Embrace Change, Challenge Certainty
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Happy 2024! Or so we hope…
Hey there,
I hope this message finds you well and I'm looking forward to a fresh start in this new year. After recently viewing "Leave the World Behind" I’ve been left pondering the path to a beautiful future for all of us. Striking a balance between staying informed about current events and preserving my sanity by avoiding excessive news consumption has become a daily challenge. I'm sure many of you can relate. While I may not have all the answers, what I've found helpful is embracing curiosity, especially when faced with the daunting prospect of self-destruction.
As I reflect on one of our fundamental principles, GIVE UP THE NEED TO BE RIGHT, I'm reminded of its profound significance in navigating the complexities of our world - especially if you spend any amount of time on social media. (You can read more about it here). Shedding the inclination to always be right is no small feat, particularly for those of us who firmly believe in the infallibility of our perspectives. It requires intentional effort to set aside our ingrained beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints, a critical skill, especially in leadership roles.
In James Clear's insightful article, "5 Common Mental Errors That Sway You from Making Good Decisions," he addresses Confirmation Bias as a major impediment to sound decision-making. Clear notes, "Most people don’t want new information, they want validating information." This bias reinforces our tendency to seek information that aligns with our existing beliefs, while dismissing contradictory evidence. It's a natural inclination that we must consciously counteract.
Our most potent tool against Confirmation Bias is curiosity. By acknowledging our perceptions as subjective and embracing curiosity, we open ourselves to a world beyond our individual biases. This mental shift is vital, requiring a deliberate pause and a conscious choice to listen generously and entertain the possibility that we might not be entirely right in our decisions.
In high-performing environments, both individuals and teams regularly practice this pause and shift. The cost of admission to such a space is leaving one's ego at the door, along with its persistent judgments and survival-centric agenda. It's a challenging yet necessary practice for those striving for excellence.
Personally, I've honed this skill in my professional life, extending it to my interactions with family and friends. This year, I'm challenging myself to broaden this thinking further, cultivating curiosity about what might be possible for humankind as a whole. Care to join me on this journey?
Wishing you all the best,
Marlene
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