The Decision Makers Playbook Part 3: The Bias Blockers

Week three of the Decision Makers Playbook teaches leaders that decision frameworks can’t protect them from their own brain shortcuts, as behavioral economics shows even experienced, well-intentioned leaders make predictable judgment errors due to bias. The episode introduces a “bias blocker” system and explains six common biases—confirmation, sunk cost, anchoring, overconfidence, loss aversion, and groupthink—along with practical overrides like assigning a devil’s advocate, evaluating choices without past investment, creating your own anchor first, running a pre-mortem, reframing opportunity cost, and structuring dissent. Viewers rate their dominant biases, answer three reflection questions, and estimate the real cost of bias. A case study shows sunk cost and confirmation bias driving prolonged investment in a failing product line until a clean-slate review prompts a pivot that frees overhead and boosts revenue. The session closes with a four-step checklist and participant reflections on applying the tools in personal and business decisions. Want in on the live Q&A? Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live. Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved! www.optimizebusinesssystems.com 00:00 Week Three Kickoff 00:18 Why Biases Happen 02:21 Three Bias Truths 03:59 Build a Bias System 05:32 Confirmation Bias 07:12 Sunk Cost Trap 09:02 Anchoring Effect 11:00 Overconfidence Check 12:57 Loss Aversion Fear 14:54 Groupthink Pressure 16:46 Find Your Pattern 19:07 Case Study Product Line 22:56 Four Step Bias Blocker 25:15 Series Wrap and Week Four 26:27 Alan Applies the Tools 34:20 Willy Bias in Trucking 38:05 Closing Homework Reminder