Psychological Biases And How To Wield Them

The conservatism bias refers to our tendency to cling to our poor beliefs or estimates, even in the face of new evidence. When presented with evidence that contradicts their prior beliefs they will create a story to prove to themselves that they where always right, in regards to their prior beliefs/estimates.

No-one ever walks away from a debate believing they lost and the other persons view is correct. Instead they take all the evidence from the other side and dismiss it or construct a narrative that makes it align with their prior beliefs.

How To Wield

If you want someone to change their mind you first need to convince them that their mind was always changed. For example if they think 'Vegetables are disgusting' saying 'No. They're delicious, because....' will get you nowhere, but saying 'What do you mean I thought you liked vegetables? You love mash potatoes, you love pasta sauce, you love tomato soup' will make them defend liking vegetables in some situations, instead of hating them in all situations. You can then ease them into trying new things 'You love mash potatoes. Why don't you try mashed turnip, its similar but has more of a kick to it. Do you think you could handle it?' New data doesn't change peoples minds, unless they are a person who believes new data will change their minds. Instead make people believe that their mind was always changed.

Functional fixedness is a cognitive bias that refers to the tendency to view an object or tool only in terms of its most common or traditional use, rather than considering other possible uses. This can limit problem-solving ability, as people may be unable to see a solution because they are too focused on the traditional use of an object or tool.
For example, someone with functional fixedness might be unable to use a paperclip as a screwdriver, because they are only thinking of the paperclip as a tool for holding paper together. This can limit their ability to find a solution to a problem that requires a screwdriver.

How To Wield

Challenge yourself to see new ways of using objects. I could use it as a bag, I could use it as a blindfold, I could cut holes in it and wear it as a fancy new top. Knowing that others have this bias will allow you to perform magic. They won't suspect a hat to also be a rabbit cage or a sword to retract in on itself. It can lead to a fun marketing campaign. Our new cup design not only keeps your coffee warm it can serve as a stylish new hat, a tip jar, buy two and you have binoculars to hunt out your next coffee. Combat functional fixedness by taking the time to see different uses for objects and wield it by deceive and amaze others by using objects in new ways.

The law of the instrument, also known as the "hammer principle," refers to the tendency to rely too heavily on a familiar tool or approach, even when it may not be the most appropriate one for the situation. This bias can lead people to ignore other, potentially better options and limit their ability to solve problems effectively.
For example, a carpenter who only knows how to use a hammer might try to use it to solve every problem, even when a screwdriver would be more appropriate.

How To Wield

Be open to new ideas/tools. You may find ones that work better. Reflect on your work and ask yourself 'How could this have been done better?'

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