Transform Your Operational Decision-Making with First Principles Thinking
Join mid-sized distribution leaders who receive weekly insights on breaking down operational complexity into actionable clarity.
What You'll Receive Each Week
1 / Mental Model of the Week
Discover powerful thinking frameworks like Systems Thinking, Pareto Principle, and Inversion, applied specifically to distribution operations. Each model includes step-by-step implementation guidance.
2 / Operational Element Analysis
Learn how to break down complex systems into Physical, Process, Data, and Human elements for greater clarity and targeted improvement.
3 / Implementation Insights
Practical techniques for putting first principles thinking into action, with real examples from distribution operations.
4 / Subscriber-Only Resources
Gain exclusive access to frameworks, worksheets, and assessment tools not available on the public website.
From the Archive: Featured Insight
The Inversion Principle: Solving Operational Problems Backward
Most operational planning focuses on what should go right. Inversion thinking, championed by Charlie Munger, flips this approach by asking "What would guarantee failure?"
By systematically identifying what could go wrong, you create more robust systems and prevent costly disruptions before they occur.
A building materials distributor applied this thinking to their persistent stockout problems by asking, "What would guarantee we always have stockouts?" This revealed that their replenishment system didn't account for supplier lead time variability—an insight they'd missed with traditional approaches.
Questions and Answers
Is this relevant for my distribution operation?
Yes. The Elements Approach has been successfully applied across various distribution sectors including building materials, industrial supplies, consumer goods, and food service. The principles are universal, while the application is customizable to your specific operation.
How is this different from other operational newsletters?
Most operational content focuses on general best practices or specific technical solutions. Elemental Insights focuses on thinking frameworks that allow you to develop your own solutions by breaking down problems to their fundamental elements. This first-principles approach creates more robust, tailored improvements.
Can I share the newsletter with my team?
Absolutely. The subscription covers your entire operation. In fact, many subscribers forward specific issues to relevant team members or discuss the concepts in operational meetings.
What if I want to explore a specific operational challenge?
Subscribers can reply directly to any newsletter with questions or challenges. While I cannot provide custom consulting through email, I'll consider your challenges when planning future content.