4 Wrong Beliefs That Feel Right
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
Powerful! Worth printing out and keeping handy for review every…single…day! And that would NOT be a wrong belief! Thank you so much!
It’s a pleasure seeing you today, Bob. Thanks for the good word. Keep up the good work.
Thoughtful post Dan. You had me at “I can change people.” I find change is a journey that you take with your employee to help them discover, for themselves, the actions that are getting in their way. The idea that we change people needs to – change. Thanks for continuing the conversation. Cheers.
The operative phrase is, “for themselves.” When I accepted that idea it changed my approach. It’s a huge mental shift. For me, it begins with accepting people. Thanks for sharing your insights, Brad.
I love that you shared where you spoke at a college and the audience leaped up and cheered when you walked on stage and how that it made you feel like a million bucks. That made me grateful that we have students and people in this world who are grateful too. I love your quote of “Gratitude is free fuel. Spread it generously.” Having gratitude helps me in so many ways. I do need to remember to spread it generously. Thank you for making more grateful for you.
We should ask ourselves who brings their best, someone who feels unappreciated or someone who feels seen. Glad to be useful.