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Why We Let the Urgent Crowd Out the Important - Ideas for Leaders

Why We Let the Urgent Crowd Out the Important

Idea #973

Why We Let the Urgent Crowd Out the Important

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KEY CONCEPT

 

 

When a task with a deadline competes with one that matters more, people are drawn to the urgent one – even when it is clearly worth less and the deadline makes no practical difference. A short time window captures attention and pushes the size of the payoff out of view. The pull is strongest in people who feel busy, and it falls away when the value of each option is placed squarely in front of them at the moment of choice.


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Idea conceived

February 7, 2018

Idea posted

Nov 2026

DOI number

https://doi.org/10.1093/jcr/ucy008
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