Do we know what common sense is and, can we improve it if we don't?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the meaning, significance, and development, of common sense and to suggest an approach for enhancing it. Design/methodology/approach – Literature review and critical analysis of the way greater skill in decision‐making leads to “better” common sense. Findings – In light of the very limited coverage of common sense development in the literature, this paper may make a contribution to the awareness of the dimensions of common sense and to approaches that can help individuals develop what might be more appropriate decisions based on common sense – decisions that consider more of the relevant issues. Practical implications – Individuals – managers and leaders in all work and home activities – can enhance their common sense, and with it their decisions, by developing the habit of following the guidelines suggested by the paper, or equally appropriate ones. Originality/value – There does not appear to be anything as practically applicable to common sense development as the suggested approach