Our brains are wired to make assumptions, and it’s a natural part of how we navigate uncertainty. However, when it comes to the workplace, these assumptions can do more harm than good. As leaders, understanding the science behind these mental shortcuts and learning to reframe our thinking can transform how we interact with our teams. And in this week’s episode of Reflect Forward, we dive into the stories we tell ourselves and how to stop the negative narrative.

Why We Tell Ourselves Stories

Human beings are wired to seek coherence. When information is incomplete or ambiguous, our brains fill in the gaps with stories to make sense of what we see. While this can be helpful in some situations, it often leads to misunderstandings in complex environments like the workplace.

Cognitive biases are at the core of this process—mental shortcuts that help us make quick decisions but can also distort our perceptions. Three common biases that influence workplace storytelling are confirmation bias, fundamental attribution error, and negative bias:

• Confirmation bias: We tend to interpret information in ways that confirm our pre-existing beliefs.

• Fundamental attribution error: We often attribute others' actions to their personality or character rather than considering external factors.

• Negative bias: The human brain focuses on and remembers negative experiences or information.

These mental shortcuts served us well in our evolutionary past but can create toxic workplace dynamics today. Leaders are responsible for recognizing when we’re falling into these patterns and actively seeking to challenge them.

The Danger of Inaccurate Stories

Inaccurate stories lead to misunderstandings, mistrust, and disengagement within teams. The stories we tell ourselves often result in decisions that are out of alignment with reality. This disconnect can cause tension, erode relationships, and foster a culture of negativity.

How to Reframe the Story

To break free from inaccurate stories, pause and reflect before reacting.

Seek to Understand Before Judging

Stop Telling Yourself Stories

Committing to the following can have a significant impact on your team’s success:

• Pause, Reflect, Reframe: Notice when you’re making assumptions and practice challenging your initial thoughts.

• Embrace Curiosity: Ask questions and seek to understand before forming conclusions.

• Assume Good Intentions: Approach every interaction with the belief that others mean well, creating a culture of trust and openness.

• Hold Yourself Accountable: Stop the negative narrative, own your triggers and stories and be a role model.

By embracing these practices, you’ll not only improve your own leadership capabilities but also create a more positive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace for your team.

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