USA – understand-culture

Disagree and commit

Number 25. From 37signals, the company behind the project management software called Basecamp. Classiv American thinking: think, debate, persuade … decide, then commit and support. One of the founders, Jason Fried, is a very interesting person.

instinctive decision-making

Sully (2016). Based on the real-life Miracle on the Hudson, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger makes a split-second decision to land his disabled plane on the Hudson River. The film shows how immediate, instinctive decision-making can save lives, and that reviewing and correcting decisions can come later.

rigged with a bomb

Speed (1994). When a city bus is rigged with a bomb that will explode if the speed drops below 50 mph, police officer Jack Traven must make quick, high-stakes decisions to keep everyone safe. The plot is driven by the need for constant, rapid action, with little time for perfect planning.

runaway train

Unstoppable (2010). This thriller about a runaway train showcases characters making urgent, on-the-spot decisions to avert disaster. The plot emphasizes that in crisis, fast action is paramount, and solutions can be refined as the situation evolves.

quick thinking

The Apprentice. Contestants are thrown into high-pressure business challenges where quick thinking and immediate action are rewarded. Success often depends on making fast decisions, adapting on the fly, and learning from mistakes, rather than waiting for perfect solutions. The show’s format reinforces the idea that speed and resilience are more valuable than perfection.

Harvey Specter

Suits. In the fast-paced world of corporate law, Harvey Specter and his colleagues frequently make bold, rapid decisions to outmaneuver opponents and seize opportunities. The show emphasizes that waiting for perfect information can mean losing the case or the client, while fast decisions-even if risky-can be corrected or spun to advantage.

speed is critical

Billions. In the high-stakes world of finance, characters like Bobby Axelrod make split-second investment decisions, often with incomplete information. The series demonstrates that speed is critical for success, and that errors can be fixed or leveraged for future gains.

He who hesitates

“He who hesitates is lost.” Delaying action can lead to missed opportunities or failure.

“Ok, let’s go”

D-Day Landings (June 6, 1944). General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s decision to launch the Allied invasion of Normandy was made under immense pressure, with weather and intelligence uncertainties. Despite imperfect information, Eisenhower famously gave the go-ahead with the words “OK, let’s go,” understanding that waiting for perfect conditions could mean missing the opportunity entirely. The bold, timely decision was crucial to the success of the operation and is often cited as a defining example of American decisiveness and willingness to act quickly.

The Louisiana Purchase (1803)

The Louisiana Purchase (1803). President Thomas Jefferson authorized the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in a remarkably short period, despite constitutional uncertainties and lack of time for full deliberation. The decision to act quickly doubled the size of the United States and is celebrated as a bold, pragmatic move-valuing speed and opportunity over perfect legal clarity.