How taking a lie detector test promotes career progression
"There are probably people applying for that who are way more qualified than me."
"I know I won't be asked to speak today, they hate our team and won't give us any airtime."
"People must think I'm really [fill in the blank]"
What assumptions have you made this week?
Think back over the past few days, to see where you've made assumptions about a situation, a person or even yourself. Write them down.
Are there any repetitive assumptions in there? They're the ones that show up frequently, in particular situations or with certain people.
Assumptions allowed to run unchecked will soon grow two heads and turn into monster truths for you. And when that monster gets into every bone of your being, the new 'truth' will likely prevent you from taking action that might otherwise be in the best interest of your career growth. Or it'll cause some damage to your confidence or even set you up to take detrimental action.
The Lie Detector
During coaching conversations I like to play a game. I call it The Lie Detector.
When I notice a client declaring a 'truth' I like to invite them to play. It starts with me hearing something like this:
"My manager thinks I'm useless".
Is that true?
"Yes! She never gives me any interesting projects, they always go to other people before I even find out about them."
How does that mean she thinks you're useless? What else might be going on?
In other words, how do you know it's true?
Sometimes, you're right. It's true. Your manager might well think you're useless. And in some cases you might know because she told you, "You're useless!", which might mean it's time to go find yourself a new manager (assuming you're not useless).
But what about when you're wrong? When the statement you think is true is a lie?
Find out by asking these questions:
Is that true?
How do I know it's true? What evidence do I have of that?
What else might be going on that would show me what is actually happening?
What actions do I need to take to work out whether this is true or not?
You can run any of your 'truth' statements though this lie detector.
Try it. Go back to the bit where you wrote down some of the assumptions you made this week.
Pick one out and be your own coach. Ask yourself the questions and if the answer is 'I don't really know' then work out how you can find out so that you can take appropriate action from the point of understanding the reality of the situation. Acting on anything other than reality is like pushing water up a hill with a rake.
Try it and let the truth set you free!