Have you ever recommended a film to someone, only to be baffled when they didn’t enjoy it? Perhaps you raved about its brilliance, but their reaction left you wondering, “How on earth could they not like it?” Conversely, have you ever been recommended a film that you found dull, only to be stunned that someone else was so impressed?
Consider a more recent example: during the COVID-19 pandemic, did you get vaccinated? When you discovered that some people were hesitant or outright refused the vaccine, did you find their decisions perplexing or irrational? Or, perhaps you were on the other side, questioning how anyone could have chosen to get vaccinated.
Now, think about your workplace. Imagine attending a sales presentation from a prospective supplier. You thought it was a disaster, but your colleague thought it was impressive. It leaves you questioning their professionalism and capability, as you can’t fathom how anyone could view it differently.
In each of these scenarios, there’s a cognitive bias at play—one of the most intriguing and pervasive concepts in social psychology: Naïve Realism.
What is Naïve Realism, and how does it impact work and life?
Naïve Realism is the belief that our perception of the world is objective and unbiased, while others' perspectives are flawed or misguided. Essentially, we assume that our own view is the true reflection of reality, and that anyone who disagrees must be ill-informed, biased, or irrational.
This bias operates under the assumption that our interpretations are universally accurate, which can lead us to undervalue or dismiss the perspectives of others. Instead of recognising that our view is just one of many, we may see our own perspective as the only correct one. This tendency can distort our understanding of events and interactions and lead to unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding.
Naïve Realism can have significant negative effects on our work and life, including:
Strained relationships: When we are convinced our viewpoint is the only valid one, it can create friction in personal and professional relationships. We may struggle to understand or empathise with others, leading to disagreements and conflicts.
Polarisation and conflict: This bias can exacerbate societal and community divides. When we believe that our perspective is the sole truth, it can intensify social polarisation and hinder constructive dialogue.
Reduced empathy: By failing to appreciate the validity of differing perspectives, we may miss out on opportunities to connect and collaborate effectively with others.
How can you minimise the impact of Naïve Realism?
To counteract the effects of Naïve Realism, and be your best self at work and in life, consider the following strategies:
Cultivate curiosity about others: Approach interactions with a genuine desire to understand others' viewpoints. Ask questions, engage in active listening, and seek to comprehend the reasons behind their perspectives. This will not only broaden your understanding but also demonstrate respect for their experiences.
Reflect regularly: Periodically check in with yourself to assess whether you might be falling into the trap of Naïve Realism. Being mindful of your own biases and assumptions can help you stay grounded and open to other viewpoints.
Reframe your perspective: Recognise that your view of the world is one among many. Treat your opinions as subjective rather than objective truths. This mindset shift can help you appreciate the diversity of perspectives and reduce the likelihood of dismissing others' views.
Seek out diverse viewpoints: Actively expose yourself to perspectives that differ from your own. Read widely, engage in conversations with people from different backgrounds, and challenge your own beliefs. This practice can help you develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Promote awareness in your workplace: If you're in a leadership role, bring Naïve Realism to the forefront of conversations about diversity and inclusion. Encourage your team to embrace diverse viewpoints and create a culture where differing opinions are valued and explored.
By recognising and addressing Naïve Realism, we can truly be our best personal and professional selves. Embracing this awareness not only enriches our own perspectives but also strengthens our relationships and fosters a more inclusive, understanding, collaborative, and empathetic society.