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The Art of Clear Thinking: A Fighter Pilot’s Guide to Making Tough Decisions
Sharpen your instincts in a world full of uncertainty and risk.
The training to become a fighter pilot is among the most competitive and difficult in the world with less than one-in-a-thousand succeeding. Pushing a cutting-edge jet to its limits at over 1,000 mph means that every split-second decision can have catastrophic consequences. At the cockpit of the world's most advanced and expensive weapons systems, throughout his high-pressure career Hasard Lee needed to use skills at the apex of decision-making theory and practice
Now he teaches these hard-earned insights in the boardroom to CEOs, astronauts, CIA agents and many others, including:
• HOW TO LEARN BETTER AND FASTER
• CULTIVATING MENTAL TOUGHNESS
• DEVELOPING THE SKILLS TO QUICKLY ASSESS, CHOOSE, AND EXECUTE
• AND MUCH, MUCH MORE
The Art of Clear Thinking is a compelling and revolutionary guide for readers who want to perform at their peak.
The training to become a fighter pilot is among the most competitive and difficult in the world with less than one-in-a-thousand succeeding. Pushing a cutting-edge jet to its limits at over 1,000 mph means that every split-second decision can have catastrophic consequences. At the cockpit of the world's most advanced and expensive weapons systems, throughout his high-pressure career Hasard Lee needed to use skills at the apex of decision-making theory and practice
Now he teaches these hard-earned insights in the boardroom to CEOs, astronauts, CIA agents and many others, including:
• HOW TO LEARN BETTER AND FASTER
• CULTIVATING MENTAL TOUGHNESS
• DEVELOPING THE SKILLS TO QUICKLY ASSESS, CHOOSE, AND EXECUTE
• AND MUCH, MUCH MORE
The Art of Clear Thinking is a compelling and revolutionary guide for readers who want to perform at their peak.
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Published May 25, 2023
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February 2, 2023
Lee gives us an exciting read about decision-making. It’s easy to get lost in the Top Gun stories and miss his important lessons about clear thinking. Many of us don’t face life-death situations that require split second decision making. Thus, the author intersperses business and other examples to elucidate his points. He teaches us that the fighter pilot’s mantra applies to all of us: “No situation is so bad I can’t make it worse.” Especially if I don’t follow the author’s guidelines. Those who have studied leadership response mechanisms might be familiar with Boyd’s OODA Loop or Deming’s PDCA and such. Lee simplifies these mechanisms into a more easily remembered key.
His experience complements the teaching while adding an important aspect that cripples a lot of us: the lack of mental toughness, which can be taught. We might find ourselves in traffic situations or business situations where things are spiraling out of control. Everything we try fails. All we can foresee is disaster. Stress is maxed. Our clear thinking is diminished. We get “tunnel vision” and become so desperate to gain an edge that we actually can sabotage our desired result: more money, more time, more social connections, etc because we become asset wasters, time wasters and socially awkward in our desperation. Hasard Lee gives us some tools to identify and counter stress that clouds our thinking.
For those of us who have evolved workplace cultures into high performance, highly reliable teams understand many of the key elements here: get input from diverse thinkers, get as much info as you can and then execute well. As importantly, also debrief the implementation with everyone being equal. I learned this from seeing flight deck crews on aircraft carriers chide a superior officer for poor orders or decisions. In a manufacturing workplace, we incorporated this by making sure our machine operators had the opportunity and encouragement to voice not only what they knew but what they thought the decision should be and then what worked and what didn’t from their perspective, which was just as valid as any manager’s or engineer’s.
If you’re familiar with General McChrystal’s book “Risk” many of the principles in Lee’s book will resonate. McChrystal would add a phase of detection before Lee’s first stage. McChrystal acknowledges the many forms of bias that can fog our ability to detect—we see what we believe. The work by the authors of “Invisible Gorilla” have pointed this out. If we’re not expecting something, we don’t see it, whether it’s a gorilla in the midst of basketball players or a motorcycle in traffic. If we don’t expect to see the small, industry-disruptive and indirect competitor, we’ll miss the threat. Biases can prevent us from detecting the threat and our own vulnerabilities in our organizations. Even if we detect it, we might categorize the other “foe” based on past experience—Nokia did this when confronted with the first smartphones and the fragile screens—and not notice the important details and overlay unobserved but assumed details, like consumers were willing to risk screen fracture to obtain immense functionality with their nano-computer-in-a-pocket.. Lee doesn’t help us much with learning to overcome our observational biases, except to advise us to better understand the potential failure in thinking phenomena follow a linear path when many can be exponential. Scaling up a small distinction can lead to tremendous results if we recognize this.
