Assume Good Intent

Posted January 23rd, 2008

A friend taught me a valuable lesson. When I was grumbling about some person who did not “get” me, she said, “Assume good intent.”Those three words have changed the ways I accept and listen to others. Before a meeting or a class, I write “Assume Good Intent” on a piece of paper. This prompts me to suspend judgment, to listen carefully, to appreciate a person. What I love about assuming good intent is the influence it provides when someone reacts poorly or overreacts on some issue. This behavior also leads to increased collaboration, more pleasant meetings, and better results for an organization. Assuming good intent works outside the workplace. Try it at home, in stores, in traffic! Recently, a driver of a car rapidly came up behind me, swerved suddenly, and passed me while offering a gesture. While it was difficult to assume good intent, that choice provided more serenity and less stress. Let’s assume good intent to lessen road rage and lower stress.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm and is filed under Observations.