The 3 Decision Making Pitfalls You Should Avoid

One critical aspect of decision-making is to avoid making bad decisions. Sometimes avoiding a bad decision is all you need to achieve success. Here are three of the biggest reasons we make bad decisions:

1. Failing to identify the root cause

The most common mistake I see people make is focusing on the proximate causes instead of the root causes. Proximate causes are the immediate reasons that led to a problem. "Quick fixes" may be tempting, but they often solve only the surface issues and the problem comes up again. The root cause is the core, deep-seated reason that initiates a causal chain.

Warning signs you’re focusing on proximate causes:

• You fixed the problem but it keeps happening.

• You’re seeing similar problems occurring in different contexts.

The rule: Always ask “Why?” for each cause and keep going until you can’t continue any further.

2. Solving the wrong problem

The second most common mistake people make is implementing a solution that moves the wrong needle. To avoid this remember to define your measurable indicators for success before proposing solutions. The more specific your success criteria are, the better your chances to find a relevant solution.

Warning signs you’re solving the wrong problem:

• People involved are expecting different outcomes.

• You’re confused between many possible solutions.

• You’re feeling that you are taking a random decision.

The rule: Always define specific metrics for success before seeking solutions.

3. Unawareness of blind spots

The third most common mistake people make is to propose solutions too quickly. You make decisions based on what you know, and what you know reflects just a part of the picture. Learning more details about the specific problem and the field as a whole must come before deciding. The more you know, the better decisions you can make.

Warning signs you’re having too many blind spots:

• You can think of only one possible solution.

• People around you agree unanimously.

The rule: Always seek out new information and people who can challenge your point of view.

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