Master the Art of Business
A world-class business education in a single volume. Learn the universal principles behind every successful business, then use these ideas to make more money, get more done, and have more fun in your life and work.
What Is 'The Mind-Reading Fallacy'?
- No one can read your mind: you must communicate your objectives, priorities, and preferences.
- Positions of leadership require an enormous amount of communication.
Josh Kaufman Explains 'The Mind-Reading Fallacy'
Many people assume that effective employees, contractors, and business partners should be able to anticipate their thoughts, Desires, and preferences. That misconception is responsible for an enormous amount of unnecessary misunderstanding, confusion, frustration, and strife.
The Mind-Reading Fallacy is a corollary of Locus of Control and Commander’s Intent: people don’t have direct access to your mind, so you must communicate your objectives, priorities, and preferences.
The more responsibility you have and the more people you work with, the more important it is to express your thoughts and Desires in a clear and consistent way. Positions of leadership require an enormous amount of communication, particularly as circumstances change over time. If it’s important to make sure everyone on your team or in your company knows your current strategy and priorities, constant communication is an absolute necessity.
This principle is also a good rule of thumb for daily life: it can improve the quality of your relationships with loved ones, friends, and acquaintances. By taking full responsibility for expressing your thoughts and feelings and not expecting others to have a perfect understanding of what you need and want, you make it easier for others to interact with you in a productive and beneficial way.
"The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
George Bernard Shaw, playwright and political activist
Working With Others
https://personalmba.com/mindreading-fallacy/
Master the Art of Business
A world-class business education in a single volume. Learn the universal principles behind every successful business, then use these ideas to make more money, get more done, and have more fun in your life and work.
About Josh Kaufman
Josh Kaufman is an acclaimed business, learning, and skill acquisition expert. He is the author of two international bestsellers: The Personal MBA and The First 20 Hours. Josh's research and writing have helped millions of people worldwide learn the fundamentals of modern business.
More about Josh Kaufman →