A belief you will not allow to be challenged is only an opinion.
Too often we seek information, data, and other’s support to affirm our beliefs instead of seeking out information and viewpoints that may challenge our current beliefs.
This is easier on our brains. This is easier on our egos. This is exactly how social media algorithms are designed because they understand that the brain enjoys the comforts of those with like-minds instead of consuming content that may push them to look at a situation, or even the world, in a slightly different way.
Here is the problem – not all of your opinions are good. Not all of your beliefs are correct, either. There are two ways we need to approach this problem. First, we need to change our mindset and next, we need to intentionally diversify where and how we consume information.
For the sake of argument, let’s examine this given a real-world example. This example is one that recently happened and is relatable, but yet not of direct overwhelming consequence. Some peers and I were working with a fellow school administrator who was equal parts complaining about “old-school” teacher pedagogy and simultaneously looking for advice on how to move “stuck” teachers forward.
This was a fair and productive conversation that was IMMEDIATELY followed by the same person airing their grievances over the old-school mentality of some of their teachers of how teachers these days dressed to go to work. The group went to work asking all the critical questions peers should in this situation to challenge the thinking of the other educational leader. The conclusion of the conversation indicated that the person agreed with many of the reasons why a formal dress code was unnecessary and counterproductive when considering culture and teacher churn, but still stood by their opinion and moved forward with implementation of a new dress code.
The takeaway for me on this was that the person speaking LOVED and took our feedback when it agreed with his original perspective regarding the “old-school” teacher and essentially rejected our feedback when it did not match his original thoughts. Remember, they came to us to act as thought-partners, yet still rejected any information received. While this is one instance, it is largely a microcosm of how society currently works.
The challenge for you as a leader, as an educator, and heck – as a human being is to recognize whether this fits your pattern of behavior. Do you look for data to support your preexisting suppositions or do you look at new information as a way to learn? The difference between your approach is likely the difference between continuing to grow at an exponential rate versus becoming stale and rigid.
REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS TO GUIDE SOME THINKING
- When was the last time you changed your mind about something you are passionate about?
- Do you intentionally consume information that you tend to disagree with? For example, if you lean right, do you ever watch CNN or if you lean left do you ever watch Fox News?
- When presented with information that counters your beliefs, do you intellectually struggle with the information or resort to criticizing the messenger? If it is the latter, why?
- What part of consuming information that you may not agree with breeds fear?
- After reading this and reflecting, are you actually willing to change your mind on things that matter to you?
THE BEST THING I READ/WATCHED THIS WEEK
Do You Tell Your Employees You Appreciate Them – Zenger and Folkman at Harvard Business Review
Really interesting, data-based approach examining how leaders that are successful in providing positive feedback impact employee engagement. Well worth the read.
RECENT PIECES OF MY WORK
PODCAST
Teach Better: Aspire Podcast – Manage Your Time or Time Will Manage You
WRITINGS
Parenting an Athlete – Featured in GenParenting
Leading a Digital Transformation – Ed Tech Magazine