Beliefs shape actions.
Misguided beliefs overpromise and underdeliver.
The worst mistake energizes quick wins and long-term defeat.
4 Wrong Beliefs That Feel Right
#1. “I can change people.”
Trying to change others breeds resistance.
Create environments where people choose to change themselves.
Do this instead:
- Help people clarify their own growth goals.
- Collaborate to identify useful behaviors and design appropriate projects.
#2. “Working harder fixes things.”
Action bias shifts focus to urgency, sidelining what matters. A bias toward action invites leaders to focus on urgent issues. Important issues get pushed back.
Do this instead:
- Encourage people to solve their own pressing issues.
- Don’t do people’s jobs for them.
- Eliminate busy work.
- Ask, “What delivers long-term benefit?”
- Ask people, “What will empower you to address this concern without me?”
#3. “Gratitude is for special occasions.”
Withholding appreciation drains morale. I spoke at a college where the audience leaped up and cheered when I walked on stage. I believe they do this for every speaker. It cost nothing—but made me feel like a million bucks.
Gratitude is free fuel. Spread it generously.
Do this instead:
- Cheer for one person today—publicly or privately.
- Use the word admire. “One thing I admire about you is…”
#4. “It’s not that bad.”
Small recurring issues drain teams. “Bad is five times stronger than good.”
Minimizing problems makes them worse.
Do this instead:
- Name one issue people tiptoe around—and start a healthy conversation.
- Shine light on tough issues with optimism.
Right action is an expression of right believing.
Misguided beliefs make promises they can’t keep.
What belief do you need to adjust today?
5 Self-Limiting Beliefs that Defeat Leaders
The Power of Your Beliefs | Psychology Today
