Most investors will agree that disinformation plagues their stock picks. Business channels on television contrive ways to promote advertisers and anchors. Regulators have drawers full of excuses for the failing states of economies.
Management Guru Peter Senge, the celebrated author of ‘The Fifth Discipline’, says that we are all parts of the major problems about which we love to complain. Could this apply to your portfolio? Here is a test that your stock investment advisors and you may like to try:
Ask each person in your team to write answers to the following questions on two separate pieces of paper: a first and instant answer as well as second attempts after reflection, and without checking the first round of answers. You should take the test yourself along with your investment club members, or casual advisors:
1. How much capital are you willing to lose in a worst-case scenario?
2. Which was your best stock pick this month last year?
3. What is your Beta?
4. Do you have an IRR in mind for this month next year?
5. Which industries must you exit and enter now?
Even Warren Buffet and his innermost team could end up with some blank chits and a whole stack of contradictions. Hidden agendas and imperfect communication affect your stock investment decisions. Everyone can improve, and what better occasion than the turmoil of 2008? Business process is the surest way to better stock investing decisions. Team consensus on trade-offs is a first step. Watch this space next week for a post on the subject.
Let us hear your thoughts below: