What is Maslow’s Hammer?
Maslow’s Hammer says that we rely too much on familiar tools (not because they’re good – only because they’re familiar). As the saying goes, “When you have a hammer, everything’s a nail.” It’s why doctors are more likely to recommend surgery for back pain than alternative treatments like massage or chiro. Or why advertising agencies think a great creative campaign is the solution to a brand’s bigger issues (like Oately or Burger King).
How to Avoid Maslow’s Hammer
Start by asking yourself questions like:
- 🤔 Is this ACTUALLY the right tool or approach, or am I using it because I feel familiar with it?
- 🤔 Is this my default way of thinking, or is this framework/platform/tool the best way to solve this issue?
Maslow’s Hammer is a type of cognitive bias – a systematic error in thinking. Cognitive biases describe the ways our thinking can go wrong – and anyone can fall prey to them. It doesn’t matter if you’re a PhD or a high school student, the CEO, or an intern.
How to Avoid Cognitive Biases (Thinking Traps) In Your Decision-Making:
- ✅ Be aware of the common cognitive biases that exist.
- ✅ Actively challenge your thinking with questions like the ones I’ve included in this post (look in the carousel below 👇 )
- ✅ Pay attention and actively work to combat cognitive biases in your decision-making process.