I find the ‘rule of three’ is used a lot in business and life. For example, if I’m proposing options to a client, I’ve learn the hard way to just propose 3 alternatives. The person really just can’t handle more and has retained us to make the front end smart eliminations.
The rule of three is also used as a leadership model as in the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps is a well-respected mobile fighting unit that gets its mission done. Part of the Marine Corps leadership model is the ‘rule-of-three.’
The thinking goes like this. A person should limit his or her attention to three tasks or goals. It’s pretty simple. There are infinite possibilities in any situation, which can short circuit decision-making. The rule-of-three says cut down the options to three alternative courses of action.
Otherwise, a marine or anyone becomes overextended and confused especially in stressful situations such as in a fire-fight. A corporal has a three-person fire team; a sergeant has a squad of three fire teams; a lieutenant has three squads; and so on. Since everyone is taught to be an effective decision-maker, authority is pushed to the lowest level.
Life Lesson Earned: If you’re in doubt in terms of how much information or options you should offer in a proposal, remember the ‘rule of three.’