Reply To: Exercise 5: Write Others’ Beliefs and Write Society’s Beliefs
Beliefs
The exercise this week often required a few steps: first, I’d judge someone’s behavior, then use that to identify the strategy they were using, then use that to get to their belief. For example, I saw someone using their phone while others were presenting to the group. First, I thought something like “[person’s name] is rude.” Then, I thought, “okay, maybe they are, maybe they aren’t but this action is showing that they don’t care about what the presenters have to say.” Then, with more reflection, I decided they believe that doing things for oneself is more important than listening to others. I don’t know if this needs more refining or if its accurate, but I think I’m on the right track.
I forgot to read the full chapter before today so I went into this exercise slightly unprepared. I also forgot to write down society’s beliefs. Nonetheless, here is my list and reflections.
Others’ beliefs:
1. Bird research is important for conservation
2. Community is important for human survival
3. Outreach for conservation is important
4. Doing things for oneself is more important than listening to others
5. Marine conservation is more important than other types of conservation
6. Serving others is a high priority
7. Sustainability is important
8. Education is the best career
9. Alcohol makes life better
10. Everyone deserves equal treatment regardless of their identity
11. Personal action doesn’t matter in conservation
As I looked through my list, I realized that a few of the beliefs I wrote down for others were very likely not correct. Or they were at least not the root belief. It’s really interesting to recognize how inaccurate my initial assumptions of others can be.
Did I notice any trends?
Since I didn’t practice very much, I didn’t notice trends in others’ beliefs. I did notice trends in the way I thought about their behaviors and beliefs.
How did identifying beliefs feel?
A little bit cumbersome at first. As I said above, I usually started with my own judgment and landed on a belief from there. I did get a little better over time but I need more practice. That said, It feels really good to think more deeply about people’s behaviors and what beliefs they are a result of. Doing that, lets me understand and relate to them more, even if we don’t agree.
Did I feel you developed a skill?
Kinda. I need to practice more intentionally to develop it.
How accurate do I think I was?
I think my initial thoughts about others’ beliefs were typically not accurate. Once I sat with my judgment more, I think I was more accurate. But still not confident I can identify others’ beliefs super well.
Did I feel differently about people when I thought of their beliefs?
Definitely! Once I paused to think about why they may be behaving in a particular way, I could understand their actions more and have more empathy for them. Doing that also let me move away from judgment and even reflect upon my own behaviors. I notice that when I feel negative judgment for someone’s actions, it’s often because I used to, or still occasionally, behave that way and I don’t want to. So, when others are doing it too, I feel contempt.
Does reading people’s beliefs make me think differently about leadership?
Yes. I’d like to think I’ve been embodying a similar level of empathy for a few years now. I always wonder why certain people do certain things and I like to look for reasons.
Where and how might I apply your experience in the rest of my life?
Again, everywhere, I think. I need to sort of re-do this week’s exercise, but I still got value from the little work I did.