Why do leaders make poor decisions - even with more data, better tools, and AI?

In this episode of Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder, host Dave Bookbinder speaks with leadership advisor and performance architect John Little about why judgment - not just data, tools, or experience - is the true differentiator in leadership, decision-making, and organizational performance.

The conversation explores how leaders can operate effectively in real time, avoid common decision-making blind spots like projecting their own thinking onto others, and better identify and leverage the unique strengths within their teams to improve performance.

They also examine generational dynamics, employee engagement, and leadership strategy in the age of AI. Rather than reacting with fear or taking a hands-off approach, John explains how leaders can adopt AI with intention - using clear strategy, guardrails, and human judgment to drive better outcomes.

John shares practical frameworks for building confidence, including “name it, tame it, reframe it,” and reinforces a critical leadership principle: trust is the foundation of performance, retention, and long-term value creation.

The episode closes with a clear takeaway - leaders who actively build and restore trust will make better decisions, strengthen their teams, and create more resilient, higher-performing organizations.

Who this episode is for

Business owners and entrepreneurs navigating growth and change
Advisors, consultants, and executives focused on leadership and performance
Anyone interested in improving decision-making, team effectiveness, and business outcomes

About Our Guest:

Big John Little has built a career as an Executive Leadership Performance Coach around 3 key outcomes:

Overcoming the limiting beliefs that create bottlenecks in your career growth and promotion potential
Developing a personal leadership brand that elevates your visibility within your organization and industry
Providing models and frameworks to become confident, authentic leaders in your life and career

John has been a leader of people and business for more than 25 years across multiple industries.

About the Host:

Dave Bookbinder is known as an expert in business valuation and he is the person that business owners and their advisors reach out to when they need to know what their most important assets are worth. Known as a collaborative adviser, Dave has served thousands of client companies of all sizes and industries.

Dave is the author of two #1 best-selling books about the impact of human capital (PEOPLE!) on the valuation of a business enterprise called The NEW ROI: Return On Individuals & The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers.

He’s on a mission to change the conversation about how the accounting world recognizes the value of people’s contributions to a business enterprise, and to quantify what every CEO on the planet claims: “Our people are this company’s most valuable asset.”

Dave’s book, A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know, was recognized as a top new release in Business and Valuation and is designed to provide practical insights and tools to help understand what really drives business value, how to prepare for an exit, and just make better decisions.

He’s also the host of the highly rated Behind The Numbers With Dave Bookbinder business podcast which is enjoyed in more than 100 countries.

🔸 Grab Dave’s Books: The New ROI: Return on Individuals | The NEW ROI: Going Behind The Numbers | A Valuation Toolbox for Business Owners and Their Advisors: Things Every Business Owner Should Know

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Why Leaders Make Bad Decisions (and How Better Judgment Drives Business Value) - John Little