As I’ve discussed in past posts, I am very interested in cognitive biases.  I think they are incredibly useful to study as we all muddle along trying to make improvements and help.  It’s somehow reassuring to know that our brains are actually hard-wired to make these simple mistakes.  It’s one of those acknowledgments that help […]

There are numerous cognitive biases at play in our lives, but one that I have been exposed to recently (and likely caused) is something known as the Backfire Effect. The Belief:  Our common perception is that when we believe strongly in something, and new facts/data are presented that challenge those  beliefs, we (as rational people) […]

An idea for your consideration… Please remove the words Lean or Agile from your communications and discussions from here forward.  Instead, replace them with the “specific” values/behaviors you want to communicate.  For example, “we should get feedback on this right away” or “we should help that team feel confident making their own decision on this […]

I was recently exposed to an interesting concept called “negative drift”. This is a term used by Arctic Explorers to describe a phenomenon unique to polar expeditions to the North Pole. Journeys to the south pole do not experience negative drift, as there is a landmass under the ice pack on the south pole (Antarctica). […]

For anyone who needs to describe important, complex ideas — especially those needing visualization using a whiteboard — please pay attention.  I have learned the hard way how much more effective/confident your communication can be if you follow some simple steps when you walk to a whiteboard or open a fresh pad of paper.  “I […]