-> Understanding the Illusion of Transparency
Have you ever confidently given instructions to your team, only to discover that they did not understand your expectations? This common situation highlights the ‘Illusion of Transparency’ – a cognitive bias that causes us to overestimate our ability to effectively convey our thoughts and intentions.
We believe that our words are a perfect reflection of our thoughts when, in reality, they often distort and misunderstand them.
-> My Experience & My Learning
I distinctly remember a project I had earlier in my career. I thought I was very clear and informed my team of the new product. Weeks later, I was confused and frustrated when I realized the results were out of line. This was my first encounter with the illusion of transparency. I realized that what was obvious to me was not so evident to others.
This experience was transformative and taught me the importance of clear communication.
-> Why Does This Matter in Leadership?
The stakes are higher in leadership. Miscommunication can lead to mistakes, missed deadlines and team frustration. Leaders need to understand this illusion.
It is not just about what you say; It is also about about how it is received and understood.
Various studies in communication have found a common theme. They found that people consistently overestimate how well others understand their minds. This is not just an individual fault. This is a widespread practice, especially among groups.
-> Ways to combat this?
- Practice Active Listening
- Encourage your team to rephrase your instructions
- Have regular feedback loops
- Have a conducive environment where the team feels comfortable asking for clarification
- Use simple, clear, and unambiguous language to convey your message
Your Experiences?
Have you encountered the illusion of transparency in your work? Do share your experiences.