Risk and Regret: The 30-30 Rule

James R. Rector
Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal

Every major decision carries two weights-the risk of acting now and the regret of waiting too long. The 30-30 Rule helps leaders test both.

Ask two questions before moving forward. What is the risk if we act within the next 30 days. What is the regret if we do not act and look back in 30 months.

The first horizon keeps you honest about near-term impact-cash, people, reputation, and execution capacity. The second horizon stretches you beyond fear-market shifts, talent loss, missed learning, and the cost of being late.

Score both simply: low, medium, or high. If near risk is low and future regret is high, move quickly. If near risk is high and regret is low, pause or redesign. If both are high, break the decision into smaller reversible steps. If both are low, do not overthink it.

Document the scores and revisit them in 90 days. The practice builds judgment you can trust. Over time, you will make fewer desperate saves because you will make more timely moves.

The point is not to predict perfectly. It is to place smart bets with eyes open. Leaders who practice the 30-30 Rule reduce blind risk and future regret in one move.

At Home

Families face the same trade-offs. Should we move, change schools, take on new commitments. Acting too fast creates strain. Waiting too long breeds regret. Parents who weigh both horizons-risk now, regret later-model wise decision-making that serves children long after.

About the series: The 3-Minute Leader™ is a weekly micro-essay for emerging and promotable executives.