Improving Decision Making – How We Think – with André-Jean Maheu
How does our thinking affect our decision-making? The Nobel prize winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman first shared the idea of system 1 and system 2 thinking in his groundbreaking book Thinking Fast and Slow.
In this episode, Andre-Jean Maheu joins Chris and Jordy to discus System 1 and 2 thinking systems and how that affects our decision making.
AJ is an avalanche professional and member of the Canadian Ski Guide Association. He has also worked as a professional ski patroller for the past 20 years. He is active in many spheres of the avalanche industry including forecasting for industrial operations, search and rescue, and ski resorts as well as instructing and guiding.
AJ shares his perspective of making high risk decisions while using both fast intuitive thinking and slower, reasoned thinking. He also talks about the advantages and disadvantages of both and what you need to know to make better decisions involving risk.
This is another thought-provoking episode that is relevant to all aspects of our lives from the mountains to the office and beyond.
Key Takeaways
Metric of a Good Decision: A good decision can be defined as a choice that looks good well after the fact, not just in the moment. It might have a good outcome, but a good decision really should be based on the process you used.
System 1 Thinking: This harnesses pattern recognition and heuristics. This allows us to make decisions fast often on a sub conscious level. Decisions made with System 1 can often be measured in seconds.
System 2 Thinking: This is more reasoned thinking that carefully considers many factors more slowly and thoroughly. Decisions made with System 2 can often be measured in minutes.
Advantages: System 1 uses little effort and is great for making quick decisions. System 2 works well for making more complex decisions in newer environments.
Disadvantages: Because System 1 thinking relies on pattern recognition recognition, it is prone to making errors in situations where a person does not have experience. System 2 requires a lot of mental energy and time making it impractical for decsions that need quick answers or decisions that need to be made continuously.
Improving Thinking: Involve others to reduce bias and blindness (where we miss information). Use rules-based decision making and checklists. Use comparisons instead of relying on numbers-based systems to rate things.
Improving Quick Decision Making: Use priming to bring patterns and correct responses to front of mind just before they may be needed. Develop and practice patterns like movements or procedures before they needed. Recognize when to switch to System 2 such as newer more complex situstions.
Guest Bio
AJ Maheu began his career in the outdoor industry over 30 years ago. After spending a decade instructing, guiding river trips in Québec, and hikes from Alaska to the Andes he shifted his focus to emergency response in remote settings. He worked as a paramedic on worksites on Baffin Island and began a 20-year-career teaching wilderness first aid. He has taught emergency preparedness and first aid in multiple adventure travel guide programs in 6 different colleges and universities across the country.
AJ Maheu is an avalanche professional and member of the Canadian Ski Guides Association. He has also worked as a professional ski patroller for the past 20 years. He is active in many spheres of the avalanche industry including forecasting for industrial operations, search and rescue, and ski resorts as well as instructing and guiding.
AJ has been producing the North Shore Snowpack YouTube channel, providing weekly snowpack information to backcountry users and is a brand ambassador for Nano Traino, manufacturer of high quality, packable emergency evacuation toboggans. When not working, he is busy delivering adventures for his 2 boys, taking them on family adventures.
Guest Links
North Shore Snowpack YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@northshoresnowpack?si=eZClzV6KePi3hYwb
Nano Traino: https://nanotraino.com/en/
André-Jean Maheu Contact: amaheu@alpinesolutions.com
Follow or Subscribe
Don’t forget to follow the show!
Share & Social Links
