More editing of the perception essay

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Jeremy Wall 2020-07-19 10:32:07 -04:00
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@ -27,10 +27,10 @@ impacts perception of current events is a part of leadership.
## Perception is sticky
Perception tends to be sticky. It's formed by historical context and experience
and it combines with our tendency toward [confirmation
bias](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias) to stay in place. Once
we have a particular perception we tend to notice facts and events that support
that perception and discount the ones that don't. As a result, when a negative
and it is preserved by our tendency toward [confirmation
bias](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confirmation_bias). Once we have a
particular perception we tend to notice facts and events that support that
perception and discount the ones that don't. As a result, when a negative
perception forms in someone it can be particularly challenging to dislodge it.
Every misstep, every supporting event or action that supports the perception is
magnified and held up as an indication that nothing has really changed. While
@ -54,9 +54,9 @@ Once we begin to drift that way, then our confirmation bias kicks in and helps
to push us even further in that direction. It takes a lot of effort to go
against that cultural drift once it starts. Both the sticky and communicable
natures of perception serve to make it one of the things that can make or break
a culture. Unfortunately, there is also about a 50/50 chance that you'll be
starting with positive perception from the beginning. This generally means that
you will often be starting out with a handicap.
a culture. Unfortunately, there is only about a 50/50 chance that you'll be
starting with positive perception from the beginning. Generally, you'll be
starting out with a handicap.
## Perception is rarely a reflection of reality
@ -75,17 +75,15 @@ incorrect the reactions to events will be.
# Great leaders shift perceptions
Many great leaders demonstrated a capacity to manage the perceptions and the
Great leaders demonstrate a capacity to manage the perceptions and the
intuitions of those they lead. In a sense managing perception is about causing
a paradigm shift in how people approach their situation. Sometimes the shift is
small. Sometimes the shift is big and sometimes it is small.
big and sometimes it is small. I think the best leaders work to shift
perception in ways that better match reality. A perception that is closer in
line with reality leads to better outcomes. It reduces blind spots and allows
an organization to react appropriately to its environment.
I think the best leaders work to shift perception in ways that better match
reality. A perception that is closer in line with reality leads to better
outcomes. It reduces blind spots and allows an organization to react
appropriately to its environment.
## They acknowledge the historical context
## Acknowledging the historical context
You can't shift perception without first acknowledging why the current one
formed. The first step to correcting bad perception is to acknowledge that it
@ -100,16 +98,16 @@ perception doesn't exist. You have to confront the perception and acknowledge
the causes to generate enough of a shock to begin moving them in another
direction.
## They highlight additional context
## Highlighting additional context
After acknowledging the cause of incorrect perceptions, you need to work to
counteract the force of our confirmation bias. Highlighting the context that
gets ignored. Emphasizing the importance of context that gets downplayed. This
gradually begins to shift perception. There is no shortcut here. It takes
consistency and time. You won't shift perception overnight. But if you stay
consistent and honest, eventually perception will be more in line with reality.
counteract our confirmation bias. Highlighting the context that gets ignored.
Emphasizing the importance of context that gets downplayed. This gradually
begins to shift perception. There is no shortcut here. It takes consistency and
time. You won't shift perception overnight. But if you stay consistent and
honest, eventually perception will be more in line with reality.
## They recognize their own perception
## Recognizing their own perception
Great leaders also recognize they also have perceptions that can be just as
sticky as the people they lead. If the problem is that your perception is out