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Why Plans Fail: Cognitive Bias, Decision Making, and Your Business (Modus Cooperandi Mememachine Series) [Kindle Edition]

Jim Benson
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)

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Book Description

Business runs on decisions. Recently, we've discovered that people aren't the great decision makers we thought they were.

Business relies on estimates, plans, and projections - and we all know how accurate they tend to be. Careers are made, careers are broken based on accurate estimation and planning.

But what if the successes and failures of these projects were not based on the prowess of those making the plans? What if success or failure were more often the result of a more complex set of events?

Why Plans Fail directly addresses our ability of to plan, to forecast, and to make decisions.

Written by Jim Benson, an urban planner, software developer, and business owner who has planned and built everything from small software projects, to houses, to urban freeway systems - Why Plans Fail is told by someone with much skin in the estimation and planning game.

This short work is the first in the Modus Cooperandi Mememachine series - which looks specifically at underlying issues that directly impact the success of teams, companies, and individuals. The Mememachine series is meant to start conversations and advance discussion.

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Product Details

  • File Size: 354 KB
  • Print Length: 60 pages
  • Publisher: Modus Cooperandi Press; 1.1 edition (December 31, 2011)
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B006S3UHGA
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Lending: Enabled
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,832 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
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Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
(6)
4.7 out of 5 stars
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book April 4, 2013
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
The book teaches about a lot cognitive bias, maybe that is the problem that prevents this book from being better:
It is a little superficial on each bias and for some reason it is very hard to remember much afterwards.
Since it is a short book, I may try reading again to see if my impression changes.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic intro to Cognitive Bias in business! December 31, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This wee ebook is fantastic and I can't recommend it strongly enough. In my opinion there is not nearly enough discussion about how our psychology impacts our culture and perspectives. I was only slightly aware of cognitive bias and very much a slave to it before I read this book. I've learned from this book that no amount of awareness frees us from our cognitive bias but being mindful of it can help us make better decisions when we're undertaking endeavors. I strongly recommend this book to anyone struggling with estimation and project planning. Jim's writing style is fun and his stories insightful.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Cognitive Bias and decision making toolbox October 9, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition
Jim use his experience and knowledge to explain how Cognitive Bias affect us in our decision making process and specifically in business management and leadership. This book is really mind opening and explains some of the major reasons behind failed people interaction.
This is a great short book easy readable and must be part of your everyday toolbox.

I also suggest reading Personal Kanban: Mapping Work | Navigating Life from the same author on how to apply Kanban successfully and easily to your personal life.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't agree more, it is a must read! September 19, 2012
By Sunish
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Well, the best book on Cognitive Bias and how it affect us almost daily. This book is a must read for every knowledge worker as it helps us understand and deal with the biases. I've read somewhere that the first step to enlightenment is the awareness and Jim's book helps in making us aware about the various Cognitive Biases.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Send this book to your manager! July 16, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Well,..read it yourself first. Understand why estimation is so darn challenging.

I love that this book is positive. It tries to help us understand and deal with our own biases. At the same time explaining just why that is so difficult to do! I believe business would be better if more managers understood this.

Being willing to live with uncertainty can free people so that innovation & genius can happen! How can we do that within the reality of business constraints? First by understanding more about human bias. Thank you for the short, readable, and very informative ebook. I'll be recommending this to others. Perfect book for a short plan(e) ride (Pun Intended).
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5.0 out of 5 stars Often witty, always interesting June 24, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a great little book. Jim uses stories and unique insights to explain the most common reasons why your bosses and co-workers are nuts, and why they think you are, too.
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More About the Author

My career path has taken me through government agencies, Fortune 10 corporations, and start-ups. Through them all my passion remained consistent - applying new technologies to work groups - in each case asking how they can be leveraged to collaborate and cooperate more effectively. I love ideas, creation, and building opportunities. I love working with teams who are passionate about the future. I love pushing boundaries. I love inclusion. My goal with all technologies is to increase beneficial contact between people and reduce the bureaucratic noise which so often tends to increase costs and destroy creativity.

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