It’s easy to get so wrapped up in your own point of view that you fail to consider you might be wrong. This is exacerbated by social media and our news feeds that share content every day confirming your reality without presenting an unbiased and neutral view that allows you to question your assumptions and consider opposing thoughts.
While working on his theory of evolution, Darwin feared this confirmation bias and took steps to avoid it in his work. He accomplished this by maintaining two separate notebooks. In one, he documented all the evidence that supported his theory. In another, he compiled all the observations that refuted his hypothesis. Reading through both, Darwin was able to make a more rational assessment of his conclusions.
What steps are you taking that allow you the ability to challenge your thinking? Perhaps a two notebook method could be a good strategy for you. Maybe appoint a devil’s advocate for your meeting. Or consider utilizing a confidante that can be a truth-teller for you and help point out flaws in your assumptions.
However you choose to do it, protecting against the bias that predisposes you to confirm your views is an essential leadership skill. There are two sides to every coin. Seek them out.
