Taking My Own Advice

As I continue to work towards the publication of the book in August, one of the key decisions I needed to make is to name the book.

I know from years of corporate branding and identity work, as well as helping to name two children and a few pets, that naming is hard. There are lots of factors to consider and the stakes are high. It is the ultimate one-way door decision that is hard to unwind if a mistake is made.

So, I have been soliciting feedback from others. Most recently I sought out the advice of one of my editors at New Degree Press that is very familiar with these decisions for counsel on my working title, Well Made Decisions.

We discussed what I liked about the name. The thing I like the most that it has a double meaning that matches the premise of the book: decisions are made (choices confirmed in a point of time) and MADE (crafted over time and multiple work streams to deliver results). I liked that it was an informative name in a short and easy to spell format. I liked the sophistication of it and the nod to craftsmanship, artistry, and accuracy that is inherent in our best decisions.

I also liked that it could be a name that could lend itself to a series, if I am crazy enough to write future books. Perhaps Well Made Careers or Well Made Teams could be in the future (depending on your feedback on that!).

However, the name isn’t perfect. For one, it isn’t provocative. It is all the rage today to name books titles with expletives (titles that would have made my grandmother blush) or names like “How to Fail in 3 Easy Steps.” I didn’t want a boring book name.

We discussed pros and cons. Then she asked me a thoughtful question:

“You are writing a book on decision making,” she said. “What advice would you give your readers if they had the same decision to make?”

Touche! Immediately, I responded that the decision on the book name matters less than the actions I take after the decisions is made. To promote the book. To invite others into the journey.

So, with that, I have settled on the name Well Made Decisions. Now, my focus is on making that decision right!