Here are 3 ways to Overcome Self-Deception

Are you living in a world of self-deception?

I ask that question very sincerely. This is because many of the business owners/managers I connected with over the past year seem to be living in la-la land. When I say ‘la-la land’ I mean the mental state of someone who is not aware of what is really happening or going on in their life. I know that seems pretty harsh, and let me expand the reason for my observations.

Consider these comments;

• “I don’t have competition; we are so unique.”
• “There is nothing to improve here we’ve been in this business for over 50 years.”
• “I know I’ve got bad employees, but we are doing alright in spite of them.”
• “The government is the problem, not us.”
• “Innovation is just the latest fad; we can continue to do what we’ve always done.”

Have you ever noticed at one time in your life that many of the things you believed turned out to be false. If, you are human that should have happened in your life. If, it hasn’t it appears that willful ignorance has come into some level of your consciousness. The tragedy is that many people refuse to examine the falsehood that they are perpetrating or causing.

While some of you may think that I am upset that some of my contacts are living this kind of life, I can tell you that I am not. My biggest concern is that many business owners in the past have said the same things and their businesses are no longer in existence. Take for example, these well-known businesses that are no longer operating;

• Compaq Computer (1982 – 2002)
• Tower Records (1960 – 2004)
• Blockbuster Video (1985 – 2010)
• Kodak (1889-2012)

To bring this closer to home consider this scenario. How many times have you seen a parent who believe that his/her child is wonderful. That is they are not making any errors or is generally a good person. Well, take a wake-up pill parent! As I see it, many parents are more concerned about their child being a great student or a celebrated athlete, instead of focusing on the goodness they can show to others, which does not always happen.

Now let’s take this to the business world. As an owner or business manager; are you only concerned about getting the product or service out? If so, you are missing out on a massive area that has a massive effect in business. It is the health of your organization. The health of your organization is all about how you and your staff act and react with each other. If your organization has turned into an aggressive, competitive, and every person for themselves scenario and you don’t see anything wrong with that, the health of your organization is not good.

Here are the 3 ways to Overcome Self-Deception;

1. Examine whether your decisions or comments are showing sound-judgement,
2. Ask yourself if your decisions are being short-sighted or are you looking at the long-view,
3. Commit to making a positive long-term difference in you or your organization’s health.