While scanning the news yesterday, I noticed that some messages seemed polarized and biased.
If psychologists have it right and humans exhibit about 200 different biases, I suppose that should not be a big surprise.
I have some [probably biased] thoughts about biases.
- When we learn our biases we better understand our strengths and weaknesses.
- When we better understand our biases we improve our ability to understand others.
- Understanding our biases helps us recognize where our thinking is limited or one-sided.
- By adjusting our mindsets to be open to listening and understanding other people’s positions, we gain new insights and avoid misunderstandings.
- Actively seeking differing/biased viewpoints allows us to challenge our own assumptions and learn from others.
- Seeking mutual agreement helps identify biases and prevent polarized viewpoints, reducing communication breakdowns.
- When we focus on shared understanding rather than division, we get beyond biases and create space for growth and effective problem-solving.
- Collaboration extracts the value embedded in biases.