3. Cognitive Biases in Decision-Making
FULLBRIDGE THE PROBLEM SOLVER’S MINDSET
Simple Strategies to Reduce Bias and Increase Objectivity
Why Objectivity Matters
Cognitive biases subtly and persistently undermine clear thinking and effective decision-making. To counter these biases, developing objectivity—your ability to assess facts without letting emotions or preconceived ideas distort your judgment—is critical. A recent McKinsey study found that teams trained to reduce cognitive biases improved decision outcomes by up to 20%. Increasing your objectivity not only improves decisions but directly translates into better business results.
Three Simple Strategies to Improve Objectivity
Reducing cognitive bias doesn’t have to be complex. Here are three simple strategies anyone can immediately use:
Seek Contradictory Evidence: Actively challenge your beliefs by seeking information that disagrees with your initial assumptions.
Use Structured Decision-Making: Outline decision criteria beforehand, then systematically evaluate options using these criteria to minimize subjective judgment.
Get Outside Perspectives: Invite input from others who think differently to balance your viewpoint and uncover blind spots.
Practicing these simple techniques will rapidly enhance your clarity, objectivity, and decision accuracy.
Real-World Example of Bias Reduction
Consider Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s famous practice of encouraging disagreement during decision-making meetings. Bezos ensures meetings start with silent reading of structured memos, then invites candid critiques and differing opinions from the group. By structuring the discussion and intentionally welcoming dissent, Bezos reduces biases, increasing objectivity, and helps drive Amazon’s famously effective decisions.
As bestselling author Ryan Holiday emphasizes:
”Always seek out criticism. That’s how you get smarter, stronger, and better.”
Actively reducing biases makes your decisions smarter and stronger.
Three Takeaways
Objectivity directly enhances decision-making quality, reducing costly errors caused by biases.
Simple strategies like seeking contrary evidence, structured decision-making, and welcoming outside perspectives rapidly increase your clarity and accuracy.
Real-world success comes from proactively challenging biases, as exemplified by Amazon’s decision-making practices.
Your Mission
Your mission is to immediately apply these simple objectivity strategies to your next critical decision. Define your decision-making criteria, actively seek contrary viewpoints, and invite objective feedback from trusted colleagues. Doing this consistently will sharpen your thinking, eliminate costly blind spots, and greatly enhance your professional effectiveness.