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- Assuming Positive Intent
I was recently introduced to the correspondence bias in my classwork and realized how much it applies to my work and productivity. So, what is it?
Have you ever floored it through a red light but shrugged it off because you thought you had more time to make it? Have you ever been labeled a random driver who ran a red light as an absolute jerk because they put pedestrians and other drivers in danger? Yep.
Have you ever been annoyed when someone didn’t answer your email right away because you think they’re so lazy and slow? Have you ever taken a while to answer an email because an outside circumstance made you put work on the back burner for a bit? I’m sure.
The correspondence bias revolves around our tendency to draw inferences about someone’s personality based on their behaviors. And while it would take a very long time to explain how it affects all aspects of your life, to be a bit more specific, it greatly impacts our work and productivity.
When I send someone a Slack, I will sometimes waste time waiting around impatiently for them to answer me. When I don’t answer someone’s Slack right away and they get annoyed, I get mad because I sometimes need a break from the constant messaging.
It’s totally unfair to assume that someone's activities define their personality or that a particular action reflects their holistic work ethic. And it really affects my productivity.
So, what can we do to fight it?
Identify it: Look for instances in which you’re being unfair to your colleagues or silently resenting their actions.
Stop holding onto any resentment: Harboring resentment is a big waste of time. Beyond protecting your mentals, letting go of resentment will also help you be more productive and focus on things that matter.
Work to identify people’s intentions: Assume positive intent! Everyone is going through their own stuff, and when they do slack off, it may be something totally out of their control or the scope of their work.
Above all, be kind and forgiving. Remember that everyone is fighting their own battles.