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Delivering Adventure

Managing Plan Continuation Bias with Mike Adolph

Mar 14, 2024
Mike Adolph, an ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide and Technical Director of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, discusses the intriguing concept of plan continuation bias. He highlights how this bias leads individuals to stick to their original plans despite changing conditions. Through captivating anecdotes from his guiding experience, Mike offers strategies to manage biases while navigating risk in outdoor adventures. He emphasizes the importance of flexibility, setting decision points, and prioritizing safety over ambition to ensure successful outcomes.
36:01

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Plan continuation bias leads individuals to ignore shifting conditions, resulting in potential danger when pursuing initial objectives despite new information suggesting otherwise.
  • External pressures from clients can exacerbate plan continuation bias, highlighting the need for clear communication and flexibility in decision-making processes to prioritize safety.

Deep dives

Understanding Planned Continuation Bias

Planned continuation bias occurs when individuals focus on reaching their initial goal despite changes in conditions that warrant reevaluation. Factors contributing to this bias include internal pressures, external expectations, and the need to maintain a positive outlook on outcomes, often referred to as optimism bias. For instance, adventure guides may feel compelled to lead clients to a summit due to financial pressures or the desire to fulfill commitments, which might cloud their judgment regarding safety. Recognizing this bias is crucial in decision-making processes, as failing to do so can result in dangerous situations.

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