What is the bicycle shed effect and why do we hold on to the little things, missing the main thing

Imagine that you need to read a serious book, the knowledge from which will be a serious help in your work. But it is replete with complex terms, because of which you will have to turn to the Internet and reference books. You postpone reading it for later and instead of an important but uninteresting book, you read what you like, for example, historical detectives. And the point here is not at all in the habit of postponing difficult things for later, but in the so-called effect of the bicycle shed. What is it and how to avoid it in order to become more responsible?

The effect with a funny name is based on the law of triviality, deduced by Cyril Northcote Parkinson in 1957. The author clearly showed the essence of the effect on the example of a fictional construction committee involved in approving the design of a nuclear power plant.

There were three issues on the committee's agenda. This is the construction of a power plant, the installation of a bicycle shed and an annual budget for coffee for employees. Everything related to the nuclear power plant was discussed and adopted quickly. The questions were considered in passing, and no one wanted to delve into the details. It was too complicated and time-consuming. The designer tried to start a serious discussion, but he was not supported.

But the next topic — the construction of a bicycle shed, aroused more interest. The discussion was lively and almost everyone present participated in it. This topic was close to the members of the committee, because everyone rode bicycles and also knew a lot about sheds. In this regard, it was easy and pleasant to express their points of view — everyone felt their competence in the issue.

On the issue of the coffee budget, everyone present felt like experts. Everyone was eager to express their point of view and suggestions were pouring in. It all ended with the fact that the meeting time expired and no decisions were made on the main issue — the power plant. To discuss engineering problems, the committee had to meet again, another time.

The effect described by Parkinson is expressed in the fact that we subconsciously prefer to devote more time to things that are close and understandable to us. Complex questions that require concentration and information retrieval are postponed for later. If the problem turns out to be outside our zone of understanding, then we do not even make attempts to form an opinion about it. This concerns a nuclear power plant.

If the topic is more or less close to us, like the construction of a bicycle shed, then this is another matter. We feel an obligation to communicate our point of view and share our experience. Everyone is trying to show that they understand this. Many are not even confused by the fact that they are superficially familiar with bicycle sheds and have encountered them for a long time.

Well, if we are talking about an issue in which we are really strong, for example, buying coffee for the office, then you can devote maximum time and effort to it. In this case, no one spares time and energy trying to show their awareness and rich experience. But that's not all. Another reason for the existence of the bicycle shed effect is personality and behavior characteristics.

Many people are afraid of mistakes, so they use this effect as a defense mechanism in the fight against their triggers. It is much easier for them to concentrate on something familiar than to take risks and try to understand the complex and incomprehensible. Because of this, some people prefer to collect cash instead of opening a bank account. To make deposits, you first need to understand the conditions and it scares.

The effect of a bicycle shed can be encountered in a variety of aspects of life. Imagine that you need to complete two tasks of the chief. You were instructed to choose and buy a computer for the office and make a stock of pens and notebooks. If you are not strong in technology, then you are unlikely to show zeal for the first assignment. You will constantly postpone the purchase of complex equipment.

But on the websites of companies selling stationery, you will probably spend a lot of time. You understand well what notebooks and pens are needed and distinguish plain paper from coated paper, and hardcover from soft. From your own experience, you also know which pen paste is better. Agree, choosing stationery is easier and more enjoyable than studying technical issues and risking making an unsuccessful purchase.

But there is also a downside to the coin. You will still have to deal with the computer sooner or later, because the task needs to be completed. The more you postpone, the less time you have to study the topic. Of course, the lower the probability that the purchased product will meet the expectations of the boss.

The effect we have described can significantly complicate life. It is necessary and possible to fight with it and it is not difficult at all. First of all, you need to learn how to set goals for yourself. They should be clear and specific. To do this, you need to prepare questions in advance that may arise during the discussion or simply in the process of solving some problem.

You can give an example — the purchase of a computer. If you do not understand this technique, then you need to make a list of important questions in advance. Do you need a laptop or a desktop computer? What screen diagonal should the device have? What should be the processor performance and the amount of RAM?

In addition, it is necessary to set time limits and deadlines in order not to succumb to the temptation to postpone something and fall into procrastination. If you have to deal with a difficult task, you can allocate one and a half or two hours. If the question is simple and obvious, then the time reserve should be minimal. This approach to work will quickly show positive results. Winning over yourself in this matter can change your life and become an impetus for career growth.