In the world of workplace communication, there's a phenomenon known as anchoring bias, and today, we're diving deep into this topic. Anchoring bias can affect hiring decisions, your perception of coworkers, and even how to approach solving problems in the workplace.
When it comes to thriving in the workplace, one of the biggest obstacles is remaining present and alert. As we grow more comfortable in our work environment, it becomes more common to lean on anchoring bias. Our minds are efficient but lazy. They prefer the path of least resistance, which often leads to confirmation bias.
This discussion is relevant to all, especially in the oil and gas industry. So, let's explore it together.
But wait, don't be thrown off by the legal term "Leading the witness."
What is Anchoring Bias?
Anchoring bias, in a nutshell, is our tendency to heavily rely on the first pieces of information presented to us. Think of it as the anchor that holds our perception in place. It's like starting a puzzle with a few pieces already in position – it sets the tone for how we see the rest of the picture. For instance, if someone describes a colleague as "difficult," that anchor may color your perception, making it challenging to see them differently.
What Is an Example of Anchoring Bias?
Now, here's a real-world scenario. Imagine you're switching facilities, and you hear rumors that certain people are risky to work around or have confrontational behavior. In my recent experience, I encountered this situation three times. Surprisingly, it turned out to be true in only one case. My initial skepticism helped me approach the situation with an open mind. I soon realized that people change, and my anchor had been reasonably set by someone who had worked with these individuals before their transformation. It's a reminder that context matters, and sometimes, trust in a reliable source can influence our anchors.
Have you ever seen the Anchor bias at work? Consider this scenario: "Hey, come check out this dump valve for me. I think something is wrong with it." This is a classic example of anchoring someone's expectations. They'll likely find exactly what you anchored them to, confirming your belief.
How Do You Overcome Anchoring Bias?
So, what's the solution? Consider the following tips to help you overcome anchoring bias:
Reflect
As cliche as this seems, one of the first steps to overcoming anchoring bias is awareness. Knowing that you are susceptible to bias will help you pause more often and consider what factors might be influencing your opinions or thoughts in various situations. For example, if you are hearing rumors about a coworker, train yourself to pause and reflect on how those rumors might affect your opinion of that person before committing to one perspective.
Discuss
Sometimes, anchoring bias has a way of making us stubborn when it comes to things we think we understand well. Perhaps you relocate to a different facility and you are struggling to accept how they might do things differently. Take the time to talk to someone there and ask why they do things the way they do. Odds are, you may learn something new and discover that your anchoring bias could have kept you from becoming growing in your career. Sometimes, an outside perspective is helpful for getting us out of our heads and giving us a bigger picture.
Educate
Another way to manage anchoring bias is to educate yourself through books and other learning materials. Maintaining an open mind and exposing yourself to new ideas is one of the best ways to remind yourself that you don’t know what you don’t know. Being exposed to new ideas consistently instills an inquisitive impulse and helps you learn how to ask the right kinds of questions.
Conclusion
Anchoring bias is something that affects everyone in the workplace, and understanding that is the first step to improving the way you engage with your coworkers and perform your job.
Share your thoughts and experiences on communication bias in the workplace. Have you encountered anchoring and confirmation bias? Share your stories and insights in the comments below, and don't forget to pass this eye-opening article along to your colleagues!
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