I would use Lee’s book as the foundation to teaching good decision-making to my “apprentices.” It is a worthwhile addition to any leadership library.
His experience complements the teaching while adding an important aspect that cripples a lot of us: the lack of mental toughness, which can be taught. We might find ourselves in traffic situations or business situations where things are spiraling out of control. Everything we try fails. All we can foresee is disaster. Stress is maxed. Our clear thinking is diminished. We get “tunnel vision” and become so desperate to gain an edge that we actually can sabotage our desired result: more money, more time, more social connections, etc because we become asset wasters, time wasters and socially awkward in our desperation. Hasard Lee gives us some tools to identify and counter stress that clouds our thinking.
For those of us who have evolved workplace cultures into high performance, highly reliable teams understand many of the key elements here: get input from diverse thinkers, get as much info as you can and then execute well. As importantly, also debrief the implementation with everyone being equal. I learned this from seeing flight deck crews on aircraft carriers chide a superior officer for poor orders or decisions. In a manufacturing workplace, we incorporated this by making sure our machine operators had the opportunity and encouragement to voice not only what they knew but what they thought the decision should be and then what worked and what didn’t from their perspective, which was just as valid as any manager’s or engineer’s.
If you’re familiar with General McChrystal’s book “Risk” many of the principles in Lee’s book will resonate. McChrystal would add a phase of detection before Lee’s first stage. McChrystal acknowledges the many forms of bias that can fog our ability to detect—we see what we believe. The work by the authors of “Invisible Gorilla” have pointed this out. If we’re not expecting something, we don’t see it, whether it’s a gorilla in the midst of basketball players or a motorcycle in traffic. If we don’t expect to see the small, industry-disruptive and indirect competitor, we’ll miss the threat. Biases can prevent us from detecting the threat and our own vulnerabilities in our organizations. Even if we detect it, we might categorize the other “foe” based on past experience—Nokia did this when confronted with the first smartphones and the fragile screens—and not notice the important details and overlay unobserved but assumed details, like consumers were willing to risk screen fracture to obtain immense functionality with their nano-computer-in-a-pocket.. Lee doesn’t help us much with learning to overcome our observational biases, except to advise us to better understand the potential failure in thinking phenomena follow a linear path when many can be exponential. Scaling up a small distinction can lead to tremendous results if we recognize this.
I would use Lee’s book as the foundation to teaching good decision-making to my “apprentices.” It is a worthwhile addition to any leadership library.
June 28, 2023
"The Art of Clear Thinking: A Fighter Pilot's Guide to Making Tough Decisions" is an international bestseller that takes readers on an exhilarating journey into the world of fighter pilots and their unparalleled decision-making skills. Hasard Lee, a seasoned fighter pilot, expertly intertwines thrilling firsthand accounts from his career with a powerful framework known as the ACE Helix, which holds the key to mastering decision-making in any field.
Lee's writing style effortlessly captivates readers, drawing them into the high-stakes world of fighter aviation. The book's strength lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the intense experiences of a fighter pilot with practical strategies applicable to everyday life. Through Lee's lens, readers gain invaluable insights into how to learn faster, develop mental toughness, and make critical decisions with confidence.
What sets this book apart is its universal appeal. The combat-tested techniques and principles can be applied not only in business but also in personal life, providing readers with a comprehensive toolkit for success. Lee's storytelling prowess, coupled with his expertise as a fighter pilot, makes the concepts easily relatable and actionable.
"The Art of Clear Thinking" stands as a testament to the transformative power of disciplined decision-making. This book has the potential to benefit individuals from all walks of life, from CEOs and astronauts to students and entrepreneurs. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities and navigate uncertainty with clarity and precision.
This review captures the essence of the book, highlighting its gripping storytelling, practical applications, and broad appeal. It conveys the idea that "The Art of Clear Thinking" offers a unique perspective on decision-making that can be readily embraced by readers from various backgrounds.
Lee's writing style effortlessly captivates readers, drawing them into the high-stakes world of fighter aviation. The book's strength lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the intense experiences of a fighter pilot with practical strategies applicable to everyday life. Through Lee's lens, readers gain invaluable insights into how to learn faster, develop mental toughness, and make critical decisions with confidence.
What sets this book apart is its universal appeal. The combat-tested techniques and principles can be applied not only in business but also in personal life, providing readers with a comprehensive toolkit for success. Lee's storytelling prowess, coupled with his expertise as a fighter pilot, makes the concepts easily relatable and actionable.
"The Art of Clear Thinking" stands as a testament to the transformative power of disciplined decision-making. This book has the potential to benefit individuals from all walks of life, from CEOs and astronauts to students and entrepreneurs. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities and navigate uncertainty with clarity and precision.
