Reversibility Thinking

Overview

Jeff Bezos distinguishes between Type 1 (irreversible, one-way door) and Type 2 (reversible, two-way door) decisions. The key insight: most decisions are Type 2 but get treated as Type 1, causing analysis paralysis. Match your decision process to the reversibility of the decision.

Core Principle: Reversible decisions should be made quickly by individuals. Irreversible decisions deserve deliberation. Most decisions are more reversible than they appear.

When to Use

• Technology choices
• Architecture decisions
• Process changes
• Hiring decisions
• Feature implementations
• Organizational changes
• Any decision where you're uncertain how much analysis is warranted

Decision flow: