diff --git a/content/perception-is-sticky.md b/content/perception-is-sticky.md index 4003518..dc98162 100644 --- a/content/perception-is-sticky.md +++ b/content/perception-is-sticky.md @@ -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