This review captures the essence of the book, highlighting its gripping storytelling, practical applications, and broad appeal. It conveys the idea that "The Art of Clear Thinking" offers a unique perspective on decision-making that can be readily embraced by readers from various backgrounds.
May 24, 2023
Mr. Lee has detailed a straight forward way of training your mind to focus the most important decision at hand and solving issues as they might arise. Although the process is a little more detailed than that and much dedication and training is required. This book was much more interesting than I first imagined and very easy to read. Lee's background as a jet fighter pilot and instructor is seen throughout the book in remembered excerpts from his career and through those experiences he quite logically illustrates how one can focus on a severe problem, discard other minor issues that may cause loss of that focus and then find options to solve the matter. I found it well worth the read and hope that I will be able to make use of his ideas.
June 3, 2023
The book details how to truly understand mental stamina and how to well clearly think. Excellent book
June 12, 2023
As a naval aviator, and like anyone, who needs to make mundane decisions daily and extremely important ones occasionally, The Art of Clear Thinking provides a framework and systematic approach that coaches the reader through the decision-making process regardless of the stakes. Throughout the course of the book the author expands on that process by using a combination of both entertaining and relevant personal and historical examples that are supported by modern science. The contents of this book dispose of the myth that only a select few exceptional people have “the right stuff” and brings to light the fact that those people just have an exceptional decision-making process that anyone can study, internalize, and apply. I highly recommend this book for anyone in pursuit of being the best version of themselves.
June 30, 2023
"The Art of Clear Thinking: A Fighter Pilot's Guide to Making Tough Decisions" by Hasard Lee is an exceptional masterpiece that offers invaluable insights into the world of fighter pilots and their decision-making process. Lee's gripping firsthand accounts from his illustrious career as a fighter pilot, combined with his expert analysis, make for an enlightening read that transcends the boundaries of the cockpit.
Lee's ACE Helix framework, meticulously distilled from his experiences, provides a robust blueprint for improving decision-making skills in all aspects of life. Through this framework, readers will gain a deeper understanding of how to learn effectively, cultivate mental toughness, and make quick and accurate assessments.
What sets this book apart is its ability to resonate with a broad audience. Although grounded in the high-stakes world of fighter pilots, Lee skillfully translates his knowledge into practical lessons that can be applied by CEOs, astronauts, intelligence agents, and anyone seeking to enhance their decision-making abilities.
"The Art of Clear Thinking" is not merely a self-help book; it is a captivating journey that challenges readers to question their own cognitive processes and develop a mindset geared towards success. Lee's storytelling prowess, combined with his wealth of expertise, makes this book a game-changer for anyone striving to perform at their peak.
Overall, "The Art of Clear Thinking" is a must-read for individuals seeking to sharpen their instincts, navigate uncertainty, and make tough decisions with confidence. With its universal applicability and gripping narrative, this international bestseller will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on its readers, propelling them towards a path of clarity, resilience, and success.
Lee's ACE Helix framework, meticulously distilled from his experiences, provides a robust blueprint for improving decision-making skills in all aspects of life. Through this framework, readers will gain a deeper understanding of how to learn effectively, cultivate mental toughness, and make quick and accurate assessments.
What sets this book apart is its ability to resonate with a broad audience. Although grounded in the high-stakes world of fighter pilots, Lee skillfully translates his knowledge into practical lessons that can be applied by CEOs, astronauts, intelligence agents, and anyone seeking to enhance their decision-making abilities.
"The Art of Clear Thinking" is not merely a self-help book; it is a captivating journey that challenges readers to question their own cognitive processes and develop a mindset geared towards success. Lee's storytelling prowess, combined with his wealth of expertise, makes this book a game-changer for anyone striving to perform at their peak.
Overall, "The Art of Clear Thinking" is a must-read for individuals seeking to sharpen their instincts, navigate uncertainty, and make tough decisions with confidence. With its universal applicability and gripping narrative, this international bestseller will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on its readers, propelling them towards a path of clarity, resilience, and success.
June 26, 2023
"The Art of Clear Thinking: A Fighter Pilot's Guide to Making Tough Decisions" is an enlightening book that transcends the cockpit, offering valuable insights into decision-making for all aspects of life. Hasard Lee, an experienced fighter pilot, shares his firsthand accounts and distills his wisdom into a practical framework called the ACE Helix, which is applicable to both business and personal situations.
