547. Informed Decisions

Never, ever, make any important decisions without being in full possession of all the facts relevant to the decision that you can muster. Keep very good sources of high quality information. Never rely on underlings in an organisation for your information - always speak to the engineer, not the oily rag. Remember you are the Chief Executive Officer ( The Boss ) of your own life and as such you are an equal to the CEO of any organisation, from a stamp collecting club to the president of the country.

Learn to interpret all the facts calmly and cooly.

Don't just ask for the good news, ask what all the news is. In fact be very suspicious of those who only bear good news - they are probably only telling you what they think you want to hear. These people are called yes-men and will lead you into error.

Learn also to distinguish between hard data and mere opinion. Only give weight to an opinion if the person knows what he is talking about and if he has a reputation for being right more often than he is wrong. Don't for example agree with the opinion of a brick maker when he is talking about jewels.

322. Festine Lente (Make Haste Slowly)

The Poem of Harold the Hasty

In Search of gold
This Viking bold
He broke a beehive right in two
The bees they stung him black and blue
Oh Hasty Harold, don't aim your axe
Until you first have checked your facts.

Let's face it you wouldn'nt trust a doctor who prescribed before he diagnosed !

First know the problem, then with patience, you can find the solution.