194. Functional Fixedness: When All You Have Is A Hammer, Everything Looks Like a Nail

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In today’s episode, we are digging in on the concept of functional fixedness, or the “when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail” problem. I rather enjoyed taking this analogy a bit to the extreme while sharing how this works; I hope you like it too.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When there is an issue with functional fixedness, both sides are holding tightly to their own respective hammers. Like all the biases, heuristics, and concepts I share here on</span> <em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Brainy Business</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, it is often easier to see these things in others than in ourselves, but I challenge you to look for your own hammer in each encounter. As you will learn in this episode, getting out of your own functionally fixed way – even about something simple – can have such a huge impact on your company overall. Listen in to find out how you can make small changes for a big impact. </span></p> <h3><span style="font-weight: 400;">Show Notes:</span></h3> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[00:41] In today’s episode, we are digging in on the concept of functional fixedness, or the “when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail” problem.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[02:27] When you first show up to tackle a new skill or concept, you are so excited for this new opportunity, you likely bring every mental tool you might need to help you learn. You’re a sponge, ready for whatever life throws at you.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[03:17] As you develop expertise, you start to declutter that mental toolbox.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[04:30] When someone cuts you off on the freeway, they’re instantly labeled a “jerk.” What about when you cut someone off? It feels completely different because of fundamental attribution error (and we do this all the time in business). </span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">[06:09] It is importan