Limiting Yourself in your Echo Chamber

Do you know why you were shocked when Brexit got voted for or when Trump got elected?

It's because we tend to surround ourselves with people who think the same way as us. Our networks, both online and offline, are often composed of like-minded individuals. When the outcomes of political events, such as elections or referendums, do not align with our expectations, we are left shocked and bewildered. We wonder how it could have happened, as our social media feeds were filled with support for our views. The reason is that our social networks tend to have similar political views, and we are often unaware of the diverse perspectives that exist outside of our echo chambers.

This creates a level of comfort where our opinions and views are constantly validated, but it can also blind us to the bigger picture or not allow us enough openness to think beyond what we already know.

Now we are in a connected, yet remote world, social media has become a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions and influences our decision-making. We curate our online presence to align with our beliefs, and our feeds are often filled with posts, articles, and opinions that reaffirm our existing views. We seek out online and real life communities that share our ideologies, and we engage in discussions and debates with those who already agree with us.

But the reality is often different.

This is not limited to politics. It applies to various aspects of our lives, including our professional and personal relationships. We tend to gravitate towards people who are similar to us in terms of industry, background, interests, and beliefs. We feel more comfortable and accepted in the company of like-minded individuals who validate our opinions and choices and can "understand" our plights.

However, this can also limit our ability to see the bigger picture and gain a broader understanding of the world around us. This is all too common when founders face complications or questions around their team members, their co-founders, their customers and, often, themselves.

Having validation of your thinking can be unhelpful, especially when it comes from a place of fear, distrust or insecurity - which is often the place when bouncing off of peers, staff, friends or colleagues.

As someone who works with agency founders to address, navigate, and resolve their issues, I have realised the value of diverse perspectives. With my own unique experiences and insights, I bring a fresh perspective to the table. My clients often express that the greatest asset in working with me is the diversity of thought and perspectives that I bring to their challenges. By having a wide range of perspectives, I can help them see beyond their echo chambers and consider alternative viewpoints that they may have missed.

Having diverse perspectives in our networks can foster creativity and innovation. When we are exposed to different ideas and viewpoints, it sparks our curiosity and encourages us to think critically. We are more likely to come up with innovative solutions to problems and make better decisions when we have a wide range of perspectives to draw from. Diversity can lead to more robust and resilient communities where different opinions are respected, and collaboration and cooperation thrive.

Embracing diversity in our networks does not mean we have to agree with or implement every idea we encounter. It simply means being open to different perspectives and willing to engage in constructive dialogue with those who hold different views. It means seeking out mentors and advisors who can challenge our assumptions and offer fresh insights. It means being willing to step outside of our comfort zones and actively seek diversity and accept it when we get it.

As someone who offers advisory services to agency founders, I understand the importance of challenging, relating, understanding, confiding, bolstering, galvanising, and holding them accountable. The outcomes of such diverse perspectives and insights can be truly life-changing, both professionally and personally.

Laura West - [email protected]

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