Skip to main content

Are you trapped by Confirmation Bias?



Experience something new this week.
Step outside your comfort zone.
Take a risk!



I speak often about the unintended consequences of confirmation bias on our society — more intolerance and even less understanding of our differences. This is when we only read material, attend events, join organizations or hire employees that match our own backgrounds, experiences and beliefs. It's when we screen out information we might not agree with.

Thanks to the internet, our DVRs and satellite radio, one can have their biases validated daily by self-selection. This presents a critical problem for our personal and professional growth as leaders.  How do we help ourselves, our families, organizations and communities tap into new ideas when we censor the content and the activities that guide us daily?

Our challenge is to develop innovative ways to avoid confirmation bias. We must lead by example, and step outside of our comfort zones to maximize our personal potential and the potential of our family, employers, and communities. It is easy to focus on what feels good and, perhaps, to continue to do what has always worked for us in the past.  

If we don’t become aware of our own biases and make the necessary changes, we can easily find ourselves without the relationships, resources and understanding needed to help ourselves and those closest to us navigate in this global society.

When you’re risk-adverse, you follow the crowd. When you’re not willing to step out and make a difference, or be different, you’re following the crowd. So, when we look at risk, not reckless, but strategic risk, then we’re putting ourselves in a position to shine above the rest as individuals, as professionals.  This translates well for our future success as leaders.

Consider writing your own affirmation or use one of these:
  • I will experience something new this week.
  • I will step outside my comfort zone and take a risk.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Your Network Can Send You a Life Line!

The phrase for the week is "Invest in Your Network” Thought I'd keep the investment theme going another week. On this day when taxes are due, I'd like to remind you that investments in your network are also due! Too often I speak with young and senior professionals who invest little or no time in building and expanding their network. It is usually during a personal or professional crisis when the alarm sounds and they realize they have no network.   They are all alone. When you have built a thriving network, you’ll know. You are privy to information that hasn’t gone public yet or perhaps, never will.   You are smarter than your peers because you have a body of knowledge and expertise that you can tap into with a quick phone call or email.   You are the go-to person for counsel and information.   People want you on the team. How do you build or expand your network?   Begin with securing a mentor (see March 11, 2019 blog post).   It doesn’t have to be some
4 comments
Read more

Strive for Excellence!

The phrase for the week is "Strive for Excellence” What exactly does that mean and how will I know I’ve achieved it?   Good question!   You can go back as far as you’d like…think about a time when you either led or were part of something that swirls joyously in your head for months or years--having children or getting married doesn’t count. You know you gave y our best when years later, you are still beaming with pride at just the thought of it!   Could you imagine having that feeling each day?   How about once a week?   Once a week is absolutely doable.   When you achieve a high level of excellence on a daily basis, and it becomes habit, then you’re going to find success greeting you at every turn.   Know where your sweet spot is and be purposeful, deliberate.   Strive for Excellence. I strive for excellence in all I do each and every day.
Post a Comment
Read more

Welcome to My Leadership Blog!

I don’t have to tell you that thinking outside the box is critical to success in today’s bustling world.   As busy leaders, it is a daunting task to find the time to strengthen our leadership skills, attend to our family and contribute in a meaningful way to our community.   Often we feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to set priorities when, so it seems, everything is a priority.   Yet, we suck it up and move ahead, not sure if the problem is “us” or “them.” Certainly, we can all agree that working harder doesn’t always get the desired results.   Throughout my 38 years as a public relations and business strategist and executive coach, I’ve observed that sometimes it is “us” and sometimes, it is “them.”   Recently, I reflected on all I learned over the years as a student of human behavior and was compelled to write the blog I wish I could have read 30 years ago.   I have a personal library filled with books on leadership, emotional intelligence, coaching and the like.
3 comments
Read more