What do you do if your clients struggle with cognitive biases and need to improve their logical reasoning?

Self awareness is key to not only confirming bias but also other types of distorted thinking getting in the way of their success. This can be done in a simple and safe manner and story telling is also a safe way for people to see beyond themselves and gather reasoning and logic.

To aid coachees with cognitive biases, create a presence-filled, non-judgmental environment. This enables them to notice their thought patterns and recognize biases without self-criticism. Urge them to question their thoughts' automaticity, employing mindfulness to pause and assess their assumptions' accuracy. Suggest practices to widen their perspective, such as considering different viewpoints. This approach helps them transcend their biases, leading to more balanced reasoning. The goal is not only to identify biases but to develop an inner space where intuition complements logic, fostering a holistic decision-making process.

By providing knowledge on common biases, clients become more aware of their thought processes and behaviors, while reflective questioning encourages introspection. Questions I ask include: - How do you approach decision-making? Are certain factors particularly influential? - Have you heard of 'cognitive bias? What does it mean to you? - Can you think of a recent decision where you deliberately challenged your assumptions or biases before making a final choice? What was the result? Through questions tailored to their experiences, clients gain insight into their decision-making processes and biases. This facilitates awareness and corrective action, enhancing their ability to make sound decisions.

3 Steps to Combat Cognitive Biases in Decision-Making: 1. Highlight Biases Inform clients about common biases, like confirmation bias, influencing their decisions. 2. Foster Reflection & Safety - Encourage introspection in a non-judgmental setting to recognize these biases. 3. Teach Counter Strategies - Introduce methods to challenge biases, fostering rational, unbiased thinking. Understanding biases is the first leap towards rational decision-making.

Acknowledge that we all have biases. You can share some of your own, how you got to discover what those were and what steps are you taking to keep them under control. You can also describe different biases to raise awareness about how they manifest so your client can start recognizing them themselves. And because bias show repeatedly, you can help your coachee to recognize patterns in their actions.

In our complex world cognitive dissonance is the rule. As a result, decisions often have to be made in a state of not knowing. To liberate our thinking from the mythical conviction that there is nevertheless the right solution, it is necessary, also in executive coaching, to realise that the way we perceive and interpret the world is always based on the construction of our brain. The more firmly this insight is anchored in our consciousness, the more accessible we become to allow alternative perspectives and creative ideas. When working with executives struggling with unclear situations, I will encourage them not to trust themselves and their perception too much but rather to rely on their intuition and that of their employees.

In my practice, I start by inviting my clients to explore their assumptions by asking, What factors do you believe influenced your perspective on this issue? Additionally, I encourage clients to question the validity of their assumptions by gently challenging them to reconsider their beliefs and perspectives. For instance: What evidence do you have to support that assumption? To encourage my clients to think critically about their reasoning, I support them by helping them understand the potential consequences of their assumptions. For example: What are the implications of operating under this assumption? Lastly, I encourage clients to reflect on recurring patterns in their assumptions and decision-making processes.

2 tools come to mind. I. Cognitive restructuring. Ask the client: 1. Write down the situation. 2. What thoughts come to mind automatically? 3. What emotions do they feel & how intense? 4. What is evidence of their thoughts? 5. What can prove the opposite of their thoughts? 6. What other explanations may be true? 7. Reevaluate feelings. II. 4 questions & a turnaround by Byron Katie Ask the client: 1. Is it true? 2. Can you absolutely know that it is true? 3. How do you react, what happens, when you believe that thought? 4. Who or what would you be without the thought? Turn the thought around. For example if the original example is 'Paul lied to me.' Turnaround could be: I lied to Paul. I lied to me. Paul didn't lie to me. etc.

Asking questions designed to promote introspection, stimulates curiosity, and guides clients toward more nuanced and objective reasoning ultimately helping them recognize cognitive biases and improve their logical thinking skills. Approach it by asking: What Am I Assuming? This question allows clients to explore alternative perspectives and challenge potential biases. How Would Someone Else Approach This? How individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, or expertise might approach the problem can help clients break out of their own cognitive biases and gain new insights into possible solutions. What Information Might I Be Overlooking? This question encourages them to broaden their scope of inquiry and avoid confirmation bias

The best way to ”fight” against cognitive bias is to keep a curious mind - ask questions from a space free of judgments and labels. And keep an open mind to whatever answers you might receive. Check your assumptions and your ideas rather than building on them without any confirmation.

There are multiple techniques organizations can implement to prevent certain biases: Every meeting can a devil's advocate to play the contrary. By designating somebody in this roles, it can help reduce conformity bias where people tend to agree with opinions already shared. It can help too with authority bias to avoid favoring the opinion of those in power. Secret voting in situations where a democratic process is preferred can also help with conformity bias. Focusing on objective facts reduce the halo effect, where opinions from those we admire and respect are taken at face value without questioning them.

3 Steps to Build Logical Reasoning Skills: 1) Consistent Practice Encourage regular application of reasoning strategies in real-life scenarios. 2) Role-Play & Simulations Utilize role-playing and decision-making simulations to enhance practical application. 3) Reinforce Habitual Use Foster the habitual recognition of biases and application of logical reasoning. Logical reasoning grows with practice. Guide your clients to turn these skills into everyday habits.

4 steps to nurture continuous reflection for better decision-making: STEP 1 - Regularly Review Decisions Encourage clients to consistently analyze the outcomes of their decisions. STEP 2 - Recognize the Role of Biases Help them identify how cognitive biases may have influenced their choices. STEP 3 - Learn from Reflections Guide clients to use these insights for learning and making more informed decisions. STEP 4 - Provide Constructive Feedback As a coach, offer feedback that fosters their development in logical reasoning. Continuous reflection is the compass for improved decision-making. Guide your clients to navigate their biases for clearer thinking.

First, approach the issue with empathy and understanding. Start by acknowledging that cognitive biases are common. Encourage clients to become aware of tthem and how they may influence their thinking and decision-making. Challenge their assumptions and encourage them to consider alternative perspectives. Provide them with tools and frameworks for critical thinking and logical reasoning. Encourage them to seek feedback from others to gain different viewpoints. Support their efforts to develop a growth mindset, emphasizing that logical reasoning can be improved over time. Lastly, celebrate their progress and successes along the way, reinforcing the value of clear, rational thinking in their personal and professional lives.