Assuming Positive Intent is Not Easy

27 Feb 22: Leadership reflections on the outset of the Russia/Ukraine War

Vector art from the author

You assumed the boy was stealing a cookie, didn’t you? You probably did it all the time when you were his age, and we all know it takes a thief to catch a thief!

But what if….he’d been told he could take that cookie? Or if he was actually putting them out on the plate? Or if he was counting them? What if…he wasn’t actually stealing that cookie at all?

Repeat after me…assume positive intent

We can all recall an occasion at work when people have assumed the worst of our intentions. It hurts. And it’s a pain that lingers long after it turns out to be a warranted assumption.

It leads to an erosion of trust in colleagues, and if it happens quite a lot, the rot of cynicism, insecurity, selfishness, defensiveness and suspicion can take hold. The words and deeds of others become constantly questioned.

What did she mean by that? They are avoiding me…they think I am not capable…he does not trust me…my face does not fit… he is saying that to put me down…she took the credit for my work…they are just in it for themselves…there is no point in putting myself forward for that…