Commentary for July 2011 Book Review on How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer

(First Mariner Books edition 2010, HMH Publishing Company, New York)

Jonah Lehrer wrote How We Decide because he was frustrated by the time he wasted on decisions like trying to make up his mind which brand of Cheerios to buy. The result is a fascinating study for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of decision-making processes and how to improve them. The book is extremely readable due to the way Lehrer expertly weaves wonderful anecdotes about amazing occurrences throughout the neuroscientific explanations in his presentation. Why was QB Tom Brady, the NFLs 199th draft pick in 2000, able to beat the highly-favoured St. Louis Rams and win the 2002 Super Bowl? What possessed an MS patient, newly treated with the drug Requip, to suddenly become a compulsive gambler and destroy her personal life in the process? How did smokejumper Wag Dodge figure out that the only way to save his life was to hit the ground instead of trying to outrun a raging grass fire that was 200 feet high coming at him at 30 miles an hour? In 1989, how could Captain Al Haynes fly a DC-10 ninety miles to make an emergency landing after a complete failure of the planes hydraulic system and the loss of one of its three engines? Did Lt Cmdr Michael Riley really just make a lucky guess to save the USS Missouri in 1991 when he shot down an enemy missile that, according to his radar, could have just as easily been a returning A-6 fighter jet? Why is Walter Mischels marshmallow test to four-year-olds an accurate predictor of their future SAT scores? And there is much more..

Lehrer summarizes how to use reason and emotion for effective decision making with a few simple guidelines: 1) Simple Problems Require Reason, Important Problems Need Emotion The rational brain will overload when processing a complex problem involving more than 5 to 9 variables. Think less about those items that you care a lot about. Dont be afraid to let your emotions make the choice. . 2) Novel Problems Require Reason If the problem is truly unprecedented, then emotion cant save you. You need your rational mind to find a solution. Happy people are often better problem solvers, possibly because their critical brain capacity is not preoccupied managing their emotional state. 3) Embrace Uncertainty When you are certain you know the answer, take a moment to consider a contrary opinion on the issue. This line of thinking will provide new insights and potentially yield a better solution. 4) You Know More Than You Know Your emotional brain is excellent at subconsciously turning mistakes into educational events which then form the basis for future decision making. Although the emotional brain cannot always be trusted, it should always be consulted. Think about why you are feeling what you are feeling. 5) Think about Thinking Whenever you make a decision, be aware of the kind of decision you are making and the kind of thought process it requires. Study your brain at work. Listen to the arguments inside your head. What thoughts about thinking would you like to share? Email them to greg@schottresolutions.ca. Until next month, enjoy the summer sun. There will be another book report in August.