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Tune In: How to Make Smarter Decisions in a Noisy World
Winner of the 2024 International Book Award (SelfHelp) and Penscraft Award for Best New Non-Fiction.
"The only book on decision-making you'll ever need." - Dr Dario Krpan, Professor, London School of Economics
“A thoughtful analysis ...and a practical resource for making better choices.” -Adam Grant, #1 New York Times Bestselling author
"A great reference for any business." - Victoria Degtar, TIME Magazine
Your decisions matter more than you think. But are you tuned in or tuned out?
Despite belief, the most underestimated risk facing our generation is not economic, political, or even climate risk. It’s human decision risk - and it’s rising.
In today’s noisy world, it’s hard to hear what matters – amplifying a rush to misjudgement. We miscalculate situations, misinterpret signals, misunderstand people - and miss opportunities.
The price is predictable regret.
Tune In is an antidote to misjudgement and an insurance policy against predictable error in high-stakes situations.
As a board member, behavioral scientist and award-winning Fortune-500 advisor, Nuala Walsh understands how to master the art of judgement.
She explains why we tune out at milestone moments and champions an underestimated source of influence – tuning in to what matters when it matters.
Drawing on research, she reveals a PERIMETERS framework that highlights ten traps that bound our reasoning. For the first time, she explores decision 'deaf spots' - a hidden source of misinformation.
Discounting human risk will short-change your life. But appreciating it will change your life. With dozens of strategies, you’ll acquire sought-after skills and stand out not lose out.
With unforgettable stories from the boardroom to the courtroom, you’ll hear about presidents, Olympians, Death Row exonerees and moon-landing astronauts.
Exceptional judgement comes from hearing what others don’t.
It’s time to Tune In.
"The only book on decision-making you'll ever need." - Dr Dario Krpan, Professor, London School of Economics
“A thoughtful analysis ...and a practical resource for making better choices.” -Adam Grant, #1 New York Times Bestselling author
"A great reference for any business." - Victoria Degtar, TIME Magazine
Your decisions matter more than you think. But are you tuned in or tuned out?
Despite belief, the most underestimated risk facing our generation is not economic, political, or even climate risk. It’s human decision risk - and it’s rising.
In today’s noisy world, it’s hard to hear what matters – amplifying a rush to misjudgement. We miscalculate situations, misinterpret signals, misunderstand people - and miss opportunities.
The price is predictable regret.
Tune In is an antidote to misjudgement and an insurance policy against predictable error in high-stakes situations.
As a board member, behavioral scientist and award-winning Fortune-500 advisor, Nuala Walsh understands how to master the art of judgement.
She explains why we tune out at milestone moments and champions an underestimated source of influence – tuning in to what matters when it matters.
Drawing on research, she reveals a PERIMETERS framework that highlights ten traps that bound our reasoning. For the first time, she explores decision 'deaf spots' - a hidden source of misinformation.
Discounting human risk will short-change your life. But appreciating it will change your life. With dozens of strategies, you’ll acquire sought-after skills and stand out not lose out.
With unforgettable stories from the boardroom to the courtroom, you’ll hear about presidents, Olympians, Death Row exonerees and moon-landing astronauts.
Exceptional judgement comes from hearing what others don’t.
It’s time to Tune In.
440 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2024
32 people are currently reading
6572 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 7, 2024
A must read. Great book, has really helped me personally with some tough decisions that I had to make recently, made me think more clearly before making these life changing decisions instead of jumping in feet first.
March 28, 2024
Make a smart decision. BUY THIS BOOK. I was very pleasantly surprised at how useful, entertaining yet scientifically rigorous it was. A healthy dose of modern examples makes it relevant for all ages.
A must read for everyday decisions. You wont be disappointed
A must read for everyday decisions. You wont be disappointed
March 4, 2024
A complete page turner which is very unusual for a non-fiction book about judgement . This is probably one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. It makes you think differently about decisions - past and future. I particularly loved the variety of fantastic examples which are relevant to people at every level and in every country. The author has an amazing journey and it shows. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 🌟
April 4, 2024
The smartest decision you can make is to buy this book - seriously! Brilliantly written, well-researched and very relevant for today's 24/7 lifestyle where good decisions are challenged. I really enjoyed the stories and new ideas. Everyone should own a copy.
March 30, 2024
Highly recommend. Really thought provoking and insightful read. Tune In is full of interesting and entertaining anecdotes making it really enjoyable, accessible and includes plenty of helpful easy to implement strategies to inform better decision making.
