Rule #1: do not knock down random fences.

That completely useless thing you want to get rid of? It's probably more important than you think. "Chesterton's Fence" is the idea that if you don't know what something does, think very carefully before you decide to axe it. And it can help you avoid making terrible decisions. With roots in government reform, Chesterton's Fence can be applied to everyday life and business.

When Jeff Bezos made a distinction between "Type 1" and "Type 2" decisions, the importance of Chesterton's Fence loomed large.

Bezos introduced us to the idea of “Type 1” and “Type 2” decisions. Type 1 decisions “are consequential and irreversible or nearly irreversible — one-way doors.” They are the knocking down of a fence, driving through a stop sign, or knocking down a wall. Bezos says we must move “carefully, slowly, with great deliberation and consultation” for these. Type 2, on the other hand, are decisions that are reversible, fixable, and allow you to come back from them. When you’re making any decision at a management level or in your day-to-day working life, ask yourself if it’s a Type 1 or Type 2. If it’s Type 1, then bring in more people. Slow down. Look at the problem and decision from every possible angle. Consider Chesterton’s Fence.

Featuring Big Think's Jonny Thomson