Please stop with the first principles

90% of the time CEOs should prioritize pace of execution over cleverness and novel solutions

You've heard it before: "Think from first principles." It's the holy grail of problem-solving. It’s the framework that led to SpaceX and most of Elon’s fever dreams. But it's a tool, not a religion.

It’s a waste of time and energy to apply first-principles thinking to every nook and cranny of your business. It’s like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame. Sometimes, you just need a nail and a steady hand.

First principles may be powerful, but it’s also…

A time vampire. Overanalyzing the color of your email signature? Congrats, you've just wasted an hour you could've spent on your product.

Shiny object syndrome. While you're reinventing the wheel in accounting, your competition is running away on product development.

Complexity creep. Sometimes, a simple solution is just that—simple. Not everything needs to be quantum physics.

A resource black hole. Throwing money and people at non-core issues is like using a fire hose to water your houseplants. It’s overkill. 

Dangerous cultural mandate: If complex, novel and clever solutions are consistently celebrated regardless of impact, your company will be unique in all the wrong ways.

So, before you redefine the role, responsibilities, and ideal candidate profiles for your SDRs, ask yourself: "Is this where my company's breakthrough is hiding?" If not, maybe just stick with 'people who can sell and focus on something that might will drive growth.

Remember, CEOs who prioritize judiciously are 90% of the wa on the road to winning. Now, go forth and selectively deconstruct. Your sanity (and your team) will thank you.