What are "apple pie positions"?

"Apple pie positions" refer to universally agreeable statements or decisions in an organization that are rarely challenged due to their perceived obviousness or safety. These positions are compared to apple pie because they are generally accepted and not subject to scrutiny, even when they might not be the best course of action.

For example, pushing for unnecessary metrics before making a decision could be an "apple pie position" because questioning it might seem risky or lead to social costs in a professional setting. By labeling these as "apple pie positions," it makes it easier for team members to recognize and challenge them without fear of personal repercussions 1 2 3.

Essentially, this concept encourages organizations to foster a culture where employees feel safe to speak up against these default positions to promote better decision-making and efficiency.