Lee's storytelling prowess creates an immersive experience, allowing readers to understand the immense pressure and high stakes faced by fighter pilots. The book brilliantly outlines the skills necessary to excel in such an environment, emphasizing the importance of learning faster, cultivating mental toughness, and developing the ability to assess, choose, and execute decisions swiftly.
The techniques presented in this international bestseller are battle-tested and proven to be effective, benefiting not only fighter pilots but also CEOs, astronauts, CIA agents, and many others. Lee's expertise shines through as he seamlessly translates his experiences into practical strategies that readers can apply in their own lives.
"The Art of Clear Thinking" is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their decision-making skills. With its concise yet powerful teachings, this book empowers individuals to perform at their peak in an uncertain and rapidly changing world.
Lee's storytelling prowess creates an immersive experience, allowing readers to understand the immense pressure and high stakes faced by fighter pilots. The book brilliantly outlines the skills necessary to excel in such an environment, emphasizing the importance of learning faster, cultivating mental toughness, and developing the ability to assess, choose, and execute decisions swiftly.
The techniques presented in this international bestseller are battle-tested and proven to be effective, benefiting not only fighter pilots but also CEOs, astronauts, CIA agents, and many others. Lee's expertise shines through as he seamlessly translates his experiences into practical strategies that readers can apply in their own lives.
"The Art of Clear Thinking" is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their decision-making skills. With its concise yet powerful teachings, this book empowers individuals to perform at their peak in an uncertain and rapidly changing world.
May 13, 2023
Great book. I won an early copy and really enjoyed the writing style. Stories were gripping and with just the right amount of humor.
June 26, 2023
"The Art of Clear Thinking: A Fighter Pilot’s Guide to Making Tough Decisions" by Hasard Lee is an extraordinary book that offers invaluable insights into the world of decision-making. Lee, drawing from his experience as a fighter pilot, skillfully translates the high-stakes decision-making process into practical lessons applicable to any aspect of life.
The book's ACE Helix framework is a game-changer. Lee's gripping firsthand accounts from his career create a riveting narrative that captivates readers from the very first page. The techniques shared in the book, such as learning better and faster, cultivating mental toughness, and honing the ability to assess, choose, and execute swiftly, are indispensable skills for success.
"The Art of Clear Thinking" is an international bestseller for a reason. Its combat-tested strategies offer a refreshing perspective on decision-making and have the power to transform how we approach challenges. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their decision-making skills and perform at their absolute best.
The book's ACE Helix framework is a game-changer. Lee's gripping firsthand accounts from his career create a riveting narrative that captivates readers from the very first page. The techniques shared in the book, such as learning better and faster, cultivating mental toughness, and honing the ability to assess, choose, and execute swiftly, are indispensable skills for success.
"The Art of Clear Thinking" is an international bestseller for a reason. Its combat-tested strategies offer a refreshing perspective on decision-making and have the power to transform how we approach challenges. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their decision-making skills and perform at their absolute best.
April 23, 2023
This is really more of an autobiography of a fighter pilot than a process for making tough decisions...
May 15, 2023
Thank you to the publish Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to review this ARC of The Art of Clear Thinking via audiobook.
I've always been fascinated by decision making theories, principles and best practices, so this was right up my ally. The author Hasard Lee (who also narrated the audio book) did a fantastic job of discussing how as a fighter pilot and flight instructor he has implemented various strategies of risk versus reward calculations, controlling emotional responses to stress and heuristic thinking to make decisions in his own life. Additionally, examples from various US military engagements over time were used as well.
I very much enjoyed this, and happily give it 4 stars.
I've always been fascinated by decision making theories, principles and best practices, so this was right up my ally. The author Hasard Lee (who also narrated the audio book) did a fantastic job of discussing how as a fighter pilot and flight instructor he has implemented various strategies of risk versus reward calculations, controlling emotional responses to stress and heuristic thinking to make decisions in his own life. Additionally, examples from various US military engagements over time were used as well.
I very much enjoyed this, and happily give it 4 stars.
June 8, 2023
Originally bought the book because of my interest in military aviation. This also made this book very fun to read, as Lee has written about several of his mission experiences. He does a great job of supplementing his advice with his experiences, which helps the reader better understand how to implement the decision making strategies outlined in the book.
I like the way this book simplifies the decision making process through the use of the 'ACE helix'. His chapter on 'heuristics' and 'fast-forecasting' were particularly interesting to me, and something I wish to experiment with in real life.
While the book has been written well, there are instances where the story and advice do not flow very well. Fortunately, I did not find it to be a major flaw, and it certainly does not diminish the fact that this book has much to give and much to learn from.
I like the way this book simplifies the decision making process through the use of the 'ACE helix'. His chapter on 'heuristics' and 'fast-forecasting' were particularly interesting to me, and something I wish to experiment with in real life.
