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Charlie Munger · illustrated avatarCharlie MungerAnalytical perspectiveCM-P04

PRODUCT ADVISORY COUNCIL

Explain the reason for an action

When assigning work, explain the goal, reasons and constraints so the recipient can understand and question the decision.

Product Advisory Council · Method card
Charlie Munger · illustrated avatarCharlie MungerAnalytical perspectiveCM-P04

The method

Explain the reason for an action

When assigning work, explain the goal, reasons and constraints so the recipient can understand and question the decision.

When to use it

  • Cross-functional collaboration or execution under uncertainty.

Ask yourself

  • Does the person executing know why, and which changed conditions should trigger reassessment?

Put it into action

  • Specify who does what by when, why it matters and what constraints apply.
  • Let recipients test the rationale and report assumptions that do not hold.

Keep these limits in mind

  • Giving a reason does not make it correct; a plausible explanation can still mislead.
  • Do not copy the punitive practices in the author’s examples.
Method summary · Not a personal quote

An analytical method adapted from the public skill package, not a reply or endorsement by the person represented.
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