Gary Clift’s Post

I’ve always found cognitive biases fascinating. Understanding them can unlock the gap between the real world and our perceptions of it. How often have you been swayed by a "smart" person pushing an idea, only to realize their reasoning was driven by cognitive biases? Teresa Torres sheds light on two key biases: confirmation bias and escalation of commitment, both of which are crucial for self-evaluation. In product teams, decisions often come from senior leaders, and one bias to watch out for is the Dunning-Kruger effect. This happens when someone with limited knowledge overestimates their expertise. If a senior leader insists their decision is best but it stems from overestimating their own understanding, it’s important to navigate the situation carefully. The higher their position in the org chart, the greater the negative impact of a misguided decision. First, stay professional (they are your boss, after all). Second, use data to demonstrate how their assumptions might not align with the current problem or challenge. #ProductManagement #CognitiveBias #Leadership #DataDriven