9 Deadly Sins to Avoid in Decision Making Key points from the Hangout with Filipe Carrera, Peter Milligan, and Sofie Sandell on 5th February 2016. 1) Group thinking in an organisation leads to dysfunctional decisions that can turn into nightmares. With too much pressure to conform there is no room left for morality and ethics. All leaders must be aware of this trap and make sure that there are processes in place to help to avoid groupthink tendencies. [SS] 2) Believing we should not be egocentric. We are taught that it is bad to think we are the centre of the Universe, and yet in an important way, each of us IS. We always see everything according to our values, experiences and prejudices. Acknowledge this simple fact, then seek valuable input from others. [FC] 3) Not making a decision at all. When you procrastinate, you have no chance to correct or change direction. You have to make a decision and take action to get something to correct. Spending too long thinking of about the options and possible outcomes, but not deciding, will give you nothing back. [SS] 4) Assuming other people know what is the right decision for you. There is more risk of making this mistake when we experience self-doubt or fear, and the other person seems more confident or certain. Beware of following the advice of someone with different needs, values and priorities to you. Also, consider whether they might have a more selfish motive behind what they say. [PM] 5) Assuming that other people’s perspective is of no value at all. In direct contrast to assuming others know better, we can become arrogant and foolish if we think we know it all. It is our blind spots that will bring us down. So don’t be afraid to test your thinking against a competing viewpoint (ideally from someone who genuinely cares about you). [PM] 6) Not having diversity in your team. Many companies who went from success to failure had leaders who surrounded themselves with "yes-sayers" with similar backgrounds and the same way of thinking. More creative companies select boards with people from diverse backgrounds. Surrounding ourselves with different types of people helps us better understand the world around us. [FC] 7) Asking people for permission before you make a decision can take you in the wrong direction or hold you back. The people you ask might not want to help you, and might not be bothered either. Make sure the people whose opinion you seek actually listen and understand what you are saying. If it's something that has never been done before, don't expect anyone to cheer for you and your idea. [SS] 8) Constantly worrying that you might make the “wrong” decision and won’t be able to handle the consequences. The truth is, we can only weigh up some obvious pros and cons but there will always be unknowns. Make a decision, move forward and see what unfolds. Be curious, playful, and adventurous. Whatever happens, you’ll learn something and find a way forward. [PM] 9) Failing to recognise that there is no decision made without emotion. Portuguese neuroscientist, António Damásio, proved through case studies and lab experiments that humans are incapable of decision making without emotion. But we are educated to believe that we have a rational process of decision-making. Emotion always underpins our decisions. In fact, not knowing this can make us more vulnerable to manipulation. We can also be blind to what is really driving other people’s decisions. [FC]
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