The Objective Paradox - Gaining Insights Through Subjectivity: Achieving Inclusivity in the Workplace
This week is National Inclusion week 2023 - Let's celebrate with new thinking...
During a recent interview with Mike Harsanyi, he discussed The Objectivity Paradox and stressed the need to explore and understand its significance. Mike emphasised the importance of improving our decision-making skills as we navigate through an AI-driven world. To begin, we must first understand a bit more about The Objectivity Paradox...
The Objectivity Paradox challenges our conventional understanding of objectivity in business and decision-making. Traditionally, we believe objectivity can be achieved through concrete data and facts. However, the paradox lies in the fact that our brains, which we heavily rely on for decision-making, are inherently subjective. This concept raises intriguing questions about how we can truly be objective in our decision-making process.
So, what does this mean for achieving true objectivity? Well, it means that we must first develop a deep understanding of our own subjectivity. We need to be aware of our biases, assumptions, and emotional triggers that can influence our decision-making processes. This forms the basis of the Emotional Health Tracker (EHT) available on the Mind Nudger AI platform, as this greatly impacts our ability to learn and change.
By regularly using tools like the EHT to monitor and analyse our emotions, we can gain valuable insights into our own personal perspective. This increased self-awareness enables us to question our perspectives and approach situations more objectively.
However, the benefits extend beyond just us. Understanding our own subjectivity also leads to a greater appreciation and understanding of others' perspectives. This, in turn, allows us to empathise with different opinions and communicate more effectively with those around us.
Recognising and valuing the fact that everyone has their own unique subjective experiences, we are better able to approach disagreements and conflicts with an open mind and a desire to learn from others. This mindset is crucial for creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
While objectivity is highly valued in business because it can be measured and tested, subjectivity becomes important when trying to reach a higher level of objectivity. Subjectivity provides us with a deeper understanding of our own limitations and helps us recognise that our perspectives are not the ultimate truth. Instead, there are multiple valid viewpoints that should be considered.
In conclusion, The Objectivity Paradox challenges us to look beyond objective measurements and data. It reminds us of the importance of self-awareness and subjective understanding in achieving a higher level of objectivity. By embracing our own subjectivity and engaging in continuous introspection and conversation with others, we can make more informed decisions, understand others better, and ultimately achieve a more balanced and nuanced approach to decision-making and problem-solving in our workplaces.
Acknowledging and embracing the impact of subjectivity on our thoughts and perspectives is crucial for fostering an inclusive workplace culture. When we recognise our own biases and limitations, we become more open to appreciating the diverse range of opinions and experiences that others bring to the table. This not only allows us to view situations from different angles and consider alternative viewpoints, but it also leads to more creative and innovative solutions, which is the goal for all organisations.
Inclusivity and empathy are key for creating a thriving workplace. Understanding our own subjectivity also helps us better understand others' subjectivity, enabling us to empathize with their experiences, listen actively to their ideas, and from there, collaborate more effectively. This encourages an environment where individuals feel psychologically safe expressing their thoughts and ideas, knowing they will be heard and valued by all.
In our AI-driven, exponentially changing workplaces, finding a balance between objective measurements and subjective understanding is essential. By embracing The Objectivity Paradox, we can create a workplace culture that celebrates diversity and fosters inclusivity. This will not only improve decision-making and problem-solving, but it will also enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall help organizations to navigate chaotic change.
To navigate The Objectivity Paradox, tools like the Emotional Health Tracker increase our self-awareness and our ability to regulate our emotions and help us make more informed decisions. Ultimately, by recognising and embracing our subjectivity, we can create a more inclusive workplace culture where diverse perspectives are highly valued and respected.
More about the Emotional Health Tracker later!
