Why Everyone Agrees with My Mom’s Cat Jacket – And How to Avoid That Trap

Why Everyone Agrees with My Mom’s Cat Jacket – And How to Avoid That Trap

My mom has a jean jacket with cats embroidered on the back. She thinks it’s cute, but I think it’s pretty awful. When she wears it, she always says, “Look at my cat jacket! Isn’t it cute?” People usually say, “Yes, it is!” because the way she asks makes it hard to say no. This means she only hears people agree with her, which is a good example of something called confirmation bias.

Why does this matter for startup founders?

Like my mom with her jacket, startup founders can unintentionally lead people to agree with them. When they present their ideas or products in a way that makes people want to say yes, they miss out on helpful feedback. This can create a blind spot and lead to bad decisions or products that don’t work for the market.

How to avoid this problem

Founders need to get honest feedback, even if it’s not what they want to hear. This is important because they need to make sure they’re building something that people really want. My mom could have found out that her jacket isn’t for everyone if she had asked for honest opinions instead of leading with, “Isn’t it cute?”

Ways Founders Can Avoid Confirmation Bias

Ask for a variety of feedback

Founders should get feedback from different types of people, not just friends or coworkers who might agree with them. Talking to customers, industry experts, and even competitors can help them hear other points of view.

Ask neutral questions

Instead of asking, “Isn’t this feature great?” founders should ask questions like, “What do you think of this feature?” or “How could this product be improved?” This way, they get honest answers instead of just hearing what they want.

Use data to check assumptions

Instead of guessing, founders should use facts and data to see if their ideas work. Running tests, looking at user behavior, and tracking numbers can show if their ideas are really good.

Learn from failure

When something doesn’t work out, founders should see it as a chance to learn, not just a failure. Mistakes teach them what they can do better next time.

Consider other opinions

It’s helpful for founders to surround themselves with people who think differently. By listening to people who disagree with them, they can see their ideas from another point of view.

The most important way to avoid confirmation bias is to actively ask for criticism.

Why Founders Should Ask for Criticism

Asking for criticism is one of the best ways to avoid confirmation bias. But many founders don’t do it because it feels uncomfortable. However, not getting honest feedback can lead to bad decisions, which is even worse for a startup.

Why do founders avoid criticism?

They feel personally attached

Founders are often very invested in their ideas, so criticism can feel like a personal attack. This makes it hard to accept feedback.

They don’t want to look weak

Some founders worry that asking for criticism makes them look unsure of their ideas. They want to seem confident, so they avoid asking tough questions.

They want to avoid conflict

Founders may not want to start disagreements, especially with their team. It can feel easier to just avoid tough conversations.

It takes time

Founders are usually very busy, and it can seem like asking for feedback takes too long. But skipping this step can lead to bigger problems later on.

Why Asking for Criticism Is Important

Find blind spots

Everyone has blind spots. By asking for criticism, founders can find mistakes or risks they didn’t see before.

Encourage new ideas

Criticism often leads to better ideas. When founders ask, “What’s wrong with this?” they can find ways to improve their product.

Build an honest company culture

When founders encourage criticism, they create a company where people feel safe to share their honest thoughts. This can prevent bigger problems from happening later.

Stay focused on the customer

By listening to customers’ complaints, founders can make sure they are solving real problems, not just building something they think customers will like.

How to Ask for Criticism

Create a safe space

Founders need to make sure their team feels safe giving feedback. This can be done by encouraging open discussions and rewarding people who speak up.

Ask specific questions

Instead of asking, “What do you think?” founders should ask things like, “What risks do you see in this idea?” or “What could go wrong?”

Handle criticism well

When founders get feedback, they should listen carefully and ask follow-up questions without getting defensive. Encouraging feedback only works if they respond positively.

Set a good example

Founders should show that they are open to feedback by asking for criticism themselves. This encourages the rest of the team to do the same.

Even though asking for criticism can feel hard, the benefits are worth it. By avoiding confirmation bias, founders can make sure they are building something that works for the market, not just something they think is a good idea.

In conclusion, my mom’s cat jacket is a fun example of confirmation bias. By asking, “Isn’t it cute?” she made it easy for people to agree with her. Startup founders often do the same thing by only asking for feedback that supports their ideas. If my mom had asked, “What do you really think of this jacket?” she would have gotten more honest answers. Founders should do the same by encouraging open, honest feedback, even if it’s uncomfortable. This way, they can avoid confirmation bias and build something that meets real customer needs.

Ready to Create Something as Bold as My Mom's Cat Jacket?

At Platform, we're looking for founders who aren’t afraid to stand out, take risks, and turn bold ideas into impactful ventures. If you have the grit, creativity, and resilience to build something truly unique—something that grabs attention like an embroidered cat jacket—then we want to hear from you. Apply now to join our Founder in Residence program and let’s make something that stands out for all the right reasons.