Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box

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An example of self-deception is provided by Robert Trivers and Huey P. Newton published [14] in the form of an analysis of the role of flight crew self-deception in the crash of Air Florida Flight 90.

Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box

Research from psychologists Daniel Kahneman, Amos Tversky, and many others has shown that we have many cognitive biases—systematic errors in thinking that influence how we make decisions—which can lead to distorted perceptions and faulty judgments. Cognitive biases manifest automatically and unconsciously over a wide range of our reasoning. Researchers have identified at least 58 cognitive biases and heuristics (the process by which we use mental shortcuts to arrive at decisions). Leaders often think they must drive the conversation. As noble as this mindset is, it could set us up for leadership monologues, where our opinions become the most heard and adopted. The goal of leadership is to inspire relevant conversations, even when those conversations do not emanate from us. And it starts with active listening, because when leaders stop listening, the team stops speaking. - Eden A. Onwuka, A Woman And Half, LLC You can apply the concept of self-deception to (1) interviewing and hiring, (2) leadership and team building, (3) conflict resolution, (4) accountability transformation, (5) personal growth and development, and (6) marriage and parenting.It’s going to be fine” is an uber-naive and optimistic stance to take when the numbers are screaming, “Something is wrong!” The belief that your sheer perseverance and hard work will get you the result sets you up for failure in the long term. The most effective leaders balance strategy, judgment, market awareness, data and intuition to make hard calls fast and with eyes open. - Edyta Pacuk, MarchFifteen Consulting Inc. These are just a few key things that can help you become an effective leader. Remember that leadership is a skill that can be developed over time and requires dedication, hard work, and the willingness to learn and improve continuously. What is Self-Deception? - Leadership and Self-Deception

Self-Deceptions Leaders Often Tell Themselves - Forbes 12 Common Self-Deceptions Leaders Often Tell Themselves - Forbes

Trivers, Robert (2002). Natural Selection and Social Theory: Selected Papers of Robert Trivers. Oxford University Press US. ISBN 978-0-19-513062-1. Only 2% of high school seniors believe their leadership skills are below average; 70% report they’re above average. This is the most profound and practical business book I have ever read! Everyone I have recommended this book to has been challenged intellectually and also touched emotionally. It is a must-read that I will give to my kids to read before they begin their careers.” Imagine working in an organization where the aim of your colleagues is to help you achieve your results. I could not believe it possible. After reading this book I just had to bring Arbinger to the UK to teach our people. What an experience! We are all better people for it. This book touches the very foundation of culture, teamwork, and performance.”This is a form of self-deception in which you value your own comfort above that of others. And you do it all the time without realizing it. In other words, you frequently deceive yourself into thinking that others don’t even really have needs at all. This is a severe limitation of your worldview. Not only does it limit the care that others get from you, but it also hinders your progression. Lesson 2: You deceive yourself by focusing too much on other’s weaknesses while overemphasizing your own virtues. Honor what your conscience tells you to do for others. When you do this, you become less judgmental and treat others with more courtesy and respect. To be clear, honoring what our conscience tells us to do, doesn’t necessarily mean we do it. Sometimes we won’t be in a position to act, but when we don’t act for the right reasons and maintain our humane view of the person, we do not betray ourselves and invite self-deception.

From Berrett Koehler Publishers: Leadership and Self-Deception

David Buller - 2005 - Adapting Minds: Evolutionary Psychology and the Persistent Quest for Human Nature

Self-deception occurs on a person-by-person basis. You can be self-deceived about one individual and not self-deceived about another. We all practice self-deception to a degree; no man can handle complete honesty without being cut at each turn. There’s not enough room in a man’s head for sanity alongside each grief, each worry, each terror that he owns. I’m well used to burying such things in a dark cellar and moving on.” -Mark Lawrence, Prince of Fools This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Where does our self-deception come from? It has many potential origins. For example, it can come from: