targets are small, actionable steps that lead to success. He advised setting daily targets and adjusting them as needed, which allows for greater flexibility and continuous progress.

What's Next for Atlas Altman

Atlas is currently working on a new book, Start with Who, which builds on his TEDx talk and focuses on the importance of prioritizing the right people in decision making. He also launched a podcast, "Targeted," aimed at helping men navigate the challenges they face in modern society.

To explore more of Atlas's work and insights, visit his website at leaders-kit.com . His book, The Rule of Three, is a must-read for anyone looking to simplify decision making and enhance their leadership skills.

Atlas Altman’s approach offers a transformative way to think about decisions, focusing on actionable targets, the importance of the right people, and simplifying complex processes. His insights are a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their personal and professional decision-making skills.

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