7.4 Avoiding decision traps
While it is not possible to change our human natures, it is possible to immunise ourselves to some extent against common decision traps. Useful strategies include:
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Get in the habit of reframing problems. For example, if you are considering strategies for avoiding a loss of €10,000 try asking yourself if you would feel differently if you consider them as strategies for making a gain of €10,000.
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Think about the information you have relied on – to what extent have you been biased towards information which is easily retrievable or available? How may this have affected your thinking?
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Ask yourself whether your understanding of the problem or the decision outcome became anchored at an early stage. Try and imagine radically different approaches.
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Consider if it is possible that your own or others' concern to be cast in a good light is preventing an honest appraisal of failures.