Barn Doors On Perspectives

The lens through which we view the world is shuittered by our assumptions and beliefs. Like a barn door on a light, these ingrained ideas shape what we can see, often blinding us to aspects of reality that don’t fit within our preconceived worldview. But what happens when these assumptions and beliefs are shared across a group? A phenomenon far more subtle and pervasive occurs, creating a shared reality that might be skewed or even entirely disconnected from what actually is. Let’s unravel this, and along the way, take a fleeting glance at GroupThink.

Our Personal Filters: Assumptions and Beliefs

Every individual carries a set of assumptions and beliefs shaped by upbringing, culture, education, and personal experiences. These are the filters that determine how we interpret the world around us. We’re generally not even aware of them, but they can lead us down paths of misunderstanding, misjudgement, or even outright denial of certain truths.

The Amplifying Mirror: Shared Assumptions and Beliefs

When these assumptions and beliefs are shared within a group, they’re reinforced and amplified. The shared worldview acts as shutters, constraining and strengthening these common ideas. What’s perceived as truth within the group might differ vastly from an outsider’s perspective or (so-called) objective reality.

This isn’t always negative; shared beliefs can foster unity and collaboration. However, they can also create blind spots and distortions, like the mirrors in a fun house.

GroupThink: A Light Touch on a Heavy Subject

GroupThink is a psychological phenomenon where the desire for harmony and conformity within a group leads to poor decision-making. It’s an extreme form of the shared assumptions and beliefs that we’re exploring here. In GroupThink, alternative viewpoints are not just overlooked but actively suppressed. It creates an environment where consensus is prioritised over critical evaluation, often leading to flawed outcomes.

How to See Beyond Our Barn Doors

The real challenge is learning how to recognise and question our assumptions and beliefs, both individually and collectively. Here are a few strategies to help you peer beyond these invisible barriers:

1. Encourage Diversity of Thought: Surround yourself with diverse perspectives to challenge your thinking and uncover hidden biases.
2. Promote Open Dialogue: Encourage honest and open discussions where differing opinions are not just tolerated but celebrated.
3. Reflect and Question: Continuously question your beliefs and assumptions, and be open to changing them when faced with new evidence.
4. Foster a Culture of Critical Thinking: Within a group, foster an environment where critical thinking is encouraged, and conformity is challenged.
5. Organisational Psychotherapy: Hire or engage an organisational therapist to facilitate and suuport introspection into shared assumptions and beliefs.

Summary

Our assumptions and beliefs are both a shield and a barrier, protecting us from chaos but also blinding us to truths. By understanding how they shape our worldview, and particularly how shared assumptions can distort our collective reality, we open the door to greater insight, empathy, and connection.

In a world filled with complexity and differing perspectives, striving to see beyond our barn doors is not just a path to better understanding; it’s a road to growth, innovation, and true collaboration. It’s about seeing the world not as we believe it to be, but as it truly is. That’s a journey worth taking, don’t you think?