(Chris Syme) Blind Spots is a fascinating look at the science behind why we fail to do what is right.  Authors Max Bazerman and Ann Tenbrunsel have stellar pedigrees in the world of business, psychology, negotiation, and ethics. The book overflows with research and case studies on the ramifications of poor decision-making.

 

The core principle of the book is, “we are unaware of the gap between how ethical we think we are and how ethical we truly are.”  The authors dispel the notion that organizations, if presented with a moral dilemma, will either default to the right decision or choose to be purposefully unethical. The reality is that we are unaware of the “bounded ethicality” that steers us, in some cases, to make decisions based on our “want selves” rather than our “should selves.” This, the authors conclude, is more dangerous than knowing what is right and purposefully choosing to do what is wrong.

 

The book explores the pit of faulty decision making starting with defining the two thinking systems that play into the process: System 1 thinking (intuitive, gut reactions) and System 2 thinking (a more reflective, slower, information gathering process). The authors admit that System 1 thinking is good for most decisions, but conclude that there can be several factors that keep us in System 1 thinking when we should be moving to a better System 2 thinking including time pressure, cognitive overload, and isolation.

 

When it comes to crisis planning, a thorough look at organizational blind spots could help avert many crises. As I read, I couldn’t help but think of many high profile crises in the last year that might not have been if a blind spot inventory was a regular part of the organization’s operations. The authors include some check points including identifying organizational “sink holes.”

 

This book is a must read for crisis managers, organization and business leaders, heads of universities, athletic directors, coaches, communicators, compliance officers, and anyone else who deals with the public trust. If nothing else, you have to read it just to understand and grieve over the unfortunate events that led the Challenger space shuttle disaster in 1986. The book is filled with some glaring case studies. On Amazon Kindle for under 15 bucks.