Hack 2: Justify Every Decision with a Convoluted Explanation

A committee of highly trained, expertly paid professionals (aka, Bob, Carol, and 47 interns) has gathered to provide you with this utterly unnecessary guide on how to justify your decisions.

Step 1: Create a Complex, Multi-Faceted Argument

Take a simple decision, and then proceed to complicate it with an elaborate, Byzantine rationale. This is best achieved by using a minimum of 5 buzzwords: "synergy," "paradigm," "disintermediation," "paradox," and "dissonance."

• Use buzzwords liberally: "The synergy between our team and the paradigm shift is what makes this decision a no-brainer."
• Throw in a few buzzword-free phrases to create a sense of authenticity: "We've had extensive discussions, and I'm sure we've covered everything."
• Make sure to reference a non-existent study or report: "According to a study published in the Journal of Completely Made-Up Research, this decision is supported by a 99.9% margin."
• Be prepared to pivot: "Actually, it's not about the synergy, it's about the disintermediation."

And there you have it! A convoluted explanation that will surely confuse, but not bore, your audience.

Want to learn more?

• Back to the previous hack
• Attend an actual meeting
• Download our free ebook on Deadline Management (coming soon)