Page 67 - Straight Talk On Project Management IV

Again, writing for Psychology Today, Gary Klein claims, “The original Wason data reveals a different
story. Wason’s data on the number triples (e.g., 2-4-6) showed that six of the 29 participants
correctly guessed the rule on the very first trial, and several of these six did use probes that falsified
a belief.”

“The takeaway should have been that most people do test their beliefs. However, Wason chose to
headline the bad news.”

It’s ironic isn’t it that the man trying to prove the existence of confirmation bias, that we often
‘adjust’ data to back up our theory, seems to have fallen victim to it himself.

Run the experiment on your colleagues and let me know how they get on!

In 2020, the most powerful gift we can give to our colleagues, stakeholders and end-users is that we
really approach Project Management with an open mind.

Take a look back at those project management biases I mentioned at the start: doing things the way
they’ve always been done was right for those things but not necessarily what you’re working on
now; PMaaS probably won’t add net costs to your portfolio (and certainly costs less than a project
fatality); and, guess what, the boss doesn’t have all the answers!! Who knew?!
It can be uncomfortable to challenge our preconceived notions and beliefs – but the better
outcomes you’ll enjoy, make it so worth it.

Sources:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/science-choice/201504/what-is-confirmation-bias

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/seeing-what-others-dont/201905/the-curious-case-
confirmation-bias