Red and Yellow Strategies
We All Live in Glass Houses
Strategic Cognitive Biases on Sundays, part 19
If someone cuts you off on the highway, then, of course, they are a reckless fool or a dangerous driver. If you accidentally did the same thing, it was due to external circumstances.
Scientists call it a Fundamental attribution error, and this is a cognitive bias.
We all make this error.
If your subordinate didn’t complete a task on time, it happened because they took their eyes off the ball, didn’t plan their work properly, or simply didn’t work hard.
In other words, they are the ones to blame.
If you didn’t complete a task on time, it was because you had too much work, the task got more complicated along the way, or some other external circumstances interfered.
We make this mistake sincerely without realizing that we do it.
An old proverb says: people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
When you start thinking about a new strategy, it is reasonable to review your previous one and evaluate your successes and failures.
And it is crucial to be honest and not fall victim to the Fundamental attribution error.
If you failed to identify your customers’ needs, didn’t manage to complete a digital transformation project, or were unable to revamp your distribution system, chances are you’ll make the same or similar mistakes in the future.
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Read also: A $3 Billion Strategic Mistake. The True Story of a Notorious Failure
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