Agreement-Intelligence Bias
People tend to equate agreement with intelligence and disagreement with idiocy, a cognitive bias that hinders effective communication and collaboration.
THE IDEA
How to Handle Idiots (i.e., Everyone Who Isn’t like You)
Now let’s take a look at how we can adapt to one another in order to work together. A man once said (admittedly with an ironic smile on his face, but still) that the test of intelligence is simple: “If you agree with me, then you’re intelligent. However, if you don’t agree with me, then you are clearly and undoubtedly an idiot.”
I assume that you’re intelligent enough to interpret this message correctly. But seriously—all of us have wondered why some people don’t understand anything. As I said in the introduction, when I was young I was often struck by the fact that people who appear to be very intelligent could, at the same time, be such complete idiots. They didn’t see what I saw. Some people delicately say that such individuals lack the right “intellectual elasticity,” but that’s only because they’re too well bred to let the word “idiot” come out of their mouths.
When to use it
In a team brainstorming session, actively seek out dissenting opinions to avoid groupthink.
During a negotiation, make an effort to understand the underlying interests of the other party rather than dismissing their stance as irrational.
In leadership, foster an environment where questioning and disagreement are seen as valuable contributions.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Workplace Disagreement
In a project meeting, a team member suggests a different approach. The project lead thinks, 'They just don't get it. They're not as smart as I am,' and dismisses the suggestion before examining how it would work.
Political Discussions
During a political debate, a person might dismiss the opposing view as coming from uneducated or foolish individuals, rather than recognizing that different values and experiences lead to different conclusions.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recent disagreement you had. Did you consider the other person's intelligence based on their position? How could you reframe the interaction?
What steps can you take to separate the person from the idea when you encounter a differing opinion?
How does this bias affect teamwork and collaboration? Can you recall a time when this bias was overcome?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)