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Darren Green

Could You Be Thin Slicing It? How Small Pieces of Information Can Make Big Decisions

Updated: Oct 1

Have you ever made a split-second judgment about someone or something? Chances are, you've engaged in a psychological phenomenon known as "thin slicing."


This powerful cognitive process can significantly impact our decision-making, both positively and negatively.


What is Thin Slicing?


Thin slicing is a psychological concept that refers to our ability to make quick, accurate judgments based on limited information. The concept suggests that people can make accurate judgments about others or situations with only limited exposure—often just a few seconds or minutes.



a man thinking with a lot of thoughts

Why Does Thin Slicing Matter?


This ability can have both positive and negative outcomes. From an evolutionary standpoint, quick judgments may have been essential for survival. Thousands of years ago, making fast decisions could have been the difference between life and death. But what about today?


In the modern world, thin slicing could save you from falling for a scam or it could lead you to form unfair biases about someone based on limited interaction.


When Should You Trust Thin Slicing?


Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. The effectiveness of thin slicing is situational, and relying solely on it can sometimes backfire.


The best advice I can give is to pay attention when your intuition signals something negative. Use that feeling to pause and buy yourself some time—don't ignore it.


However, keep in mind that your intuition isn't foolproof. As Dr. Steve Peters might say, your "chimp brain" (your emotional brain) processes decisions much faster than your rational brain. Sometimes, this can cause you to jump to conclusions too quickly

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The Balance: Trust Intuition but Don’t Be Ruled by It


By all means, lean into the power of your intuition. It can be incredibly accurate and valuable when assessing situations quickly. Just remember—don’t be a slave to it. Balance your gut feelings with rational thought to avoid making hasty judgments.



Curious how to apply this to your life? Why not get in touch with me on Instagram (@darren_green_coaching) or Linkedin (Darren Green PCC) and let's chat about how I can help you grow your professional and personal life!

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