Assuming the best in people doesn’t come naturally to most of us. Even the kindest, humblest, and wisest people I know struggle with it. It’s a challenge we all face.

Think about the last time someone cut you off in traffic. How did you react? If you're anything like me, you probably got annoyed. I drive like a grandma—slow and cautious, much to the frustration of other drivers. Imagine if someone like me cut you off in my old ‘93 Grand Marquis. You’d probably assume I was a terrible driver or just inconsiderate. But what if there was more to the story?

When I was in labor with my first two children, the drive to the hospital was a nightmare. We were in a rush, worried the baby might arrive before we got there. My husband, trying to get us to the hospital quickly, might have made some questionable driving decisions. From the outside, other drivers had no idea what was happening inside our car. They probably thought we were just reckless. This is a perfect example of the fundamental attribution error—judging someone’s character based on their actions without understanding their circumstances.

The Fundamental Attribution Error

The fundamental attribution error occurs when we attribute someone's actions to their character rather than their situation. If someone shows up late to work, we might think they’re lazy or irresponsible. But if we’re late, we know it’s because of traffic or a tough morning with the kids. We judge others more harshly than ourselves because we know our circumstances but not theirs.

Avoiding the Trap of Assumptions

Here’s an exercise: think about a time when you judged someone’s character based on their behavior. It happens more often than we like to admit. Acknowledging this is the first step to overcoming it.

Another common pitfall is assuming malice when something can be explained by neglect, ignorance, or incompetence—this is known as Hanlon's Razor. For instance, if you’re excluded from a meeting, it’s easy to think it was intentional. But it could just be an oversight. Recognizing this helps prevent unnecessary conflict and judgment.

Overcoming Biases in the Workplace

In the workplace, once we decide someone is incompetent, it’s hard to see their successes. This is the devil bias. Conversely, if we see someone as infallible, we overlook their mistakes—the angel bias. Being aware of these biases helps us lead more fairly and effectively.

Steps to Assume the Best

1. Acknowledge the Thought: Recognize when you’re making a judgment.
2. Don’t Claim to Know What You Don’t Know: Remember, you likely don’t have all the facts.
3. Investigate Patterns of Behavior: If someone consistently displays problematic behavior, address it with compassion and curiosity.

Conclusion

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about acknowledging our flaws and striving to do better. By recognizing our tendency to judge and actively working to understand others, we can create more compassionate and effective workplaces.

If you found this insight helpful, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment, share your thoughts, and let’s lead imperfectly, but with understanding and grace. Together, we can make a positive impact.