thinking-reversibilitylisted

# 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: ``` Decision to make? → Is it easily reversible? → yes → DECIDE QUICKLY (Type 2) → Is it hard/impossible to reverse? → yes → DELIBERATE CAREFULLY (Type 1) → Unsure of reversibility? → ANALYZE REVERSIBILITY FIRST ``` ## Type 1 vs Type 2 Decisions ### Type 1: One-Way Doors **Characteristics:** - Irreversible or very costly to reverse - Consequences are significant and lasting - Changing course means starting over **Examples:** - Fundamental architecture choices (monolith vs microservices for core systems) - Major technology platform (cloud provider for critical infra) - Hiring for leadership positions - Shutting down a product line - Major acquisitions or contracts - Public commitments or promises **Process:** - Extensive analysis - Multiple st