Authors Mahzarin R. Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald in Blindspot – Hidden Biases of Good People define a Mindbug as a “kind of visual or cognitive dissonance that alters the way we interpret information.”
The term intrigued me because Mindbugs reside in all of us. The authors, a psychologist (Banaji) and a sociologist (Greenwald), through a series of tests, discovered “biases belie our conscious conviction.”
Mindbugs may also shape our convictions regarding how to define, shape, and pursue SUCCESS. They are not among the variables considered when developing a formula for success.
Fundamentally, if someone feels they are motivated, goal-oriented, and has a solid work ethic and the requisite skill set, it follows they are likely convinced of a high probability of success. This would be true in many fields of endeavor: business, politics, athletics, academia, etc. Enter the Mindbug.
A very conservative politician, for example, is often likely to harbor subconscious attitudes toward those with darker skins or from a different culture or social class and be reluctant to present him/herself to those groups as a candidate for public office or request financial or political support. The candidate might assume, based on conscious or subconscious beliefs, a lack of interest on the part of these groups and therefore not worth the commitment of time or resources. Post election media reporting shows that, often, it is the candidate’s message, not necessarily the candidate voters find objectionable.
Here is another common example of the onerous effects of a Mindbug: A guidance counselor frequently makes assumptions about the cognitive skills and abilities of children from certain racial or income groups and consciously and subconsciously treats them differently than children from other racial, ethnic, or income groups.
Coaches, military officers, government officials, bankers, independent contractors and many in the private sector are captives of Mindbugs and the biases that flow from them on a regular basis.
While charting your path to success, spend some time in front of the mirror. And not just to practice your public remarks or to determine if you are dressed appropriately. Apart from the perfection you might see, ask a few hard and uncomfortable questions: What behaviors have I exhibited consciously or subconsciously toward others, or ideas, that could prove problematic? Am I guilty of exhibiting racial or ethnic stereotypical behavior? And, if so, how could that affect my chances to succeed? Am I a good listener? Or, do I subconsciously reject ideas or material that do not conform to my worldview? Here is a big one. Do I subconsciously prefer one candidate over another all other factors being equal?
There are myriad factors to be considered when developing personal growth and success strategies. Often we are guilty of behaviors that become habit and unconsciously erect barriers to the very success we pursue. I do not subscribe to the view that there is no antidote for the Mindbugs that become blinders. From personal experience, behavioral change – the antidote to Mindbugs – begins with honesty, awareness, a desire to alter/change behavior, and perseverance.
Turn a desire to change into conscious behavior. This will require willpower over time. Identify a particular Mindbug and understand how it influences your behavior. Next, become aware of yourself, something many are loathe to do. Monitor your behavior in those situations a particular Mindbug is in play. If necessary, chart your progress toward a change in behavior. The object is to develop new habits that improve and strengthen your personal brand. As your behavior changes, select a new Mindbug and begin the process anew.
You may not completely eradicate a subconscious bias in how you interpret information or view others. You could, however, turn subconscious, negative behavior into new habits that improve the likelihood of your SUCCESS. It is worth a try.
