Jeff "Odie" Espenship

10 Reasons Why Smart People Do Dumb Things

I have compiled a Top 10 list of why I think smart people do dumb things.  In no particular order…

1. Poor Perspective or Lack of Objectivity: Didn’t see the forest for the trees.  Need to step back and get a view from 20,000 feet so to speak.  Been there!

2. Pressure to Perform: It is usually from within ourselves or outside pressure from supervisor or company.  Often happens when we feel the pressure to fix a problem, or get back on schedule.  Been there!

3. Interruptions and Distractions: Things are often on our mind other than the task at hand.  Not paying attention.  Resuming work when going on/coming from vacation, or even lunch.  Reminds me of Eastern flight 401 being distracted by a burned out light bulb.  Been there!

4. Poor Situational Awareness: Where I think I am vs. where I actually am.  We fight to be right, so we rationalize away hints and clues that keep trying to tell us, “Hey Dummy, you’re a smart person doing something dumb.”  Been there!

5. Making Assumptions: We know what happens when we “ASS-U-ME”.  When we make decisions based on one or a series of assumptions, the decision to act in a certain manner may seem perfectly logical.  BUT, if the assumptions are wrong, the results of our actions may be disastrous.  Been there!

6. Ego-Ability Exceeds Capability: Overconfidence in our ability to perform an action.  It is usually prefaced with “Watch this” or “I’ll be careful”.  Reminds me of the Bud Holland B-52 crash, or being a teenager again.  Been there!

7. Snap Decisions: Are usually driven by panic or pure emotions.  Acting without processing logical or rational thoughts.  Slow down! Take a breath.  Think.  Communicate with others… then proceed.  Been there!

8. Complacency: “The Silent Killer” has many facets, yet it has tagged many smart people.  Reminds me of the Thunderbird accident.  “Ho-hum” routine jobs hurt smart people every day.  Pay attention.  Been there!

9. Lack Of A Moral Compass: Bernie Madoff and Enron are examples of smart people or entities who did dumb things.  I don’t steal from people, but I need to keep adjusting my moral compass when I run a yellow light… or speed… or “text and drive”… or…  Been there!

10. Drugs & Alcohol: This certainly impairs ones ability to think or act smartly.  Dumb acts have been committed by many smart people due to impaired thinking/ability.  Been there, and, thank goodness, I don’t go there anymore!

What is interesting about each of these is… When a smart person is doing something dumb, they either do not realize it OR they don’t think they will get caught / hurt / killed!