The authors say that it would be advantageous to be aware of the things that could go wrong after a decision is
made, but many people choose to overlook the risks involved. Why do people make poor choices they later regret? Why do other people fail to correct their mistakes? The authors have identified flaws in the way people make decisions – irrespective of whether the decisions to be taken involve an opportunity or a threat.
1. Complacency – People who simply choose to ignore the threat are displaying complacency. People do not believe, or choose not to believe, that the risks are of a serious nature. Or, even if they acknowledge the risks, they prefer to think that they will not be personally affected.
2. Avoidance – People may indulge in wishful thinking. Some common examples will make the situation clear:
- People who choose to ignore the implications of complaints about their work from their superiors
- People who develop rationalizations for the course of action they have adopted.
In other words, Avoidance may lead to rationalization, procrastination, or simply passing the buck. Why do people indulge in this type of behavior? So that they mask their hidden anxieties, and stay calm on the surface...
3. Panic – When people do not have sufficient time to deal with their problems, they tend to panic. That is, they display the symptoms of emotional stress. When people panic, they fail to consider the alternatives available to them, or even to consider the consequences of their hasty actions.
4. Vigilance – When people evaluate the options in an unbiased manner, and when they make contingency plans, they are being vigilant. The authors say that one way to counter complacency is to fill out a balance sheet of all the positives and negatives associated with each decision. By listing down the alternatives, the decision maker can assess the trade offs involved, and assign importance to each factor.
To conclude, the authors hold that it is possible for people to make sound decisions – whether it involves choosing a career, changing jobs or moving to a new location.