Most of us in business are strongly driven by the action bias. And if not by the bias, then by our boss or clients. In other words, when you’re stuck in a tough situation, do something. Don’t just stand there; do something. I suspect Yoda had the typical business response to being stuck: “Do or do not. There is no try!” In other words, do it wholeheartedly or don’t do it at all.
Doing something, however, can be a mistake. While there are times to strike, when you’re really stuck, wait. . . . And think.
Because the action bias is so deeply entrenched and the perceived demands so demanding, few take the time to think. In a recent article, MIT’s Duncan Simester refers—incorrectly--to the “lost art of thinking,” arguing that...
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