"Gentlemen, I take it that we are all in complete agreement on the decision here," General Motors chief Alfred P. Sloan declared during a meeting one day. "Then, I propose that we postpone further discussion," he continued, "to give ourselves time to develop disagreement and perhaps gain some understanding of what the decision is all about."

[According to Herodotas, the ancient Persians met before every major battle to strategize. After comparing troop numbers, leadership, and equipment, and studying battlefield terrain and many other factors, they would reach a sober decision. Before acting, however, they would discuss their plans again -- this time while completely sotted. If they reached the same decision as they had when they were sober, they would adopt their plan and march with confidence into battle. Using this two-tiered decision-making technique, the Persians dominated most of the known world for many decades.]

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