Decide at 60 to 70 percent of the data
At a 2026 Family Office Club event, Richard C. Wilson made a short point about speed. He cited Jeff Bezos. Even with a huge company, you can stay fast if you act once you have most of the facts.
The rule
As Richard put it, once you have 60 to 70 percent of the data, especially on a reversible decision, you go. Waiting for perfect information costs time, and time is often worth more than the last 30 percent.
Reversible or not
Richard's line carries a qualifier. The rule fits decisions you can undo. A one-way choice, like a large investment you cannot exit, deserves more checking.
Where AI comes in
Richard tied the point to AI tools. He said one investor using Family Office Club's AI deal screening moved budget from an executive assistant to a CFO and controller type. The team was not smaller. The dollars went to higher-value work.
In Richard's words
"Once you have 60, 70% of the data, especially if it's a reversible decision, you just need to go." (Richard C. Wilson, 2026 Family Office Club event)
"So, we say it about being decisive." (2026 Family Office Club event)
How to use this
- Sort each decision into reversible and hard to reverse.
- For reversible ones, set a rule: decide when you have about two-thirds of the facts.
- Spend your checking time on the one-way decisions.
- Use tools to gather the first 60 percent faster.
Questions and answers
What is the 60 to 70 percent rule?
Act once you have 60 to 70 percent of the information you would like, especially if the decision can be reversed.
Who is it associated with?
Richard C. Wilson cites Jeff Bezos for it.
Does it apply to every decision?
Richard stresses reversible decisions. Hard-to-reverse ones deserve more care.
How does AI relate?
Richard gave an example of an investor who uses AI to screen deals and moved budget to higher-value finance roles.