While the book has been written well, there are instances where the story and advice do not flow very well. Fortunately, I did not find it to be a major flaw, and it certainly does not diminish the fact that this book has much to give and much to learn from.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2023
Very good. The author describes frameworks he uses, but not how to learn to use them yourself, so think of this as a starting point.
July 6, 2023
As a glimpse into a fighter pilot’s life this is a fascinating book. As a guide for decision making, it felt aggressively masculine in a stereotypically heteronormative way. If you’re all about calculating the probabilities of every choice you make, this is the book for you. I’m gonna stick with Chris Hadfield’s approach in An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth.
October 25, 2023
Performing at our peak even when the stakes are high, is a skill in itself.
Lee delves into the art of making clear, effective decisions, drawing from his experiences as a fighter pilot in the US Air Force. The book explores application of combat-tested techniques & principles of real-world situations. It emphasises the significance of mental toughness, the role of emotions in decision-making, the necessity of prioritisation, & the development of clear, systematic frameworks for making choices. Through a combination of personal anecdotes & strategic insights, Lee offers a guide for individuals seeking to improve their decision-making abilities.
Highlights key points in making tough decisions, with a strong emphasis on mental resilience & clarity. Then further underlines the importance of managing emotions effectively & provides a glimpse into mental-performance training programs that can enhance decision-making capabilities. Also stresses the need for prioritisation & decisiveness, drawing from historical examples, such as General Eisenhower's approach to task management during World War II--advises that a clear vision is essential to guide decision-making & disciplined, while focused action is vital to maximise impact of choices.
Introduces "Ace Helix" framework that offers a systematic approach to decision-making--stands for Assess, Choose, Execute, and Improve.
Assess: evaluates the situation, available data, & context of the decision
Choose: generating potential courses of action & assessing their expected value based on the given constraints
Execute: taking the chosen course of action with precision
Improve: encourages continual learning & adaptation by seeking better approaches in the future.
These combat-tested techniques benefit biz & life by providing a structured method for tackling complex problems, enhancing mental resilience, & improving ability to make clear, valuable decisions in rapidly changing environments.
A good read for those interested in enhancing their decision-making skills by learning from high-pressure experiences of a fighter pilot. It provides practical insights into managing emotions, prioritising tasks, & using systematic frameworks to make clear decisions. Lee's gripping storytelling makes the book accessible & insightful. Do note that it relies heavily on personal anecdotes meaning there's no deeper exploration of the psychological aspects of decision-making that could have added more depth to the topic.
Personally, this is a compelling read as it offers unique perspective on decision-making, blending captivating fighter pilot anecdotes with practical life lessons. Lee made this book accessible by explaining complex concepts in clear & simple language. His passion for flying & vivid descriptions of high-stakes situations in the cockpit engage readers, making the decision-making principles more tangible. Tho certain sections i.e., on focus & discipline are a bit repetitive, it is still a recommended read for those seeking to enhance their decision-making skills & valuable life insights through aviation combat lens.
Lee delves into the art of making clear, effective decisions, drawing from his experiences as a fighter pilot in the US Air Force. The book explores application of combat-tested techniques & principles of real-world situations. It emphasises the significance of mental toughness, the role of emotions in decision-making, the necessity of prioritisation, & the development of clear, systematic frameworks for making choices. Through a combination of personal anecdotes & strategic insights, Lee offers a guide for individuals seeking to improve their decision-making abilities.
Highlights key points in making tough decisions, with a strong emphasis on mental resilience & clarity. Then further underlines the importance of managing emotions effectively & provides a glimpse into mental-performance training programs that can enhance decision-making capabilities. Also stresses the need for prioritisation & decisiveness, drawing from historical examples, such as General Eisenhower's approach to task management during World War II--advises that a clear vision is essential to guide decision-making & disciplined, while focused action is vital to maximise impact of choices.
Introduces "Ace Helix" framework that offers a systematic approach to decision-making--stands for Assess, Choose, Execute, and Improve.
Assess: evaluates the situation, available data, & context of the decision
Choose: generating potential courses of action & assessing their expected value based on the given constraints
Execute: taking the chosen course of action with precision
Improve: encourages continual learning & adaptation by seeking better approaches in the future.
These combat-tested techniques benefit biz & life by providing a structured method for tackling complex problems, enhancing mental resilience, & improving ability to make clear, valuable decisions in rapidly changing environments.
