d

Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an.

In. Fb. Tw. Be. Db. Li.
/ Lifestyle / Watch out for these 5 mental biases during crunch time

Watch out for these 5 mental biases during crunch time

 

When deadlines are looming and tasks start piling up, it’s natural for our brains to go into overdrive. This is when our left brain hemisphere kicks in more than ever, chopping up chunks and information and analysing until the cows come home. But we pay a heavy price for this hyper-productivity, and that’s with our mental biases.

 

We don’t mean “biases” to be a bad word here. They’re simply shortcuts that help the brain work faster when the situation demands, but they come with downsides. These are hazy judgement, reduced efficiency, and potential conflicts with colleagues.

 

So watch out for these common biases, and try these tips to keep them in check.

 

1. Confirmation bias

Let’s face it, we all like being right. And during hectic times, we’re even more likely to look for information that backs up what we already believe, ignoring evidence that suggests otherwise. This is called confirmation bias (read more about it here).

 

In some cases, we’re right. In others, we might aggressively defend our (possibly incorrect) stance and create an emotional gap between us and our colleagues.

 

What can you do? When making decisions, invite someone to play devil’s advocate or purposely seek out viewpoints that challenge your assumptions. It’s not about being difficult – it’s about making the best call overall.

 

2. Availability heuristic

Ever made a decision based on the first thing that popped into your head? 

You’re not alone. This is the availability heuristic in action. 

 

We tend to rely on recent events or vivid memories when making decisions, especially under time pressure. For example, bottled water rose over the years because of perceived safety and hygiene, without taking waste into account.

 

What can you do? Keep a record of key decisions and data, and don’t just go with the most memorable option. Double-check whether recent events are influencing your choices more than they should.

 

3. Anchoring bias

The first or last piece of information we receive often acts like an anchor in our mind, influencing all subsequent decisions. It’s natural to cling to that standout figure or fact when you’re juggling multiple tasks and have to decide quickly. 

 

Anchoring bias can also lead to planning fallacy, when the amount of time or resources to properly do a job are dramatically underestimated.

 

What can you do? Before locking in on that first or last piece of information, take a step back. Make a conscious effort to consider all the data at hand. It’s hard to be accurate in situations like these, so provide a range rather than a specific number.

 

4. Overconfidence bias

When things get busy, it’s tempting to trust your instincts and speed through decisions. This isn’t just limited to the workplace – overconfidence bias is common in everyday life too, with 93% of American drivers seeing themselves as “better than average”, an impossible claim from a statistical perspective. At work, the overconfidence bias can lead to underestimating risks or the time and resources needed for a task. 

 

What can you do? A little self-awareness goes a long way. When planning, ask yourself if your estimates are realistic and get feedback from your team too. Being open to constructive criticism can keep overconfidence in check.

 

5. Status quo bias

Busy periods are not the time to rock the boat, right? 

 

The status quo bias makes us cling to “the way we’ve always done it” rather than experimenting with new ideas, even if the old ways are holding us back. And it’s all around us – a whopping 80% of companies manage change from the top down, according to Gartner. But is this the most effective approach?

 

What can you do? Create an environment where new ideas are welcomed, not worried about. Even in crunch time, encourage small, low-risk experiments that could lead to better results. And, importantly, recognise and reward those who innovate.

 

But times are busy and biases happen, so what can you do?

The good news is, these biases aren’t written in stone.

 

Building awareness of them is a powerful first step. From there, integrating strategies like open discussions, regularly revisiting decisions, and inviting critical perspectives can go a long way in improving how we navigate those busy periods.

 

When stakes are high and resources are low, your team runs the risk of getting burnt out. So if you need an extra hand (or many more), get in touch for PR, social media, copywriting, and design services in Dubai at [email protected] 

 

Leave a Comment