The 4Rs
See the whole decision.
Explore the frameworkRevenue
Does this generate, protect, or grow income?
Risk
What could go wrong legally, operationally, or reputationally? Can you manage it?
Resources
What will this cost in money, time, energy, and attention? Can you do it well?
Reputation
How will people see this decision? Does it align with your values?
The Problem
Revenue is one part of a decision. Check what it costs elsewhere.
A profitable partnership can damage your reputation. A product pivot can drain your team. A contract can expose you legally.
I use the 4Rs before a partnership, a pitch, or a pivot.
How To Use It
Before a major decision, run it through all four lenses.
Define the Decision
Name the decision: a partnership, a pivot, or a hire.
Run the Revenue Lens
Identify how it generates, protects, or grows income.
Run the Risk Lens
List the legal, operational, and reputational risks. Decide whether they are manageable.
Run the Resources Lens
Count the cost in money, time, energy, and attention. Check your team’s capacity.
Run the Reputation Lens
Consider how customers, your team, and your industry will see the decision. Check it against your values.
Make the Call
Move forward if it passes all four lenses. If one fails, name why.
Ready to Make Better Decisions?
Bring a decision you’re working through.
Be
Human.
