Unlike some other biases we’ve covered, the focusing effect doesn’t have a singular point of origin that is as clearly documented as other cognitive biases. It evolved from the broader discussions about how individuals give disproportionate weight to certain aspects of their experiences when making decisions.

This bias is closely related to the concept of “what you see is all there is” (WYSIATI), a term coined by Daniel Kahneman. WYSIATI describes how people tend to rely on readily available information and ignore what they do not see or consider. Kahneman and Tversky’s work has revealed how cognitive biases like the focusing effect can lead to systematic errors in judgment and decision-making.

In practical terms, the focusing effect can manifest in various ways, from personal decision-making to more significant leadership decisions. For instance, when evaluating a job offer, one might focus solely on salary without considering factors like work-life balance, company culture, or career growth opportunities. Such a narrow focus can lead to regrettable choices.

The focusing effect can have major implications for our personal and professional lives. It can dramatically influence how we make decisions about our own lives, such as career decisions, and it can also significantly impact how our teams make decisions.

This effect can lead us to focus on narrow aspects of a decision. For example, when deciding whether to take a job offer, we may focus on only one aspect, like salary, while ignoring other important benefits like health insurance, retirement benefits, or work-life balance. Focusing only on salary can lead to long-term implications if poorly thought through.

When it comes to team dynamics, the possibilities of falling for the focus effect are almost infinite. Teams may pay special attention to what senior leadership has said while ignoring other, more immediate concerns that could have more significant implications in the short term.

By recognizing the focusing effect and actively working to counteract it, we can make more balanced, holistic decisions.