I have a rather bold theory on this question of why even smart and experienced people end up making bad choices. There is of course some statistical inevitability to be accounted for as, being human, we will sometimes make the very best decision we can in a particular situation. And it will still be a bad choice. I chalk this type of bad choice up to simple humanity, and one that I think should be discounted among and amidst a discussion of some of the whoppers that can be made for reasons I will describe forthwith.

The first factor of bad choice making has to do with lack of information. Let's face it. There are times when we have to take action, or at least form a plan, when we do not know enough - sometimes not NEARLY enough - to adequately account for, and plan recourse for, all of the conditions and variables that hit our blind spot (or are the object of some nefarious soul's prestidigitation!). But, office politics aside, sometimes we just cannot have, or plain ol' *miss*, a memo or schedule change or some other important piece of communication that would have resulted in a much better outcome than the one we sometimes find ourselves charged with cleaning up.

Another factor can have the same results as above, or in fact be one of the reasons we do sometimes miss information that we need, is a lack of organization. This can be systemic, and thus you can at least take solace in knowing that you have company in your misery and that the culture of your workplace (or home, or school) is likely as frantic all around as it is in your corner of it. This, you can likely do very little about in the immediate circumstance but try your best to rise above the urgency until there is time for you to offer some ideas in a tactful, organized, "team" oriented, complimentary (read: butt kissing) way. They may take - or be taken! - or they may sit and collect dust. Or, more than likely, novelty will create an enthusiasm of "things are uh changin'" and by the time the next monthly report is due or department wide meeting is held - the status quo will have beaten the crap out of your initiative and it's back to the way things always (didn't) work!

On the other hand, ah yes - and my hand is raised up for this one! - the lack of organization could be coming from within.

"Now where did I put that client's/parent's phone number again? What? I thought that meeting was tomorrow! Oh, that's the OTHER meeting. Okay - coming!"

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Why we make bad choices in life?
We want to hear your view. Write now!