« Stop thinking and start playing” is a common punchline in American sports. Many sports fans would relate to that powerlessness or numbness feeling when we think too much in the middle of a game. It’s the Paralysis by Analysis syndrome, a term coined by American tennis legend Arthur Ashe. Unfortunately, managers find themselves way too often in similar situations. Analysis – the systematic study of issues – is key for organizations to make better decisions. How ever, when do we overdo it? How harmful could it be? Moreover, how to mitigate those damages?

Some cultures are more vulnerable than others

As readers of finance&gestion magazine, we are twice as much exposed to this Paralysi...