Many of us have a tendency to form an opinion first and then look for data to support it. If there isn’t enough data to support it, we abandon the opinion. Interestingly, this resembles a method used in science as well—where a scientist proposes a theory and then tests it. They may call it postulating a theory and proving it.
But not all such theories hold up. Some eventually turn out to be myths. For example, the idea of salt being strongly linked to hypertension has gone in and out of favor several times.
However, in management thinking, the advice is often the opposite: look at the data first. Extract information from it, and then arrive at conclusions or form opinions—or at least identify areas that need further analysis.
When a person starts with an opinion first, I call it a filtered mind. It is like putting on green-colored glasses—the whole world appears greener. This is exactly how we form opinions about others.
Someone appears poorly dressed, and instantly our mind applies a filter: this person may be uneducated, perhaps poor, or lacking a sense of dressing. Until that person presents enough evidence—often repeatedly—to disprove this assumption, we tend to hold on to that initial opinion.
This happens even more in close relationships. If there is a quarrel between children, we instinctively believe our child must be right—until proven otherwise. If a mother-in-law says something to a daughter-in-law, it may be received negatively, even if it was meant as praise.
The list of such examples can go on endlessly.
So the real question is: what is wrong if I have data to support my opinion?
Here lies the problem—and it is a significant one.
I look for data to support my opinion, and I may find some—not just one or two pieces, but many. However, there may also be a large amount of data that contradicts my conclusion. I simply never encounter it, because I was not looking for it.
My boss may have called me many times—not to criticize, but perhaps more often (or lesser times but with greater intensity) to appreciate me and my work. Maybe this mother-in-law, having been frustrated by her own experiences in earlier times, consciously chose not to repeat that behavior. Perhaps she carries no negative intent at all.
But our filtered minds stop us from removing those colored glasses. We continue to see the world through that tint.
Opinions form instantly. When we see a snake, we don’t pause to analyze whether it is dangerous or not. The mind reacts quickly—and for good reason.
But awareness of this tendency is important.
At least when we get the chance, we should pause, sit down, and examine whether our opinions are actually right
Even early awareness goes a long way. Realize we could be wearing colored filters before our mind.
Comments