Doing a self-check on how we interpret information
I had an engaging conversation around the topic of confirmation bias today. Afterwards, I started to think more about the correlation it has with emotions and how practicing emotional intelligence may help us recognize it in ourselves, so we can manage it better on the job. Confirmation bias, also known as “my-side bias,” is a cognitive bias that can affect our interpretation of information and hinder our critical thinking. It is our tendency to lean toward information that confirms our fixed ideas and preconceptions of what we believe to be true, thus affecting how we interact with and treat information and even how we collect data.
"Increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we accept only information, whether true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that’s out there.” - Barack Obama
Consequences of Confirmation Bias
Confirmation bias is mostly unintentional, so we may not even realize we're doing it. It works to confirm the hypotheses or pre-existing beliefs of both the self-confident and the insecure alike. If I am insecure, I may look for instances to confirm my insecurities, such as interpreting neutral behavior from others as negative, like they are ignoring me or don’t like me. In other words, I will see something that isn’t there. It affects how I look at things, and it can cause me unnecessary negative emotions and even depression. On the other hand, if I am self-confident, I may want to protect my self-esteem and intelligence and avoid any new way of thinking that challenges my intellect and what I believe to be true. This can limit my knowledge, mislead me, and could cause me to make risky decisions and costly mistakes.
Confirmation Bias and Emotions
Confirmation bias can work in tandem with our emotional psyche; through our persuasive human desire for our ideas and beliefs to remain true or not true, or whatever we need them to be. It can cause us to be selective in how we give and take our information akin to our tendencies. Whether the thing we believe makes us feel comfortable, excited, smart, even fearful, confirmation bias can prevent us from considering the evidence related to it, possibly preventing us from making decisions objectively and operating effectively in our organizations. Compelled to look for information that supports or justifies our decisions, we may unwittingly avoid any information that opposes them. Confirmation bias is very much related to our views, preconceptions, backgrounds, and definitely our emotions.
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for." - To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
How can Emotional Intelligence help us manage our Confirmation Bias
Emotions are more powerful than thoughts, and they are much harder to control. No wonder why we can so easily fall into confirmation bias without even knowing it. By practicing the attributes of emotional intelligence, this bias can be better managed, because by demonstrating self-awareness and self-management, recognizing it in ourselves will become easier. The approach to managing and processing information comes differently for each of us as a result of our genetics and learned influences that shape who we are. A conscious effort to practice emotional intelligence will allow us to think more critically where confirmation bias is concerned. We can raise our awareness of this bias and how it may affect us, those around us, and our work by putting the core attributes of emotional intelligence to work:
Self Awareness. Being aware and recognizing how our emotions, fixed ideas, and preconceptions affect our leanings, can help us see information and data in a more objective way. This will help us to be more mindful and transparent with ourselves to best achieve professional and personal goals.
Self Management. Being cognizant that confirmation bias exists can hold us accountable to our own self-management and help us to take a more analytical and self-corrective approach to managing this bias in ourselves. It can bring freshness and clarity to situations and lead us to the big picture rather than weighing us down in our own bias.
Social Awareness. To effectively collaborate and be aware of how others are feeling, and to understand their goals and aspirations, we can be mindful to confront and reconcile our own biases within ourselves beforehand. Then the understanding and acceptance of the realities, whether they go against our fixed ideas or not, can help us empathize with and support another’s challenge.
Relationship Management. Confirmation bias can affect many situations and cause damage to our relationships. Especially as new relationships are beginning. Building professional relationships takes time, and our preconceived ideas about a person due to our own judgements or incorrect information can inhibit team collaboration, creativity, and innovation. As we align with others and work toward the success of our common goals, identifying and managing our confirmation bias can be a step toward creating an environment prone to success.
Recognizing the confirmation bias within ourselves doesn’t mean we have to lose who we are, quite the contrary, embracing who you are, and looking at your truth objectively can bring you to a whole new level of self-discovery.
About Sheri Thillman Sheri has over 16 years of professional experience partnering with and providing support to the C-Suite, entrepreneurs, business owners, and founders. She most recently served as a Chief of Staff in the technology space.
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