April 18, 2024
A Fascinating Read on Making Decisions and Avoiding Biases
Tune In provides a wealth of information on how to become more aware of our biases. No matter how much we think we are unaffected by biases, the sad news is that none of us are immune.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I do have one criticism. Walsh mentioned numerous stories of where people did or did not succumb to their biases. At times, it felt as though we readers were skipping happily along the surface when the interesting learnings were below the surface.
Tune In provides a wealth of information on how to become more aware of our biases. No matter how much we think we are unaffected by biases, the sad news is that none of us are immune.
As much as I enjoyed this book, I do have one criticism. Walsh mentioned numerous stories of where people did or did not succumb to their biases. At times, it felt as though we readers were skipping happily along the surface when the interesting learnings were below the surface.
April 7, 2024
So clever and well-reasoned, a genuine first in the field. Better than many others that argue the same old examples. Nice to see some female newcomers for a change. Hope it gets the recognition it deserves.
April 18, 2024
Exceptional! 10/10 A rare page-turner for a non-fiction decision-making book. Eclectic range of stories and filled with practical tips. A must read.
September 20, 2024
There was a huge amount of effort and research that went into this book. Recommend reading if you haven't read Thinking Fast and Slow, Noise, Nudge, or any of the other books on biases. The author very neatly organizes all the biases in an easy-to-remember acronym PERIMETERS. It's also easier to apply in practice. The last part on how to deal with these biases,... less strong imho.
April 12, 2024
Tune In is a compelling read that bridges the gap between academia and the everyday applications of behavioral science theory. It’s peppered with decision making anecdotes drawn from business, law enforcement, sports, and finance…but the underlying scientific research is also referenced by the author. I found myself reflecting on my own personal and career decisions as I wound my way through Walsh’s PERIMETERS framework. Highly recommended for business leaders who want to upgrade their decision making competences and avoid the dangers of biases and blind spots.
December 12, 2024
I enjoyed this book, mainly due to its parables and anecdotes. However, the prescribed PERIMETERS framework and the additional acronyms felt somewhat cumbersome and occasionally detracted from my own reading experience.
While I found value in the key messages —such as the importance of listening in an over-informed world, using the pause between events and responses to recognise biases, and focusing on meaningful voices over noise—the method of delivery felt a bit overcomplicated at times. That said, the insights I took away were worth the effort.
Key notes I enjoyed:
“Our inclination to hear reason diminishes when we’ve invested time, money and effort.”
“Wisdom is talking less about yourself and listening more to others when it matters.”
“Angry co-workers are perceived as having more status and being better role models than sad co-workers.”
“Weak leaders love weak people around them. Weak leaders also love compliant people.”
“Two things will determine how your life will turn out: luck and the quality of your decisions.”
“A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.”
“Emotions have an opportunity cost. Every angry moment might mean fewer productive, reflective, intimate, connection, creative moments - or less freedom.”
“If you don’t slow down, you can’t selectively filter the voices you hear. If you don’t reinterpret filtered voices, you can’t get judgement right. If you can’t get judgement right, you can’t get decisions right.”
Also, I resonated with the W.A.I.T. system. To ask myself wait why am I talking when I cop that I may be rambling or oversharing.
While I found value in the key messages —such as the importance of listening in an over-informed world, using the pause between events and responses to recognise biases, and focusing on meaningful voices over noise—the method of delivery felt a bit overcomplicated at times. That said, the insights I took away were worth the effort.
Key notes I enjoyed:
“Our inclination to hear reason diminishes when we’ve invested time, money and effort.”
“Wisdom is talking less about yourself and listening more to others when it matters.”
“Angry co-workers are perceived as having more status and being better role models than sad co-workers.”
“Weak leaders love weak people around them. Weak leaders also love compliant people.”
“Two things will determine how your life will turn out: luck and the quality of your decisions.”
“A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.”
“Emotions have an opportunity cost. Every angry moment might mean fewer productive, reflective, intimate, connection, creative moments - or less freedom.”
“If you don’t slow down, you can’t selectively filter the voices you hear. If you don’t reinterpret filtered voices, you can’t get judgement right. If you can’t get judgement right, you can’t get decisions right.”
Also, I resonated with the W.A.I.T. system. To ask myself wait why am I talking when I cop that I may be rambling or oversharing.
