S.T.A.R.S.

Strategic Talen Acceleration & Regional Succession Program

In collaboration with Brighter Leaders

Decision-Making Traps: Self-Reflection Worksheet

We all fall into thinking traps from time to time. Use this worksheet to reflect on a recent decision and identify which traps might have influenced your choice. There are no right or wrong answers—this is about building awareness.

First name

Last name

Biases

Think about a recent decision. Ask yourself:

Confirmation Bias – Did I look for evidence that supported my initial idea more than evidence against it?

Anchoring Bias – Did I stick too closely to the first number, opinion, or piece of data I heard?

Availability Bias – Did I overestimated the likelihood of something happening to make my choice?

Overconfidence

Reflect on how confident you were in your decision:

Not validating assumptions – Did I rely solely on gut feeling or optimism instead of also checking the facts?

Past experiences – Did I assume the future would unfold like the past without considering new risks?

Convictions – Was I so convinced of being right that I ignored or downplayed warning signs?

Groupthink

Consider the role of group dynamics in your decision:

Did I go along with the group even though I had doubts?

Did I stay quiet because everyone else seemed aligned?

Did we avoid challenging a leader’s opinion to keep harmony?