Is There Any More Material?
Erikson describes a CEO who repeatedly requests more training material because he enjoys reviewing it and feels no need to decide. The anecdote raises a useful question: is more information needed, or has gathering it become the activity itself?
THE IDEA
Erikson interprets a CEO’s repeated requests for training material as enjoyment of the review process rather than inability to decide. In his Blue personality profile, gathering and analyzing information can be more appealing than reaching a decision. That interpretation should not be assumed from a request for more data alone.
When a decision is needed, ask what remains unknown, whether the answer could change the choice, and when a decision must be made. Repeated requests can frustrate colleagues or delay action if no stopping point is agreed.
When to use it
Project management: Understanding why a stakeholder repeatedly requests additional reports before signing off on a milestone.
Personal finance: Recognizing when research into investments becomes a barrier to actual investing.
Education: Helping students who constantly review material but avoid taking exams.
Business strategy: Identifying when leadership delays strategic decisions to gather more market data without a clear need.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
The CEO and Training Material
In Erikson’s account, a CEO repeatedly requests more material after receiving a comprehensive 300-page folder about a 15-day leadership program. A month later, he asks again. Erikson interprets this as interest in the material without a pressing need to decide.
Project Approval Delays
A manager keeps requesting reports before approving a project. The team asks which unanswered questions could change the decision and agrees on a deadline. The requests might reflect useful concerns, enjoyment of analysis, or reluctance to commit; the behavior alone does not settle the motive.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
In what areas of your life do you find yourself asking for more material before making a decision? Is it because you need the information or because you enjoy the process?
How can you distinguish between a genuine need for more data and the pleasure of analysis?
When have you observed someone (or yourself) delaying a decision due to the enjoyment of gathering information?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)