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BFW: Focusing is Good, Noticing is Better: Path to Enhanced Decision-Making and Leadership
Dear Reader,
Hey there, fellow bookworms! It’s Brain Food Wednesday, issue 202!
I’ve been reading and summarizing futurism books for a professor. Although I’ve been interested in predicting the future for many years, many of the books I’m summarizing were not on my radar. Yesterday I summarized The Power of Noticing by Max Bazerman. Something that struck me was the sentiment that focusing is good, but noticing is better.
I thought that was so profound.
What are you not noticing because you’re so focused on one thing? What opportunities are you missing out on in your business because you’re focusing on the wrong things?
These questions are worth thinking about, aren’t they?
I’m pulling two things to write about in this newsletter: inattentional bias and predictable surprises. I’d like you to use the information to view your leadership role and how you can improve it. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a business owner or a senior level executive in a company.
Inattentional Bias
People miss obvious visual information because their attention is elsewhere. This happens because they’re too focused on one thing that they become blind to other things that are right in front of them.
“Inattentional blindness is intrinsically fascinating. It is also strongly suggestive of the root causes of the phenomenon that leads most decision makers to overlook a broad array of information that is readily available to them, what my colleague Dolly Chugh and I call “bounded awareness.””
Example
Years ago, I read Did You Spot the Gorilla by Richard Wiseman. The book references an experiment. Some people are so focused on the video, counting scores, they fail to see the gorilla walk across the screen. In The Power of Noticing, they talk about this video and other similar videos.
Predictable Surprises
Example
Hurricane Katrina
This was a predictable surprise because it happened partly because key decision makers failed to notice important details that could have prevented the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina. A skilled leader prevents predictable surprises.
“Federal, state, and local governments failed to notice and act on commonly available information, and many people lost their lives as a result.”
Four years before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, The Houston Chronicle reported the city was sinking. And that the main buffer was eroding, leaving the city vulnerable and close to a disaster.
Process to Become a Noticer
Step 1: Develop a Habit of Questioning
Begin your journey to becoming a noticer by cultivating a habit of questioning. Regularly ask yourself questions like, “What do I wish I knew?” and “What additional information would help inform my decision?” These inquiries prompt you to think beyond the surface, encouraging you to seek critical details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Step 2: Recognize and Address Cognitive Biases
Look at the cognitive biases that often hinder our ability to notice. Understand the concepts of motivated blindness, inattentional blindness, and overconfidence. Acknowledging these biases is the first step in mitigating their impact on your decision-making. Self-awareness is key to combating these mental hurdles.
Step 3: Balance System 1 and System 2 Thinking
Consider the balance between intuitive, quick thinking (System 1) and deliberate, analytical thinking (System 2). While both have their merits, certain situations call for a more thoughtful and analytical approach. Learn to switch to System 2 thinking when the situation demands it. Especially in decision-making processes that require in-depth analysis and a broader perspective.
Step 4: Seek an Outsider’s Perspective
Don’t be confined to your own viewpoint. Seek an outsider’s perspective when making critical decisions. This involves consulting with trusted friends or colleagues who provide a fresh outlook. Outsiders often spot aspects of a problem that you miss from an insider’s perspective, broadening your awareness.
Step 5: Cultivate Traits of a First-Class Noticer
Work on developing the qualities of a first-class noticer. This includes being creative, open-minded, and committed to unbiased decision-making. Set high standards for yourself and be less prone to the biases that stem from what you want to see. Notice what’s missing and avoid being misdirected by distractions or irrelevant information.
Step 6: Learn from Mistakes and Promote a Culture of Noticing
View mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Analyze your past errors and strive to improve your noticing skills. Consider how to promote a culture of noticing within your organization. One where team members actively share their observations and insights. This collaborative approach leads to more effective decision-making processes.
How can you become a first-class noticer?
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Stay tuned for more Brain Food next Wednesday!
Warm regards,
Avil Beckford
Brain Food Wednesday Editor
Avil Beckford, Founder, The Invisible Mentor & Art of Learning Leadership Academy