Inversion is a mental model in decision-making that involves identifying and avoiding potential pitfalls or problems before they occur. It's about thinking backwards for the better outcome.
Using the inversion model in decision-making implicates starting by imagining the worst possible outcome, and then working backward to identify steps that can be taken to avoid state of affairs. For instance, in project management, if potential risks are identified ahead of time (like equipment failure or financial constraints), the team can create contingency plans, and steps to avoid these issues. Thus, instead of focusing solely on what should be done for success, inversion prioritizes understanding what should NOT be done to avoid failure.
Invert, always invert: Turn a situation or problem upside down. Look at it backward. What happens if all our plans go wrong? Where don’t we want to go, and how do you get there? Instead of looking for success, make a list of how to fail instead - Charlie Munger
