Making a Google search is so common the act already became a verb: googling something. There's nothing wrong with it, yet we should pay more attention to some things. For instance, relying mindlessly on one source of information is agreeing to that source's motivations, values, and interests. In today's episode, thanks to our guest, Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, we learn about AREA, an evidence-based decision-making system she created to counter cognitive bias to expand knowledge while improving judgment. Cheryl developed the AREA method after over two decades as an award-winning investigative journalist writing for The New York Times, Foreign Policy Magazine, Barron's, and Harvard Business Review. Cheryl is a Founder and Author of multiple books on leadership and self-development, a TEDx Speaker, and the Creator of the AREA Method. In January 2008, she founded Decisive, a leadership training and professional development company. Throughout our conversation, Cheryl explains why she believes decision-making is a skill that can be learned and developed, debunks the idea that decision-making is an individual activity, and describes the five problem-solver profiles. We also discuss Cheryl's AREA Method, why she describes the AREA Method as the opposite of googling, how to "clean" bias' dirty windshield, and more. Tune in to Episode 389 and prepare yourself to develop your decision-making skills and make big decisions better. Some Questions I Ask: Please, tell us about AREA; how did it come about? What is it? And how do you apply it? (6:20) Why do we need to investigate our decision-making? Why is that important? (12:10)  In This Episode, You Will Learn: A bit about Cheryl's background (3:20) There is a massive difference between the map and the terrain (9:10) The 5 Problem Solver Profiles (14:00) An example of how Problem Solver Profile approaches an issue (17:10) It is possible to leverage your skills and mitigate your blind spots (23:20)  Connect with Cheryl: Website LinkedIn Cheryl's Cheeta Sheets Get a copy of Cheryl's books  Becoming Your Best Resources: Becoming Your Best Website Becoming Your Best University Website Becoming Your Best Library Book: Becoming Your Best: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful LeadersBook: Conquer Anxiety: How to Overcome Anxiety and Optimize Your Performance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.