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To assess a situation, you can do extensive research or you can use a sniff test.

The former is required when you have to establish the problem and solution without a shadow of doubt. The latter is sufficient when speed is critical and more information will not necessarily improve the quality of the decision.

Sniff tests are used all the time: first impressions are the best example. A chance encounter with an influential executive is another. Your first response to a question from your boss is yet another.

Prepare for sniff tests well in advance. Just because a sniff test takes a couple of seconds does not mean you don’t need to do a lot of work to pass it.

Yes, sniff tests are impacted by the bias of the sniffer. Suspend judgement and embrace this reality, prepare harder.