What is *You're About to Make a Terrible Mistake!* about?

*You're About to Make a Terrible Mistake!* explores nine cognitive biases that distort strategic decision-making in business, offering 40 actionable methods to combat them. Drawing on behavioral economics and psychology, Olivier Sibony emphasizes designing organizational processes—not just individual awareness—to reduce errors. The book blends case studies, research, and practical frameworks like "decision hygiene" to help leaders improve choices.

Who should read *You're About to Make a Terrible Mistake!*?

Executives, managers, and decision-makers in business will benefit most, along with anyone interested in behavioral science. It’s ideal for leaders seeking systemic solutions to biases in teams or organizations. Sibony’s clear, research-backed approach also appeals to fans of Daniel Kahneman’s *Thinking, Fast and Slow*.

Is *You're About to Make a Terrible Mistake!* worth reading?

Yes—it’s praised for translating complex behavioral science into practical organizational strategies. Reviewers highlight its actionable advice on mitigating biases through structured processes rather than individual willpower. The book’s blend of academic rigor and real-world examples makes it a standout in decision-making literature.

What are the key decision-making traps identified in the book?

Sibony outlines nine traps, including confirmation bias, overconfidence, and groupthink. He illustrates how these errors manifest in business contexts, such as mergers or investments, and provides tools like "pre-mortem analysis" to anticipate failures before decisions are finalized.

How does *You're About to Make a Terrible Mistake!* differ from other behavioral economics books?

Unlike books focused on individual biases (e.g., *Thinking, Fast and Slow*), Sibony emphasizes institutional "decision hygiene"—systemic processes to reduce errors. He shifts the lens from personal improvement to organizational redesign, offering concrete methods for teams to leverage collective intelligence.

What is "decision hygiene" in the book?

Decision hygiene refers to structured processes that minimize bias, such as devil’s advocacy, diverse input channels, and scenario planning. Sibony argues these systems are more reliable than training individuals to spot their own cognitive errors.

What real-world case studies does the book include?

Examples span industries: failed mergers due to overoptimism, flawed investment decisions from anchoring bias, and product launches derailed by groupthink. These cases demonstrate how biases operate in high-stakes business environments and how to counteract them.

How does Olivier Sibony’s background influence the book?

A former McKinsey strategist and HEC Paris professor, Sibony combines 25+ years of consulting experience with academic research. His expertise in behavioral strategy and collaboration with Daniel Kahneman (*Noise*) informs the book’s rigor and practicality.

You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Olivier Sibony

4.06 (684 Reviews)

Business Psychology Leadership

Aperçu

Points Clés

Auteur

Questions Fréquentes

Discover why your brain betrays you in crucial moments. Endorsed by Daniel Kahneman, this 4.7-rated guide reveals 40 methods to outsmart cognitive biases. "The best, funniest guide to cognitive bias in business" - Safi Bahcall. Warren Buffett's decision-making secrets inside.

Explorez Votre Façon d'Apprendre

Résumé Rapide9min

Ressentez le livre à travers la voix de l'auteur

Approfondissement42min

Transformez les connaissances en idées captivantes et riches en exemples

Fiches mémo10 idées

Capturez les idées clés en un éclair pour un apprentissage rapide

Fun25min

Profitez du livre de manière ludique et engageante

Meilleure citation de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Individuals cannot overcome their own biases, but organizations can compensate through collaboration and process.

Explorez Votre Façon d'Apprendre

You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! n'est pas qu'un simple livre — c'est une masterclass en Business. Pour vous aider à absorber ses leçons de la manière qui vous convient le mieux, nous proposons cinq modes d'apprentissage uniques. Que vous soyez un penseur profond, un apprenant rapide ou un amateur d'histoires, il y a un mode conçu pour votre style.

Résumé Rapide

Résumé de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en 9 Minutes

Décomposez les idées clés de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en points faciles à comprendre pour découvrir comment les équipes innovantes créent, collaborent et grandissent.

00:00

Fiches mémo

Top 10 Idées de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en Bref

Condensez You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en indices de mémoire rapides mettant en évidence les principes clés de franchise, de travail d'équipe et de résilience créative.

Fun

Leçons de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! Racontées en Histoires de 25 Min

Découvrez You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! à travers des récits vivants qui transforment les leçons d'innovation en moments mémorables et applicables.

00:00

Personnaliser

Découvrez You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! à votre façon.

Posez n'importe quelle question, choisissez la voix et co-créez des idées qui résonnent vraiment avec vous.

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Commencez votre parcours d'apprentissage, maintenant

Telecharger ce resume

Obtenez le resume de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en PDF ou EPUB gratuit. Imprimez-le ou lisez-le hors ligne a tout moment.

