Essence of Decision

This book by Graham Allison (revised and expanded with Philip Zelikow) examines how leaders frame problems, gather information, and arrive at decisions and actions in times of crisis and pressure.

The volume examines closely the Cuban Missile Crisis and the processes which led to its resolution. It was a time of immense tension, and the template used by leaders to make their decisions was critical.

While this book is clearly an examination of how government and political leaders operate in arriving at decisions in times of crisis, there are immense implications for any organizational leader.

Allison offers a number of… show more.

Regardless of all else they do, leaders make decisions.

This book analyzes the October 1962 crisis that almost caused a nuclear war. Entwining theory and empirical evidence, it dissects decision-making at three levels. The first is the style books and movies adopt: “This great man saved…” (Isn’t it almost always about men?).

Noting this approach’s flaws, it retells the story discussing why processes in organizations (like the different branches of the government—or companies) “see” “reality” in ways that preclude sharp changes in desired outcomes.

Finally, it addresses how and why negotiation and politics shape outcomes, and why a leader’s ability… show more.