Six Cognitive Paradoxes

Originally a thread on X/Twitter:

Here are six observations about people’s behaviors that amaze me because they make no sense.

Does anyone care to shed light on these topics?

A very short thread:

Constant Oversteering

In “capital abundant” markets Founders are told to put growth on the books at all costs.

In “capital tight” markets Founders are told to preserve cash at all costs.

Advice stinks unless tailored so why is there so much generic advice and oversteering?

Under-communication

In times of uncertainty, people crave facts and plans. Any absence of information creates a void that fills itself with speculation, FUD and can lead to people “getting off the bus.”

So why don’t Leaders over-communicate with stakeholders and employees?

Fixed Narratives

Narratives are based on views of what a future state can look like and what it will take to get there. New information should influence a narrative but many people’s narratives are impervious to new facts.

Why can’t people hold strong opinions loosely?

Empty Calories

Leaders are asset allocators. They allocate people and money to tasks and learning agendas. Poor Leaders waste resources and consume empty corporate calories along the way.

Why don’t more Leaders focus on asset efficiency rather than raw results?

Physical Comedy

Some people get pleasure out of seeing others succeed. There are people who get pleasure out of seeing others fall. And then there are people who trip people because it makes them feel powerful.

This makes no sense if you believe life isn’t a zero sum game.

Tyranny of the Or

Life is complex. Two things can be true at the same time. Even incredibly educated people struggle to internalize this and it’s the source of many endless arguments.

So why do people routinely present “Tyranny of the Or” solutions to complex problems?

That’s it for now so feel free to share your thoughts and your own behavioral observations about silly things that make no sense!