A good read for those interested in enhancing their decision-making skills by learning from high-pressure experiences of a fighter pilot. It provides practical insights into managing emotions, prioritising tasks, & using systematic frameworks to make clear decisions. Lee's gripping storytelling makes the book accessible & insightful. Do note that it relies heavily on personal anecdotes meaning there's no deeper exploration of the psychological aspects of decision-making that could have added more depth to the topic.
Personally, this is a compelling read as it offers unique perspective on decision-making, blending captivating fighter pilot anecdotes with practical life lessons. Lee made this book accessible by explaining complex concepts in clear & simple language. His passion for flying & vivid descriptions of high-stakes situations in the cockpit engage readers, making the decision-making principles more tangible. Tho certain sections i.e., on focus & discipline are a bit repetitive, it is still a recommended read for those seeking to enhance their decision-making skills & valuable life insights through aviation combat lens.
September 9, 2024
My favourite chapters were the sections on fast-forecasting and mental toughness. There’s some really helpful stuff to think about and i loved how it was all given through stories and analogy from the experiences of a fighter pilot.
Super cool and handy!
Super cool and handy!
January 24, 2024
This book was so damn good
July 2, 2024
Hasard Lee's book intertwines war narratives with insights into the decision-making process of fighter pilots, and I found the author's perspective to be relatable. I very much enjoyed the author's problem-solving approach and writing style.
January 13, 2025
Lee truly did a great job to captivate his process of clear thinking in this book. Not only does he give you the tools to succeed, he gives you very detailed & insightful examples that help you easily understand and visualize. I would highly recommend for anyone who works in a fast paced environment and needs guidance on how to prioritize, and execute.
April 21, 2025
This book was soooooo good!! It was written by a veteran fighter pilot and was filled with so many useful things to think about in any situation. There were so many interesting stories. He talked about how to train your brain to make decisions and how to act/ what to do in stressful situations. Turning the clock is always first which is such a good remind to take a second before deciding. overall such a good book with so many beneficial recommendations! i think everyone should read this book!
Writing: ✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️
Story: 📚📚📚📚
Spice:
Writing: ✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️
Story: 📚📚📚📚
Spice:
October 28, 2023
Nice book, but titel is really misleading (as well as all the fake five star reviews).
It is more about Top Gun stories than a guide to decision-making. Like you have a whole chapter about life and death situation "examples" explained with the greatest detail, followed by literally couple of lines of decision-making. And those lines are also really broadly formulated, so they not helping at all. There are much better books on this topic, with helpful advices and examples.
Top Gun stories
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- stars
Decision-making advices/ how to think clearly
⭐️ - - - - stars
All in all would be ⭐️⭐️ - - - stars but I only give one for now, because currently there are a ton of fake five star reviews on this book with almost the same text. If they will be removed, I will put the second star back. :)
It is more about Top Gun stories than a guide to decision-making. Like you have a whole chapter about life and death situation "examples" explained with the greatest detail, followed by literally couple of lines of decision-making. And those lines are also really broadly formulated, so they not helping at all. There are much better books on this topic, with helpful advices and examples.
Top Gun stories
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- stars
Decision-making advices/ how to think clearly
⭐️ - - - - stars
All in all would be ⭐️⭐️ - - - stars but I only give one for now, because currently there are a ton of fake five star reviews on this book with almost the same text. If they will be removed, I will put the second star back. :)
November 16, 2024
Pilots can be a bit of a mixed bad: arrogant like the "bad" good guys in Top Gun (Iceman, Hangman), or humble and down-to-earth like Captain "Sully" Sullenberger from the "Miracle in the Hudson" fame. I didn't know who I was going to get when I opened this book, but I am pleased to report that it is the latter. It is an excellent read.
Hasard Lee really managed to write much of himself out of the book and put you, the reader, in the cockpit - this is what makes it so effective, didactically speaking. Its effect comes from skipping the heavy theory and instead relying on great storytelling to set the stakes for what is about to happen, and then guide you through the decision-making process. Some of the stories will have you on the edge of your seat, while others (such as the tragedy of Air France Flight 447) will more or less terrify you into staying home...
What you won't find here are any fancy, complex, or esoteric workflows, and that is fine. When in the hot seat, where things are moving fast and picking up speed, simple and effective is the order of the day. And there's plenty of that to keep you out of trouble in these pages.
So, if you want a book that reads like an action novel but ends up teaching you a few things about effective decision making, then pick this up without reservation.
Highest recommendation!
“A superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations which require the use of his superior skill.”
- Col. Frank Borman
Hasard Lee really managed to write much of himself out of the book and put you, the reader, in the cockpit - this is what makes it so effective, didactically speaking. Its effect comes from skipping the heavy theory and instead relying on great storytelling to set the stakes for what is about to happen, and then guide you through the decision-making process. Some of the stories will have you on the edge of your seat, while others (such as the tragedy of Air France Flight 447) will more or less terrify you into staying home...