You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Olivier Sibony

4.06 (684 Reviews)

Business Psychology Leadership

Aperçu

Points Clés

Auteur

Questions Fréquentes

Explorez Votre Façon d'Apprendre

Résumé Rapide9min

Ressentez le livre à travers la voix de l'auteur

Approfondissement42min

Transformez les connaissances en idées captivantes et riches en exemples

Fiches mémo10 idées

Capturez les idées clés en un éclair pour un apprentissage rapide

Fun25min

Profitez du livre de manière ludique et engageante

Meilleure citation de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Individuals cannot overcome their own biases, but organizations can compensate through collaboration and process.

Dans le même genre

29 sources

The Mind's Hidden Shortcuts: How Psychological Biases Shape Decisions

11 sources

Cognitive Biases: Our Mind's Hidden Shortcuts

The Art Of Thinking Clearly

Blind Spots: Navigating Cognitive Biases

Points clés

The Hidden Traps Behind Our Worst Decisions

00:00

Ever watched a brilliant leader make an astonishingly bad decision and wondered how it happened? Even the smartest executives consistently fall into predictable decision traps. These aren't failures of intelligence or character-they're systematic cognitive biases that affect us all. Despite warnings, executives repeatedly make identical mistakes: overpaying for acquisitions, creating wildly optimistic budgets, ignoring disruption signals, and doubling down on failing ventures. The puzzle is that these bad decisions come from extremely successful individuals with good advice and proper incentives. The solution lies in behavioral science. We make systematic, predictable mistakes called cognitive biases. While unconscious-bias training has become popular for addressing discrimination, it rarely tackles how our own biases affect strategic decisions. Overcoming these biases requires three fundamental ideas: First, our biases create predictable patterns of strategic error. Second, individuals cannot overcome their own biases, but organizations can compensate through collaboration and process. Third, organizations don't naturally overcome biases-they often amplify them. Leaders must become "decision architects" who deliberately design processes to counteract these predictable errors.

When Compelling Stories Override Critical Thinking

The Dangerous Allure of Business Genius

When Gut Feelings Lead You Astray

The Confidence Paradox

Breaking Through Organizational Inertia

Designing Better Decision Processes

Explorez Votre Façon d'Apprendre

Résumé Rapide

Résumé de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en 9 Minutes

Décomposez les idées clés de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en points faciles à comprendre pour découvrir comment les équipes innovantes créent, collaborent et grandissent.

00:00

Fiches mémo

Top 10 Idées de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en Bref

Condensez You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en indices de mémoire rapides mettant en évidence les principes clés de franchise, de travail d'équipe et de résilience créative.

Fun

Leçons de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! Racontées en Histoires de 25 Min

Découvrez You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! à travers des récits vivants qui transforment les leçons d'innovation en moments mémorables et applicables.

00:00

Personnaliser

Découvrez You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! à votre façon.

Posez n'importe quelle question, choisissez la voix et co-créez des idées qui résonnent vraiment avec vous.

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco

BeFreed rassemble une communauté mondiale de 1,000,000+ esprits curieux

Decouvrez comment BeFreed est discute sur le web

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

Commencez votre parcours d'apprentissage, maintenant

Telecharger ce resume

Obtenez le resume de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en PDF ou EPUB gratuit. Imprimez-le ou lisez-le hors ligne a tout moment.

You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! by Olivier Sibony Summary

Overview of You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Similar books to You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Meilleure citation de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Mode Résumé Rapide - Lisez ou écoutez le résumé de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en 9 minutes

Mode Fiches mémo - Top 10 Idées de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en Bref

Mode Fun - Leçons de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! Racontées en Histoires de 25 Min

Mode Personnaliser - Lisez ou écoutez le résumé de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en 0 minutes

Telecharger You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! PDF

Telecharger You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! EPUB

You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! by Olivier Sibony Summary

Overview of You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Similar books to You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Meilleure citation de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake!

Dans le même genre

Points clés

The Hidden Traps Behind Our Worst Decisions

When Compelling Stories Override Critical Thinking

The Dangerous Allure of Business Genius

When Gut Feelings Lead You Astray

The Confidence Paradox

Breaking Through Organizational Inertia

Designing Better Decision Processes

Mode Résumé Rapide - Lisez ou écoutez le résumé de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en 9 minutes

Mode Fiches mémo - Top 10 Idées de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en Bref

Mode Fun - Leçons de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! Racontées en Histoires de 25 Min

Mode Personnaliser - Lisez ou écoutez le résumé de You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! en 0 minutes

Telecharger You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! PDF

Telecharger You’re About to Make a Terrible Mistake! EPUB

Dans le même genre

Points clés

The Hidden Traps Behind Our Worst Decisions

When Compelling Stories Override Critical Thinking

The Dangerous Allure of Business Genius

When Gut Feelings Lead You Astray

The Confidence Paradox

Breaking Through Organizational Inertia

Designing Better Decision Processes