My Biases Are Not Failures
I’m sitting in an important meeting and make a snap decision—maybe too quickly. Later, it turns out to be wrong. How did that happen? A moment of doubt that lingers. Why did I instinctively favor a colleague even when the facts said otherwise?
Our brain is a master of shortcuts—it tricks us faster than we realize. Situations like these aren’t rare; they shine a light on how our internal mechanisms shape our choices. These moments reveal a deeper truth: our brain operates on shortcuts.
Biases, or cognitive distortions, are systematic deviations in how we perceive and assess information. They come from the way our brain processes and simplifies decisions.
Here’s the kicker: Biases aren’t deliberate misdeeds, nor are they moral failings. They’re simply part of being human, and it’s okay to have them. What matters is how we deal with them.
Why does this matter?
Understanding that biases run on autopilot takes away the pressure to be perfect. These silent companions are part of our cognitive makeup—automatic processes that help us navigate daily life, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.
Biases can lead to misjudgments, but they’re not inherently ethical missteps. They aren’t good or bad; they just are.
And that’s okay. Once we become aware of them, we have the power to make better, informed decisions and manage these unconscious influences. Recognizing them helps us make smarter choices.
What does this mean for you?
Whether at work, during negotiations, or when interacting with colleagues, ask yourself: Am I aware of how my perception is being shaped right now? The more you know your biases, the better you can question them and make wiser choices.
Biases affect more of our lives than we’d care to admit. But those who can identify and consciously manage them regain control.
Want to make better decisions?
Start by questioning your own biases and noticing the subtle moments when biases influence your perspective. After all, we all want to make better choices.
Making of/up New Rules
I'm trying my hand at a new format called #NewRules on Social.
It stems from a new content strategy and my need to hone my writing and observation skills.
We all come across these absurdities, contradictions and things that trigger emotions in us.
We can ridicule them, ignore them or get angry about them.
Or we can address them with a blend of comedy and commentary and a call to action.
And in doing so, call for concrete changes in society at large or in our own behaviors and actions.
Marc Andreessen with Rick Rubin on Tetragrammaton
Notes on Marc Andreessen with Rick Rubin on Tetragrammaton
Marc Andreessen had a key role in the development of the early internet by working on both the MOSAIC browser and the Netscape browser.
With Generative AI at the forefront of a similar technological revolution like the commercial internet
This is a very well rounded discussion between 2 titans of what one could consider an opposite spectrum. This makes for very interesting question by Rick Rubin, those you were not smart enough to ask but really make Marc Andreessen tell interesting aspects.
If you truly want to understand what makes Silicon Valley tick and how technology shapes our world this is will be the best 3 hours spend in 2024.
Happy to discuss with you afterwards!
On Startups
- Founders tend to make similar mistakes, with the most common being internal dissension within the team. The pressures of money, fame, and high stress can reveal the true nature of individuals, leading to conflicts and mistakes within the team.
- The success of a start-up depends on whether the team can stay cohesive and trusting through difficult times. If the team is not able to stay integrated, even small cracks can magnify and potentially destroy the company.
On Corporations
- Corporate executives have the authority to prioritize long-term brand value over short-term profits and are increasingly considering the impact of their decisions on a broader scale.
- Businesses that can afford to spend money on marketing likely have a good product, as it indicates they are making money and have a healthy budget for advertising.
- Companies face pressure to grow in order to add new valuable features and capabilities for users, but achieving optimal growth rate can be challenging.
On Technological Change
- The tension between valuing tradition and embracing innovation is a natural aspect of human society. Technology not only changes the tech industry but also disrupts the social hierarchy and status of people.
- Entrepreneurial personalities require resources, money, and partners to realize their ideas. Criticism of venture capitalists and disruption process is misguided as it is necessary for progress and change.
- Taking personal responsibility, prioritizing impactful conversations, and building trust are crucial in communication and relationships.
- The computing power of modern laptops allows individuals to conduct groundbreaking scientific and artistic work from their desks or pockets.
- Andreessen acknowledges the sharp limits to the explanatory power of science and technology and remains open-minded to new ideas and underlying truths that are not yet known.
This already is the best podcast of 2024@pmarca with @RickRubin on @tetranow https://t.co/ao7hu70Kz0
— Mx Moritz (@mxmoritz) January 13, 2024
Brain Chesky Explains the Concept of the "Designing 7-star Customer-Experience"
Airbnb's approach embodies the customer-centric idea that businesses should not just sell products or services but should aim to create outstanding experiences that resonate emotionally, foster loyalty, and turn customers into brand advocates.
For that you need a deep understanding of your customers and a holistic view of the customer journey.
Airbnb's realization that – just like Disney – their product isn't just the app or website but the entire experience indicates a holistic view of the customer journey. Every touchpoint, online or offline, is an opportunity to delight the customer.
Watch minutes 30:33 to 36:55, to find out how Brain storyboards an 11-star AirBnB experience.