“There is no problem so bad that you can't make it worse”
- Col. Chris Hadfield
What you won't find here are any fancy, complex, or esoteric workflows, and that is fine. When in the hot seat, where things are moving fast and picking up speed, simple and effective is the order of the day. And there's plenty of that to keep you out of trouble in these pages.
So, if you want a book that reads like an action novel but ends up teaching you a few things about effective decision making, then pick this up without reservation.
“Whenever we talk about a pilot who has been killed in a flying accident, we should all keep one thing in mind. He called upon the sum of all his knowledge and made a judgment. He believed in it so strongly that he knowingly bet his life on it. That his judgment was faulty is a tragedy, not stupidity. Every instructor, supervisor, and contemporary who ever spoke to him had an opportunity to influence his judgment, so a little bit of all of us goes with every pilot we lose.”
- Anonymous
Highest recommendation!
January 19, 2025
I actually enjoyed this book, so my 2 stars are probably a little harsh, except that there's really nothing useful to learn in this book, unless you don't read many books. His strategy is to assess the problem, come up with possible solutions, use Tetlock's bayesian reasoning models (he doesn't talk about Tetlock but that's where it mainly comes from), and then execute. Yes, none of this is new.
However, the author is a pretty decent writer. Most of the book is stories of him in a fighter jet (the decision-making part of the book is pretty minor). I'm a sucker for jet fighter stories, and he tells some pretty good ones. So I actually enjoyed this one, but just because he is a good story teller.
However, the author is a pretty decent writer. Most of the book is stories of him in a fighter jet (the decision-making part of the book is pretty minor). I'm a sucker for jet fighter stories, and he tells some pretty good ones. So I actually enjoyed this one, but just because he is a good story teller.
September 27, 2023
Very good book from an accomplished pilot, it reads like a military oriented Malcolm Gladwell book in that it offers a new perspective on to handle choices like a fighter pilot.
Reading this while in pilot training helps to reinforce the lessons we’re learning on the human performance side of the syllabus, and from what’s mentioned in the book, it seems like UPT has learned a few lessons from the F-35 course’s focus on treating pilots like athletes rather than just students. This book was recommended to me by one of the human performance specialists working with me at UPT, and in turn I’ll be recommending this to other students to help explain the “why” for a lot of the stuff that has been added to the syllabus recently.
And, of course, there’s a bunch of cool war stories in the book. The book’s enjoyable for those alone.
Reading this while in pilot training helps to reinforce the lessons we’re learning on the human performance side of the syllabus, and from what’s mentioned in the book, it seems like UPT has learned a few lessons from the F-35 course’s focus on treating pilots like athletes rather than just students. This book was recommended to me by one of the human performance specialists working with me at UPT, and in turn I’ll be recommending this to other students to help explain the “why” for a lot of the stuff that has been added to the syllabus recently.
And, of course, there’s a bunch of cool war stories in the book. The book’s enjoyable for those alone.
February 3, 2025
This book is really cool if you’re into leadership/non-fiction/self help type stuff. It’s interlaced with Top-Gun style narratives about being a fighter pilot and then talking about his decision making processes in crazy situations.
I wish some of the takeaways for a normal Joe like me were a bit more clear, but I would definitely recommend it! It’s also quite short (250 pages) which I enjoy
I wish some of the takeaways for a normal Joe like me were a bit more clear, but I would definitely recommend it! It’s also quite short (250 pages) which I enjoy
February 16, 2024
As far as advice for life from former US military staff goes, this was good but not great; the battle stories are gripping and harsh; all in all just a bit too generic.
May 29, 2024
Fighter pilot stories!
October 22, 2023
Really interesting way of dissecting decision making that echos the book “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. Loved the chapter about mental toughness and notion of preparation. Required a lot of focus - especially via audiobook.
January 24, 2025
At times, a little hard to read, but overall, a great book.
I believe if you can take even one thing away from a book, it's a winner.
Definitely worth the time. Some of the stories are truly amazing.
I believe if you can take even one thing away from a book, it's a winner.
Definitely worth the time. Some of the stories are truly amazing.
