Introduction

This article is about the fact that the obvious is not always the truth. This is an important point for founders, as they need to be able to analyse complex situations and make the right decisions.

An example from aviation

To illustrate this, I would like to give an example from aviation. After the Second World War, engineers examined the aircraft that had returned from missions. They found that these had been hit in many places. The engineers thought that the aircraft could be made safer by reinforcing the areas that had been hit most often.

In fact, this was a mistake in reasoning. The aircraft that did not return had been hit in the areas most critical to their operation, such as the engine or the fuel tank. The engineers should have focused on the aircraft that did not return in order to identify the real weak points.

The importance of changing perspective

This example shows how important it is not to rely only on the obvious facts. It is important to consider other perspectives as well. In this case, the engineers should have considered why the aircraft did not return. They could also have spoken to the pilots and others involved to learn more about the circumstances of the crashes.

The danger of fallacies

If we rely only on the obvious facts, we risk making fallacies. A fallacy is a false conclusion based on a false assumption. In the aviation example, the engineers made the false assumption that the aircraft needed to be reinforced where they had been hit most often.

The search for the truth

The truth is often not easy to find. It can be complex and multi-layered. That is why it is important to take your time and gather all relevant information. We should also be open to new insights and willing to change our minds when the facts change.

Additional tips for founders

Here are a few additional tips for founders that can help them find the truth:

• Talk to other people. Seek the opinions of experts, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Use data and analysis. Data can help you identify patterns and make informed decisions.
• Stay open to new ideas. Be willing to change your mind when you receive new information.

If you follow these tips, you are well on your way to finding the truth and leading your business to success.

Conclusion

If you want to be successful as a founder, you should be aware of this challenge. Do not be too quick to judge and try to consider all relevant perspectives. Only then can you make the right decisions and lead your business to success.