February 24, 2025
A heavy read full of anecdotes. A lot of them. It reads like the 60 Second Manager but for listening skills. A bit long in some areas, but could be good for college work and studies on said subject. A bit cringy when it brings up political and social issues that I do not think will apply to the recent climate we are in, but that is just my opinion. One or two typos, that I saw, but well researched.
July 9, 2024
Fascinating, well-structured, practically useful and above all - entertaining.
April 29, 2024
Reads like a Malcolm Gladwell book. The author brilliantly steps the reader through traps that prevent one's ability to make smart decisions and offers ways to avoid those traps. A must read for anyone wanting to think more critically.
April 21, 2024
MUST BUY. you need this in your life - will change how you decide and how you think about life's most important choices.
December 25, 2024
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways for my copy.
It took me a while to read this book which was not the fault of the book. It was the first book I used my new Achievers Bookmate on. I highlighted as I read to really absorb the important information.
This book made me think about different instances when, where, and how I’ve thought or reacted to situations and whether I’ve thought about things from all angles.
There are books I read and pass on to others and books I read and keep to read again. I will be keeping this one to refer back to.
It took me a while to read this book which was not the fault of the book. It was the first book I used my new Achievers Bookmate on. I highlighted as I read to really absorb the important information.
This book made me think about different instances when, where, and how I’ve thought or reacted to situations and whether I’ve thought about things from all angles.
There are books I read and pass on to others and books I read and keep to read again. I will be keeping this one to refer back to.
May 6, 2025
I bought the audio book after having seen Nuala Walsh speak at a conference. Like her talk, the book was very interesting, thoughtfully presented and well written.
Only downside was the audio book narrator, who sounded like the voice over actor/narrator from Desperate Housewives. Would have been better with the author narrating.
Only downside was the audio book narrator, who sounded like the voice over actor/narrator from Desperate Housewives. Would have been better with the author narrating.
July 18, 2025
Horribly derivative. And just throwing out multiple anecdotes and concepts to fit the narrative without the full context
August 29, 2024
I recently finished "Tune In: How to Make Smarter Decisions in a Noisy World" by Nuala Walsh, and I can confidently say it's earned a permanent spot on my decision-making bookshelf, right next to classics like "Thinking Fast and Slow," "Noise," and "Nudge."
Walsh takes us on a fascinating journey through the landscape of human decision-making, exploring over 75 mental blocks that often lead us astray. As I read, I found myself frequently nodding in recognition, thinking, "Ah, so that's why I sometimes wonder 'what was I thinking?'" after certain situations.
What sets this book apart is its practical approach. Walsh doesn't just explain concepts; she equips you with tools to apply them. Her mnemonics and "Decision Ninja" checklists are particularly useful. I've already started using some of these in my daily life, and I'm noticing a difference in how I approach decisions.
One quote that really stuck with me was: "Decision-makers make the best risk-reward choices they can with the best intentions, information, time and capacity available." This perspective is both comforting and motivating. It's a reminder that good decision-making isn't about perfection, but about making the best use of our resources and capabilities.
If I had one critique, it would be that sometimes I wanted to dive deeper into certain topics. However, I realize that covering 75+ mental blocks in depth would make for an impossibly long book! Plus, this overview approach serves as an excellent springboard for further exploration on topics that particularly resonate with you.
Who would benefit from this book? Honestly, anyone who's ever wondered if they're making good decisions (so, everyone?). Whether you're a business professional, a student, or just someone trying to navigate life's choices more effectively, you'll find valuable insights here.
In conclusion, "Tune In" is a thought-provoking and practical guide that has genuinely improved my approach to decision-making. It's not just about avoiding bad choices; it's about tuning in to our thought processes and the world around us to make smarter, more informed decisions. Highly recommended!
Walsh takes us on a fascinating journey through the landscape of human decision-making, exploring over 75 mental blocks that often lead us astray. As I read, I found myself frequently nodding in recognition, thinking, "Ah, so that's why I sometimes wonder 'what was I thinking?'" after certain situations.
What sets this book apart is its practical approach. Walsh doesn't just explain concepts; she equips you with tools to apply them. Her mnemonics and "Decision Ninja" checklists are particularly useful. I've already started using some of these in my daily life, and I'm noticing a difference in how I approach decisions.
One quote that really stuck with me was: "Decision-makers make the best risk-reward choices they can with the best intentions, information, time and capacity available." This perspective is both comforting and motivating. It's a reminder that good decision-making isn't about perfection, but about making the best use of our resources and capabilities.
