When the choice is tough...try this.

Years ago, I developed an analogy which gradually morphed into a useful philosophy. Having voted for candidates of both the Democratic and Republican party it became apparent that the choices were more and more becoming a choice of who I disliked the least. Character, or my intuitive reaction to it, became the only way I could choose. It may also be useful to consider in personnel choices.

"I choose the person I could likely tolerate best, if I was stuck with them on a desert island."

What is the goal you hope to influence with your choice? Our country is a social system. Is the goal to have a functional government or to "win"? Companies are social systems, and the individuals in them affect everyone with whom they interact. Is the goal of your company to grow profitably and provide employment and relevance for your people?

We are social animals but whatever bubble you sit in, it's not helping you. Psychologists have proven that excessive time on social media does not replace the actual "in person" interaction. In fact, more than 2 hours of screen time in adolescence has been directly connected to higher levels of anxiety and depression.

On a desert island, survival is the goal. The highest probability of survival is through collaboration. On Gilligan's Island, I think the Professor would be more useful than Gilligan, Skipper, Ginger or the Howells, but I've always had a crush on Mary Ann.