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Dr. Sebastian Stange's avatar

In my experience few people so far really think about biases in strategy systematically.

Although strategy development seems full of biases, if you think about it.

It's very abstract and full of opinions and judgements - plenty of room for politics...

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Strategy Shots's avatar

True indeed. I think you really need someone with a strong compass to guide this systematically. That person needs protection from politics - which is indeed very difficult to achieve :)

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Charu's avatar

Couldn't agree more!

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Charu's avatar

I was thinking on similar lines, its like consciously you don't do that but past experiences claw their way in somehow and cloud the strategy at some level

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Strategy Shots's avatar

True. And a lot of times it escapes being noticed.

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Jens Stark's avatar

Might recruitment bias play a role? Whilst diversity is something that many firms strive for, job ads for strategy roles often tend to look quite similar and seen a certain type of person: high-achiever, ambitious, hungry for success, superior skills, ivy league university and so on.

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Strategy Shots's avatar

Indeed. Like hires like. We need people from different backgrounds, functions and personalities to be part of strategy teams and not just analytical over achievers :)

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Project Sunstone's avatar

Great article. As you said, more diverse views are critically important.

There’s always bias. I try to uncover the root of it. Is it fear of the unknown? Self-interest? Comfort in the comfort zone? Lack of technical knowledge?

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Strategy Shots's avatar

Ahh interesting point. Where is the bias coming from - that is an interesting element to pay note to as well. I will keep that in mind for future. Thank you for sharing.

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Sterling's avatar

Your bias is your edge, unless you're too afraid to own it.

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