# The Heroic and the Pragmatic By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-06-19 Economic considerations play prominently in business. Cost is one of the economic elements central to informing decisions. Such a consideration does not figure at all in the heroic mindset. Heroes pursue goals at any cost. It is this “at any cost” which can be so inspiring. But is such a heroic approach practical or even desirable? However inspiring the heroic mindset is, there are significant negatives associated with it that seldom are discussed. Focusing on the “at any cost” is helpful. Rephrasing this statement slightly, heroes pursue goals even when the cost exceeds the benefit. Heroes are willing to achieve pyrrhic victories. Perhaps these make ennobling stories. Conversely, businesses make pragmatic decisions all the time. When a certain course of action becomes too costly, it is abandoned. Businesses pursue goals to the point at which the cost allows them to make the desired profit level. Or at least that is how it works in theory. Usually, the heroic mindset kicks in, and those engaged and invested in the activity want to stay the course to make it pay off. This is, in part, a cognitive bias (i.e., escalating commitment) and part of the socio-cultural valuation of heroism or pragmatism. The heroic and the pragmatic coexist in business. Valor and value compete for dominance. Sometimes the battle resides within a given individual. Other times the battle rages between different subcultures within the organization. This topic is neglected because businesses want the benefits of both without committing to either. #### Related Items [[Economics]] [[Heroic]] [[Pragmatic]] [[Business]] [[Mindset]] [[Money]]