If I had one critique, it would be that sometimes I wanted to dive deeper into certain topics. However, I realize that covering 75+ mental blocks in depth would make for an impossibly long book! Plus, this overview approach serves as an excellent springboard for further exploration on topics that particularly resonate with you.
Who would benefit from this book? Honestly, anyone who's ever wondered if they're making good decisions (so, everyone?). Whether you're a business professional, a student, or just someone trying to navigate life's choices more effectively, you'll find valuable insights here.
In conclusion, "Tune In" is a thought-provoking and practical guide that has genuinely improved my approach to decision-making. It's not just about avoiding bad choices; it's about tuning in to our thought processes and the world around us to make smarter, more informed decisions. Highly recommended!
January 21, 2025
In "Tune In," Nuala Walsh provides a refreshing and insightful guide to navigating the overwhelming noise of the modern world and making smarter decisions. Walsh masterfully blends neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics to illuminate the hidden biases and mental traps that hinder our judgment. Through compelling examples and practical exercises, she empowers readers to cultivate a mindful approach to decision-making, emphasizing the importance of tuning in to diverse perspectives and embracing critical thinking. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking clarity and confidence in their choices.
Walsh's writing is both engaging and accessible, making complex concepts easily digestible for a wide audience. "Tune In" is not just a theoretical exploration; it offers actionable strategies for improving decision-making in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. By recognizing our own biases and understanding the influences that shape our thinking, we can become more discerning consumers of information and make choices that align with our values and goals. With its insightful guidance and practical tools, "Tune In" is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their judgment and thrive in today's complex world.
Walsh's writing is both engaging and accessible, making complex concepts easily digestible for a wide audience. "Tune In" is not just a theoretical exploration; it offers actionable strategies for improving decision-making in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. By recognizing our own biases and understanding the influences that shape our thinking, we can become more discerning consumers of information and make choices that align with our values and goals. With its insightful guidance and practical tools, "Tune In" is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their judgment and thrive in today's complex world.
August 30, 2024
FAB! This beats any expectations I ever had about a book on decision-making. Constantly entertained. Always informed. It will teach you how to make much better decisions. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Gripping from every bias with real-life stories that resonate. I particularly liked the range of examples as each was familiar from history or recently in the news. LEarned a heck of a lot.
An insightful exploration of what drives us, from our deepest desires to our everyday decisions. The author breaks down complex psychological theories into relatable examples, making it a must-read for anyone curious about why we do what we do
An insightful exploration of what drives us, from our deepest desires to our everyday decisions. The author breaks down complex psychological theories into relatable examples, making it a must-read for anyone curious about why we do what we do
June 27, 2025
A must-read for anyone who wants to make better decisions in a chaotic world. Nuala Walsh breaks down the hidden forces behind poor choices with clarity and real-world insight.
After having her on our podcast Linen Suit & Plastic Tie, I can say the book is just as powerful as the conversation.
🎧 Episode: What Are the Stories Behind Our Decisions? – https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UrH...
#LSPTPod #Storytelling #DecisionMaking
After having her on our podcast Linen Suit & Plastic Tie, I can say the book is just as powerful as the conversation.
🎧 Episode: What Are the Stories Behind Our Decisions? – https://open.spotify.com/episode/4UrH...
#LSPTPod #Storytelling #DecisionMaking
April 21, 2024
Truly a first rate account of how our mind works and the everyday subtle influences we don't appreciate. I've already changed what i decide and my evaluation of others decisions. A beacon of light in a world of decision darkness.
June 21, 2024
You wont regret buying this- but you might regret it if you dont. Particularly likes the vast range of characters which are based on real life drama. it was like reading many novels within a non-fiction book
June 27, 2025
who doesnt want or need to be smarter these days and make better decisions? i especially liked the wide range of short stories and the clever Perimeters framework which was useful and relevant to me in my life right now. Highly recommended
March 30, 2024
Sensational. Deeply insightful must read for everyone. You will return to this research based book time after time.
April 6, 2024
Excellent, if somewhat lengthy, look at decision-making in an increasingly noisy world. Packed with helpful insights from Behavioral Economics and good storytelling.
June 3, 2024
Punchy, insightful and far ahead of beyond expectations.
June 13, 2024
a great read
June 21, 2024
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to succeed - fast.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews