People normally create a narrative based on their past and are sure that their predictions will match the way things will work out in the future. This is not usually the case, and it leads to wrong decisions.

The Narrative Fallacy

<ul><li>Many experiments show that people can be biased and even irrational in making decisions. </li><li>While we believe that logic, facts, data go in any decision, in reality, they can be emotional and biased in invisible ways.</li></ul>

Bias All-Around

<ul><li>Data can be easily made up to serve ulterior motives, which are far from the truth.</li><li>Biased data finds its way out and is generally passed around as facts.</li><li>Some critical thinking and skepticism are required before any data is accepted for making decisions.</li></ul>

Made Up Data

Data can be used to prove anything. People can be easily convinced by using data that, when analyzed closely, turns out to be dubious, without foundation or any real research.

Being Fooled By Data

I am wired to discount people who have total assuredness in their point-of-view, have dogmatic positions or use data as a crutch or substitute for logic. I appreciate people who have strong opinions or conviction but expect them to constantly be testing their opinions and refining their approaches as they encounter new people, facts or logic.