Did you ever overinvest in a failing project, or put enormous effort in trying to change the behavior of a toxic team member instead of saying goodbye? Or stayed too long in an unhealthy (business) relationship? Or struggled to walk away from an abusive boss? Probably we all have some experience with this phenomenon. It is called escalation of commitment.

Escalation of commitment is a human behavior pattern in which an individual or group facing increasingly negative outcomes from a decision, action, or investment nevertheless continues the behavior instead of altering course. The actor maintains behaviors that are irrational, but align with previous decisions and actions.

What is it that we invest more and more, so there seems a point of no return? Although deep down it doesn’t feel good? Why don’t we quit?

The answer can be found in our underlying emotional drivers. Unless the pain, we do everything to protect ourselves and justify our ego and our image. The more we invest, the more we get attached and ‘it’ attaches to us.

It is inherent to this behavior pattern that the person concerned denies the ‘red flags’ as if they are not there. A neutral outsider can address patterns like these and bring them to the surface.

In a True Conversation you can rethink your commitment. Together we can create an Exit-plan, a “True North” with new horizons, and help to detach emotionally. We support you and the others involved, to go down new roads.

For more True Conversations see www.partner-mediation.com