😈 Playing devil’s advocate
The Playbook #17: Nurturing thoughtful/nuanced arguments and fostering a growth mindset
What makes your ideas strong?
Is it simply looking for information that can strengthen them?
While that seems like a good approach, it's important to consider information contradicting your ideas.
Studies have found that people are more likely to seek information confirming their beliefs and ignore or dismiss conflicting information; they call it confirmation bias.
To avoid this bias, play devil’s advocate whenever you develop a new idea. Take an opposing viewpoint, look for weaknesses, identify potential flaws, and refine to make the idea more robust and well-rounded.
Use these questions as prompts:
What evidence or information might contradict my point of view?
Are there any assumptions I'm making that could be challenged?
How might other roles (stakeholders) think and approach this issue?
What are the potential unintended consequences of my proposed idea? (Think long-term)
Does my idea resonate with the shared values and principles?
Playing devil’s advocate isn’t only a matter of preparing yourself to defend your ideas and persuade others to see your point of view. It’s a tool for nurturing thoughtful/nuanced arguments and fostering a growth mindset.
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The Playbook #18 – The paradox mindset
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The Playbook #16 – Questions and assumptions