How do you use CPS to overcome cognitive biases in team decision making?

1 Identify the biases

The first step is to identify the types of cognitive biases that may affect your team. Some of the most common ones are confirmation bias, groupthink, anchoring, and availability heuristic. Confirmation bias is the tendency to seek and interpret evidence that supports your existing beliefs or preferences. Groupthink is the pressure to conform to the majority opinion or avoid dissent. Anchoring is the influence of the first piece of information or suggestion on your subsequent judgments. Availability heuristic is the reliance on the most easily recalled or vivid examples to estimate the frequency or likelihood of an event. By recognizing these biases, you can be more aware of your own and your team's assumptions and blind spots.

2 Challenge the biases

The second step is to challenge the biases by applying critical thinking and divergent thinking skills. Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information objectively and logically, while divergent thinking is the ability to generate multiple and diverse ideas. You can use CPS tools and techniques to challenge the biases, such as asking open-ended questions, using the SCAMPER method, brainstorming, and applying the Six Thinking Hats. These tools and techniques can help you question the validity and relevance of the information, explore different perspectives and alternatives, and stimulate creativity and innovation.

3 Test the solutions

The third step is to test the solutions that you and your team have generated by using convergent thinking and evaluation skills. Convergent thinking is the ability to narrow down and select the best ideas, while evaluation is the ability to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the solutions. You can use CPS tools and techniques to test the solutions, such as using the POINt method, applying the SMART criteria, conducting experiments, and seeking feedback. These tools and techniques can help you compare and contrast the pros and cons of the solutions, set realistic and measurable goals, validate the assumptions and results, and improve the solutions based on the feedback.

4 Implement the solutions

The fourth step is to implement the solutions that you and your team have selected by using planning and execution skills. Planning is the ability to organize and coordinate the resources and actions needed to achieve the goals, while execution is the ability to carry out the tasks and monitor the progress and outcomes. You can use CPS tools and techniques to implement the solutions, such as using the Gantt chart, applying the RACI matrix, using the PDCA cycle, and celebrating the successes. These tools and techniques can help you define the roles and responsibilities, schedule the activities and milestones, review and adjust the plan, and recognize and reward the achievements.

5 Learn from the experience

The fifth step is to learn from the experience by using reflection and learning skills. Reflection is the ability to analyze and evaluate your own and your team's performance and behavior, while learning is the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills from the experience. You can use CPS tools and techniques to learn from the experience, such as using the SWOT analysis, applying the Kolb's learning cycle, conducting a debriefing session, and creating a learning portfolio. These tools and techniques can help you identify the strengths and weaknesses, explore the implications and applications, share the lessons and insights, and document the evidence and outcomes.

6 Enhance the collaboration

The sixth step is to enhance the collaboration by using communication and relationship skills. Communication is the ability to express and exchange information and ideas effectively and respectfully, while relationship is the ability to build and maintain trust and rapport with your team members. You can use CPS tools and techniques to enhance the collaboration, such as using the active listening, applying the assertive communication, using the Johari window, and giving and receiving feedback. These tools and techniques can help you understand and empathize with your team members, communicate your needs and expectations, disclose and discover information, and provide and accept constructive criticism.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?