The Biased Mind: Common Self-Biases That Hold Us Back

For more on self-biases, listen to the full podcast episode titled "The Biased Mind: Common Self-Biases That Hold Us Back" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.

As humans, we are wired to perceive ourselves and the world around us through a unique lens. This perspective is shaped by our experiences, biases, and individuality. While being aware of these limitations can be liberating, it's equally important to recognize how self-bias can hold us back from making objective decisions at work.

The concept of self-bias may seem abstract, but its impact on our daily lives and workplaces is undeniable. When we're not mindful of our biases, we risk perpetuating unhealthy patterns that hinder our growth, relationships, and overall success. In this article, we'll explore five common self-biases that can affect us at work, their consequences, and practical strategies for overcoming them.

1. The Self-Serving Bias: Protecting Our Ego
We've all been there – receiving praise for a project and taking credit and then shifting blame if we're criticized. This self-serving bias is a natural response to protect our ego and maintain a positive self-image. However, it can lead to a lack of accountability and missed opportunities for growth.

To combat the self-serving bias, practice reflective leadership. When faced with criticism or feedback, take a step back to assess your response. Ask yourself: "Am I using this feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve?" or "Am I deflecting responsibility onto others?"

2. The Better-than-Average Effect: Confidence without Merit
It's common for us to believe we're above average in various aspects of our work, from communication skills to problem-solving abilities. However, research suggests that most people overestimate their own performance and abilities.

In the workplace, this bias can lead to unrealistic expectations, poor decision-making, and a lack of humility.  When confronted with evidence contradicting our self-image, we might respond by, downplaying the significance of the findings, blaming external factors for the discrepancy or becoming defensive and dismissive.

To counteract the better-than-average effect, adopt a growth mindset. Recognize that your abilities are not fixed and can be developed over time. Be open to learning from others, seeking feedback, and adjusting your approach when needed.

3. Overconfidence: When Confidence Becomes Hubris
It may seem empowering to confidently predict success or take bold risks. While confidence is essential for growth, overconfidence can lead to reckless decision-making and missed opportunities.

In the workplace, this bias might appear in situations such as making bold predictions without sufficient data, ignoring potential pitfalls or risks, and/or becoming overly attached to a single solution.

To overcome overconfidence, balance your inner circle. Seek diverse perspectives and opinions from colleagues, mentors, and peers. Be willing to challenge your own assumptions and consider alternative approaches.

4. Unrealistic Optimism: The Dangers of Unchecked Ambition
We often idealize success, assuming that our hard work will automatically translate into achievement. However, this bias can lead to unrealistic expectations, poor time management, and a lack of adaptability.

At work, this bias might manifest in instances like wetting unrealistically ambitious goals, underestimating the complexity of projects, being inflexible when faced with setbacks.

To combat unrealistic optimism, cultivate a growth-oriented mindset. Recognize that success is often the result of a series of small, incremental steps. Prioritize adaptability, learn from failures, and be open to adjusting your approach as needed.

5. The Bias Blind Spot: Recognizing Our Own Limitations
Finally, there's the bias blind spot – our tendency to underestimate the prevalence of biases in ourselves while overestimating its presence within others. This self-delusion can lead to missed opportunities for growth, poor relationships, and a lack of humility.

To overcome this bias, practice self-awareness. Regularly ask yourself: "Am I recognizing my own biases?" or "Am I considering alternative perspectives?" By acknowledging the potential for bias in ourselves, we can take proactive steps to address it.

Generally Breaking Free from Self-Bias
Recognizing and overcoming self-bias is a crucial step towards personal growth, improved relationships, and increased success at work.  Learning about self-bias does not mean the self-biases will go away resolutely, instead the best we can do is to stay open, curious and reflect.

A few final ways to keep self-biases at bay to the best of our abilities:

• Reflect inward, focusing on your own strengths, weaknesses, and progress.
  Seek diverse perspectives, collaborating with people who may challenge your biases.
• Cultivate realistic optimism, balancing confidence with humility.
• Acknowledge the blinds spot in our minds and actively working to overcome them to unlock our full potential at work.