We could spend a lot of time bemoaning how social media has influenced our ability to think critically, and maybe push us to think cynically. Some argue that AI is further eroding our ability to think critically.
There may be some truth here.
Start with confirmation bias. It roughly goes like this...
think a thing
see anything that supports my thinking
my thinking must be true and accurate
The concept of "my truth" had meaning referring to one's lived experiences and observations. This is fully different than "the truth." But when people see confirmation of "their truth" it becomes "the truth" and then very difficult to convince them otherwise. Convincing someone otherwise does not rely on mounds of irrefutable data. It relies on them having an experience to the contrary.
Having established that "my thinking is true and accurate," we also know that , "I'm right."
This is where nonsense like "alternative facts" is both born and takes root. A person wants to be right so badly that they will believe imaginary data that supports their point of view. Then vehemently defend the made-up information as accurate and true.
The last bit of this journey is believing so much alternative whatever, that all other data doesn't seem just wrong. It seems fake. Or invented. Or a conspiracy. Once this approach to information comprehension is achieved, a person has a very cynical outlook because, based on ALL THE DATA they're right and EVERYONE else is lying.
What in the name of Doc Brown does this have to do with leadership or workplace culture?
The connection is that leaders have a responsibility to stay in the critical space. Information that comes there way needs to be understood and, as needed, validated. Once information is shown to be accurate, it's true.
That goes for bad news as well as good.
Imagine a leader getting a poor review from their direct reports on a 360 evaluation. They can critically examine the information and make meaning of it. Or, they can cynically skim the data and argue why it's not accurate.
Effective leaders use critical thinking skills consistently and regularly.
When direct or skip-level people tell you something, as a leader, believe they are telling you the truth as they know it. Then seek out more data. It might be true that the line worker was told to work with worn out protective gear. That doesn't mean that all of the workers were told to work with faulty equipment. It doesn't even mean the employee was told to work with worn out gear specifically.
"Boss, my glove has a hole in it."
"Sure does. Not sure how you got a hole on the back of your glove, but please get a new pair at break in 7 minutes."
"Got it."
"...work with worn out protective gear." Yes. We don't care about your health or safety? No.
An effective leader would hear the complaint, then ask questions. Not to make the reporting party feel interrogated, but to understand. Even a question like, "How much did this make you feel less safe doing your work?" If the answer is that the employee didn't feel unsafe, that doesn't mean there's no issue, it means it's not necessarily a safety issue. It's a communication issue.
"Boss, my glove has a hole in it."
"Sure does. Not sure how you got a hole on the back of your glove. Would you like a new pair right now? I can get them if you want."
(option a) "Yeah, that's a good idea. Better safe than sorry."
(option b) "No, it's alright. I just noticed it and break is in 7 minutes. I'll get them then."
"Sounds good."
No assumption that the employee did wrong by getting a hole in a weird location on their glove. No assuming the employee is trying to get to break early. Just an observation followed by a conversation that has zero cynicism and a dash of critical thinking.
Please examine your response to workplace news over the next week or two. Do you feel more reactionary or more responsive? Do you understand as much as you can then act or fill in blanks with assumptions and move ahead.
It takes a critically thinking leader to be able to engage in this kind of reflection. Maybe ask a trusted colleague to check your thinking on your responses.
Photo by Tom Radetzki on Unsplash
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