Illusion of Control

A cognitive bias that leads to the belief that we are more in control of events that is objectively the case.

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Key Insights & Principles

Self-control

1. We have a tendency to believe we have control over uncertain events.
2. We tend to overestimate the role of skill or expertise and underestimate luck and random chance.
3. The illusion of control breeds overconfidence which can have detrimental outcomes when making decisions.
4. Humans have an emotional desire for control - uncertainty can create anxiety and fear - causing people to act as if they can control what it is not possible to control.
5. The feeling of control (illusion or not) can be positive - it can drive us to try to achieve things we may not otherwise.
6. The illusion of control can make people calm.
7. We have a tendency to restrict our own creativity - and maintain an illusion of control as creativity often requires that we relinquish control.
8. Anger can provide the illusion of control by releasing adrenaline to increase awareness, energy, strength and redirect attention from fear or pain - the reality is that it can make us more vulnerable.
9. A response to overwhelm (the feeling of not being in control) is often to be passive and limit our actions to give the illusion of control - the less we attempt, the less chance of failure.

Negotiation

1. Giving the other side the illusion of control can be advantageous in negotiation - it can make them overconfident or comfortable enough to divulge additional information.

1. Seek "no" in negotiation and give the opponent the illusion of control.
2. Ask for advice or help to maintain the illusion of control.

Book References