Outcome bias (Outcome based decisions Part 1)

Soon as we know an outcome of a decision we judge based on the outcome and often enough on the outcome alone.
The intent does not matter as we many times don`t know the intent behind the
decision. This can easily lead to unjustified judgments, frustration, and anger.

A judgment based on the outcome alone is called outcome bias.

A. For us it could look like this:
I am hungry, my girlfriend decides on a new Restaurant.
If the outcome is known (I will be fed), but not the decision-making process
(intent), it’s safe to say, that in case of a negative outcome we might question
our girlfriend, and how she could have picked this horrid place, and never
follow her advice again.

I am hungry, my girlfriend picks a new Restaurant and tells me why she wants
us to try it.
If the decision-making process (intent) is known, but not the outcome, and
in case of a negative outcome, we will likely just call it bad luck.

B. In a company it could look like this:
My boss hires a new staff member, which turns out to be underperforming.
If the outcome is known, but not the decision-making process (intent), it’s
safe to say, that in case of a negative outcome the decision-maker will be
judged for poor leadership.

My boss wants to hire a new staff member and shows me the results from the interviews and explains why he decided on a specific person.
If the decision-making process (intent) is known, but not the outcome, and in the case of
a negative outcome the decision-maker will be judged also, but the initial
intent will be considered, leading to a much milder Judgment.

It is good advice to always ask someone or yourself of
the intent behind a decision and evaluate the decision-making process before a
judgment is made.

And it is also good advice to explain the decision-making process
before the outcome is known.

Do you think otherwise? OK, come and Let`s Talk!

Namaste

Armaan