Decision Making: The Status-Quo Trap

Before making an important decision, prudent managers evaluate the situations confronting them — and often fall into one of the eight traps of faulty thinking.

Researchers have identified a series of flaws in the way we think when making decisions. They are hardwired into our thinking process, so we often fail to recognize them. 

While we cannot entirely rid ourselves of them, we can learn to understand the traps and compensate for them.

The Status-Quo Trap

We are predisposed to perpetuating the status quo.  Deep within our psyches, we are self-protective and risk-aversive.

The Antidote

Don’t maintain the status quo just because it’s comfortable. Do so only when it turns out to be the best choice.

• Remind yourself of your objectives. Examine how they would be served by the status quo.
• Never think of the status quo as your only alternative. Identify other options.
• Ask yourself: Would I choose the status quo if it weren’t so?