Mastering Second-Order Thinking

In this episode of The Product Handbook, we dive deep into second-order thinking — the essential mental model for seeing past quick wins and anticipating the ripple effects of your decisions.

You’ll learn:

• What separates first-order from second-order thinking

• How to anticipate unintended consequences and downstream risks

• Why this mindset is crucial for product strategy, leadership, and career decisions

• Simple techniques to build second-order thinking into your daily habits — so you remember to use it when it matters most (and impress in interviews!)

If you’ve ever launched something only to regret it three steps later — or wondered why some leaders seem to play chess while others play checkers — this episode will give you a practical edge.