“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” — Anaïs Nin
Positivity Banking Counters Bias
💰 Try Positivity Banking before your next engagement
The fastest way to escalate a conversation is to leave Confirmation Bias unchecked.
Our brains constantly filter information through expectations. Peter Wason named this Confirmation Bias, as once a belief forms, the mind begins scanning for evidence that proves it right.
If someone frustrates us, our brains start collecting proof.
- Tone becomes disrespectful.
- Questions feel like attacks.
- Neutral comments sound critical.
Positivity Banking
A former NASA astronaut, Mike Massimino, describes a technique he calls “Positive Banking.” Before a difficult interaction, create a mental list of positive traits about the person: Their expertise. Their good intentions. Moments they supported you. These observations become “deposits” into the conversation. When the interaction begins, your brain now searches for those signals instead. The conversation shifts from reaction to response. Emotion cools. Curiosity increases. Progress becomes possible.Try this:
Before your next challenging conversation: Pause for thirty seconds. Write down three positive qualities a bout the person you’re about to engage with. Then begin the conversation. Notice how your interpretation of their words changes. Sometimes the fastest way to improve a conversation is to change the story you bring into the room. What’s one trait you appreciate in someone you sometimes disagree with?@ClearandCompelling #ClearandCompelling
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