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Why do some experienced leaders make poor decisions?
Bad decisions in business are rarely the result of negligence. They often stem from limited visibility, overconfidence, or pressure to act quickly. Executives are constantly navigating shifting markets, unfamiliar technologies, and internal politics.
According to research by McKinsey, only 20 percent of executives believe their organizations excel at decision-making. Even more concerning, 61 percent say the time they spend making decisions is used ineffectively. The common culprit? A lack of timely, relevant, and diverse insight.
How Can an Expert Network Help You Make Better Decisions?
Expert networks are designed to close information gaps. Rather than relying on a static report or biased internal feedback, leaders can engage directly with someone who has already faced the challenge at hand.
These engagements are fast and focused. A 45-minute call with an experienced operator can reveal insights that would otherwise take weeks, or even months, to uncover. The result is not just faster decision-making, but better judgment based on practical, real-world experience.
Not all advice is worth paying for
Let’s be honest: some so-called “experts” are just good talkers. They know the buzzwords and have impressive LinkedIn profiles, but they cannot offer much beyond recycled talking points. Others are simply out of touch with the current reality of operating teams or scaling decisions. That kind of noise does more harm than good.
Expert networks are only useful if they connect you to people who have actually done the work. If the vetting process is weak, you might end up spending time (and money) on advice that sounds smart but goes nowhere.
How can you get the most from an expert network?
Expert networks are especially useful to business leaders when:
- You are entering a new market or vertical
- You are evaluating a critical purchase or strategic partnership
- Your internal team lacks firsthand experience in a domain
For example, a COO preparing for an acquisition might use an expert network to speak with former executives in that space. A CIO rolling out new infrastructure might speak with IT leaders who already completed a similar transition.
These are not generic advisory calls. They are precise, time-bound, and tailored to the questions that matter right now.
How do expert networks compare to traditional consultants?
Both offer access to outside expertise, but they are built for different moments. Expert networks are designed for speed and specificity. They connect you with operators who have been in your shoes and can offer grounded, real-world input quickly. Consulting firms bring structured analysis, proven frameworks, and long-term support. If you are facing a decision and unsure which path makes more sense, read our insight: Expert Networks vs Consulting Firms: Which One’s Right for You?
How does Galson Research ensure quality?
At Galson Research, we screen for experience, not just titles. We do not believe insight should come from people who have only observed problems from the outside. Our experts sat in the chair, made the call, and lived with the outcome.
What sets us apart:
- We prioritize relevance over credentials
- We value practical experience over theoretical expertise
- We work fast, but we do not compromise on fit
- We help you frame the conversation
- We clarify the decision at hand, align your team, and source voices to challenge your assumptions productively.
Is it worth the investment?
If the cost of making a bad decision is high (money, time, reputation, etc.,) then investing in better insight is a rational move. Expert networks are not cheap, but they are often less expensive than rework, delay, and damage control.
Ask yourself:
- Are we acting on assumptions?
- Are we relying too heavily on internal narratives?
- Would one external voice challenge our direction in a productive way?
If the answer is yes, the risk of proceeding alone is already high.
How does Galson support better decisions?
At Galson Research, we go beyond matchmaking. Our role is not just to connect you with an expert, but to ensure you are asking the right questions and talking to the right people. We work with executives and decision-makers across industries to bring fast clarity and a relevant perspective.