August 23, 2023
There’s no problem so bad you can’t make it worse. No plan survives first contact with the enemy. Just two of the rules from this F-16/F-35 Air Force pilot, and instructor. Fighter pilots are at the leading edge of decision-making theory ever since Colonel John Boyd developed the OODA loop—observe, orient, decide, act. As Lee writes: “…the mantra that we bet our lives on is that a good pilot uses superior judgment to avoid situations that require the use of superior skill. Clean and clear decision-making will nearly always beat talent alone.” The Air Force has taught these decision-making skills to pilots around the world, coaches, CIA agents, CEOs, etc. The book is divided into three sections: Assess, Choose, and Execute (ACE Helix). Of course he credits the Debrief (what the Air Force calls its After Action Review process) with turning US fighter pilots into “the most capable air force in the world, one that hasn’t lost a U.S. soldier to enemy aircraft since April 15, 1953, and hasn’t lost in an air-to-air engagement in over fifty years.” Some of the rules are excellent to put you into the right mindset to make important decisions:
“Before you make a decision, wind the clock.” It was a seemingly useless process; however, it prevented people’s first inclination of rushing to solve the problem. Winding the clock occupied the pilot’s attention for just a few seconds and physically prevented them from touching anything else. It forced their brain to spend time assessing the situation before they acted, allowing them to make far better decisions.”
And this is a very systems thinking approach:
“The key is to not let yourself focus on just one data source at the expense of the rest—something we call getting sucked into the soda straw. …the pilot will quickly lose sight of the big picture and be unable to see how their actions fit the larger system they’re operating within.”
Many of our challenges in life are non-linear, yet our brains struggle with these types of relationships (called power laws). We are biased towards linear thinking. There are often points, what are called knees in the curve, where values begin to change rapidly (think of .01¢ being doubled every day, for 31 days = $10 million!). But what about 20 days (most guess $6 million, but it’s like $500,000). Day 20 is the knee in the curve. The 80-20 rule, Tipping Points, among other laws are discussed.
There are a lot of great stories related in the book, including the businesses that passed on buying Google for $750,000, along with some harrowing stories of fighter pilots in combat in Afghanistan and other countries. This makes for a riveting read throughout. The advice for dealing with risk is right on:
“With new or complex situations, we must move beyond our risk-versus-reward intuition and think in terms of expected value. upside multiplied by the probability of it occurring, minus the downside multiplied by the probability of that occurring. …in the real world, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to determine the exact numbers to use. This is called the base of sand problem. The solution, therefore, is to forgo the illusion of precision and use a technique called fast-forecasting. In almost every system, there are only a few variables that, due to strong power laws, drive the system. not get overwhelmed by the details—logic and reason are what drive the technique. Precision is often the enemy of conceptual thinking. no decision is a decision, and it’s usually the worst one to make.”
I thoroughly recommend this read. It’s a fast-paced adventure, and along the way you will, no doubt, sharpen your decision-making skills and learn some fascinating facts about the military and fighter pilots. One of my top books for 2023.
“Before you make a decision, wind the clock.” It was a seemingly useless process; however, it prevented people’s first inclination of rushing to solve the problem. Winding the clock occupied the pilot’s attention for just a few seconds and physically prevented them from touching anything else. It forced their brain to spend time assessing the situation before they acted, allowing them to make far better decisions.”
And this is a very systems thinking approach:
“The key is to not let yourself focus on just one data source at the expense of the rest—something we call getting sucked into the soda straw. …the pilot will quickly lose sight of the big picture and be unable to see how their actions fit the larger system they’re operating within.”
Many of our challenges in life are non-linear, yet our brains struggle with these types of relationships (called power laws). We are biased towards linear thinking. There are often points, what are called knees in the curve, where values begin to change rapidly (think of .01¢ being doubled every day, for 31 days = $10 million!). But what about 20 days (most guess $6 million, but it’s like $500,000). Day 20 is the knee in the curve. The 80-20 rule, Tipping Points, among other laws are discussed.
There are a lot of great stories related in the book, including the businesses that passed on buying Google for $750,000, along with some harrowing stories of fighter pilots in combat in Afghanistan and other countries. This makes for a riveting read throughout. The advice for dealing with risk is right on:
“With new or complex situations, we must move beyond our risk-versus-reward intuition and think in terms of expected value. upside multiplied by the probability of it occurring, minus the downside multiplied by the probability of that occurring. …in the real world, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to determine the exact numbers to use. This is called the base of sand problem. The solution, therefore, is to forgo the illusion of precision and use a technique called fast-forecasting. In almost every system, there are only a few variables that, due to strong power laws, drive the system. not get overwhelmed by the details—logic and reason are what drive the technique. Precision is often the enemy of conceptual thinking. no decision is a decision, and it’s usually the worst one to make.”
I thoroughly recommend this read. It’s a fast-paced adventure, and along the way you will, no doubt, sharpen your decision-making skills and learn some fascinating facts about the military and fighter pilots. One of my top books for 2023.
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