Updating Your Mental?Model

The dictionary defines Bias as a strong inclination of the mind or a preconceived opinion about something or someone. A bias may be favourable or unfavourable: bias in favour of or against an idea.

Have you ever noticed how we give our heart and sole to defend your favourite sports team or sports person? Why do we turn a blind eye to the mistakes of the someone we like, whereas the same mistake when committed by someone we do not like is exaggerated and blown out of proportion?Why is it that we judge people based on their names, or places they come from, their ethnicity, gender etc?

As human beings we are not new to biases, infact almost everything we do is based on something we have created in our minds. We make assumptions, beliefs, excuses, opinions, judgement, fear, faulty leaps of logic, decide what is right or wrong etc. based on the mental models that we created in our minds.It is something that we are doing almost all the time without even us noticing. And this impacts the way we interact with people, our relationships, our work, social life, like, dislikes, including the way we vote.

The moment someone threatens to change or question our belief systems, prejudices or biases we turn into dragon warriors and try to defend, protect and safeguard our mental models with all our might.

So then the big question is how do ensure that we don’t get boxed down by our prejudices?

In order to this we need to practise the following -

• Identify our biases and evaluate them. Where have they come from?Is it our upbringing, exposure, culture, faith, political perspective etc.
• Hold ourself accountable for all our thoughts, assumptions, judgments every moment.
• Talk to others about them, try to understand the story and the perspective of the opposite side.Be curious, be intrigued, listen. Remember do not try to persuade or defend.
• Open your minds and heart, remember that our assumptions, beliefs, opinions, fear, logic, right or wrong, like and dislikes etc. are based on the mental models that we created in our minds. They are our rationalisation, shortcuts, justifications and excuses. Choose to let go of them.
• Finally don’t tie your biases, prejudices and assumptions to your self worth.Be grounded and flexible.Remember it is possible that the answers we may have are wrong.

Have you increased the radius of your circle?

Are you ready to learn, unlearn and relearn?

As makers of products and solutions are you giving into your biases, assumptions and prejudices? or are you listening to what your customer wants?

Be Curious. Be Intrigued. Be open.