The Virus of Bias: Can it Be Stopped?
We know how dangerous a virus can be. They infect our bodies, our computers, and our communication. Worst of all, viruses are invisible and often nearly impossible to detect before they wreak havoc. That’s the bad news. The good news? You can develop B-ray vision (the super power that enables you to see the virus of bias before it does its damage). First, what is a bias and why is it so dangerous? Actually, before that, let’s expose something. Biases are not all bad. In fact,
Is Your Mind Infected?
If you knew that a virus had infected your computer, how quickly would you act to neutralize it? Well, there is ample evidence to suggest that bias cycles, or what we call the Virus of Bias™, work in our minds just like viruses do in computers, damaging our organizations and inhibiting our leaders’ ability to see clearly and make well-informed decisions. As we begin this exploration with you, we’ll start in the same place we do with organizations, by explaining just what a bi
When Do the Means Determine the End?
It’s amazing what an extended trip to another part of the world can do to provide a new, fresh perspective. The following approximates the conversations we had after Will’s return from the island country of New Zealand. WILL: It’s good to be back Chris, after a full month in New Zealand. CHRIS: You told me you met some amazing people there. WILL: I love the country; it was my fourth visit, first for my wife. The people are wonderful. The weather, the beauty, what’s not to lov
When Was the Last Time You Did a Reality Check?
All of us are innate storytellers. We discussed that in our last blog post (and this figures prominently into the first chapter of our book Thriving in Business and Life). The ability to create and act out stories; to convincingly cast ourselves and others in various roles, is one of our most remarkable abilities as humans. But there’s another more challenging dimension to this imaginative capability—one that is so deeply embedded that we often overlook it. Research shows tha
How to Cross Life's Impossible Bridges
Imagine this scenario. You’re on a hike through previously untrekked terrain. Somehow you got separated from your friends so you’re a bit anxious. You follow a trail to a ramshackle bridge. On the other side you can see your friends and safety. But there’s a gap in the bridge, making it impossible to pass. So, how do you get over the bridge? Think about it for a moment. You might come up with a few ideas, like: Throw a rope across and let someone pull you over. Take a run fro
