The Hamburger Decision

I saw a video the other day about a hamburger stand that only served burgers one way—you either took it as they made it or not at all. While that might sound restrictive, there’s an elegant efficiency in how they operate.

That got me thinking about the opposite: places that offer so many options that we get overwhelmed. Studies show that when people have too many choices—whether it’s selecting a retirement plan at work or picking a jar of jam at the supermarket—some end up making no choice at all. Even when there’s a clear benefit, too many options can lead to decision paralysis.

If you’re like me and appreciate efficiency, finding ways to “thin slice” decisions—getting straight to the best choice—can be a powerful approach. In leadership, the ability to simplify and streamline choices can boost productivity, reduce burnout, and improve decision-making. Here are three ways leaders can apply this concept:

• Clarify Priorities: Define what truly matters and filter out distractions. Set clear objectives so your team isn’t bogged down by unnecessary options.
• Limit Decision Points: Reduce the number of choices in everyday workflows. For example, standardizing processes or offering a few strong options instead of an overwhelming menu can lead to faster, better decisions.
• Encourage Decisiveness: Help your team build confidence in making choices. Overanalyzing every option can be costly—sometimes, the best approach is to make a well-informed decision and move forward.

The most effective leaders don’t waste time on unnecessary complexity—they create focus. Where in your leadership style could you simplify choices to improve efficiency?