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.

Comments

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