On this episode of the McCoy Leadership Podcast, I dive into powerful decision-making with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn—award-winning investigative journalist turned author and creator of the AREA Method. Cheryl breaks down why understanding your own and others’ decision-making profiles is the secret to better business and stronger teams. We explore how leaders can foster more open, collaborative environments, and Cheryl shares actionable strategies to expand your judgment while countering biases. If you want to elevate your leadership and make smarter choices, you don’t want to miss these insights!
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Download your free episode guide here!
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00:00 Investigative Journalism and Cognitive Biases
03:11 "Developing the Area Method"
07:45 Collaborative Decision-Making in Leadership
12:07 Adventurer vs. Detective Decision-Makers
14:47 "Understanding Decision-Making Profiles"
18:31 "Vision of Success Exploration"
21:32 Decision-Making: Fluidity vs. Commitment
26:06 Embrace Discomfort for Growth
29:12 Structured Decision-Making System
34:22 "AI's Role in Decision Making"
37:49 Key Skill for Future Leaders
39:36 "The Art of Learning's Value"
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Here are 3 key takeaways for leaders and decision-makers:
🔹 Decision Making is a Skill, Not an Instinct: Cheryl’s AREA Method shows that good decisions require structure and reflection—not just gut instinct. She advocates explicitly defining your “vision of success” before diving into any choice.
🔹 Understanding Different Decision-Making Styles Accelerates Trust: Cheryl introduced five “problem solver profiles”—Adventurer, Detective, Listener, Thinker, and Visionary—emphasizing that recognizing these profiles in yourself and others helps foster better collaboration and communication.
🔹 Decision Making is Iterative, Not Linear: Circumstances change (think: pandemic pivots!). Cheryl advises us to keep feedback loops open, update our assumptions, and learn from past choices using tools like decision journals to continually improve our judgment.
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Want to learn more about McCoy Leadership? Check out our website, https://www.mccoyleadership.com/ and don't forget to subscribe to receive all the latest podcast episode.
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Links
Cheryl's Website
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