I'm right, and I know I am

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

My previous article looked at determination, and proposed a continuum from those who are convinced they are absolutely right through to those who are convinced they are absolutely wrong. Each half of the continuum had four “labels”, and this article is going to begin to look at the four characteristics on the “I’m right” spectrum, and see how they impact the wonderful attitude of determination.

The four characteristics – as a little memory jog - were:

• I really know I’m right
• I want to think I’m right
• I really believe I’m right
• I want to believe I’m right

There are positive aspects to all of these positions. From the absolute conviction at the top of the list, through to the desire to have that level of conviction, all can be positive, useful characteristics…but, equally, they can be rather dangerous if inappropriately applied.

Starting at the top…

I really know I’m right

I’m going to characterise this position as “faith” – whilst avoiding going directly into the religion-ramifications of that term. The reason I use faith is that faith is the essential for this position to hold – an unswerving belief in the correctness of your position

From a business point of view, there are some very successful people with this characteristic. Steve Jobs appears to be one – internal rumour about his involvement in the iTab project (which was already underway when he rejoined Apple) shows just how convinced he is that his way is the right way. I would also be tempted to put people like Mark Constantine (and colleagues), from Lush, the handmade cosmetics company. James Dyson might also belong here.

The link in this context between these people (and many others) is the degree of conviction they hold. James Dyson is famous for his conviction that there was a better way to design vacuum cleaners; Steve Jobs is famous for his insistence on the quality of the user interface of his products; and the Lush team are united in their eco-friendly approach to business.

The downside to this characteristic is when the strength of faith surpasses any challenge, however reasonable. The Sinclair C5 is a prime example.

The fascinating thing here is that when people get it right, they are lauded, but, when people with the same characteristics get it wrong, they are sneered at. How do we judge, and over what time period, whether these people are actually right or not? Sir Clive Sinclair may yet, in his ongoing pursuit of electric vehicles, be proved a true, successful visionary.

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Is it the case that only time can distinguish between a crazed zealot and an inspired visionary? Most of those who, through their determination, have achieved great things have been mocked, humiliated or vilified at some earlier stage. Bearing this in mind, how do we mere mortals learn from these people, and bring that learning into our lives?

There are a number of areas to consider. Do feel free to add to or challenge this list!

• Challenge yourself. Holding a position or belief that you’ve not even questioned yourself about is naive at best. Don’t let your first thought become your last on any subject!
• Beware of received wisdom. However wise others may appear to be, challenge them – even if only in your own mind – before accepting and absorbing their judgements. Experts, and especially perceived experts, can be very wrong.
• Keep the questioning up. Circumstances and environments change. What is absolutely right one day may be absolute rubbish the next, and you don’t want to keep holding on to outdated, redundant concepts.
• Be prepared to be wrong. In all of this questioning, and however firm your faith, the questioning, and most importantly the answering, must be done openly. Don’t just tee up the easy questions so you can swat them away like lazy flies.
• Seek out critics. Find those people most likely to disagree with you, and listen to them. Nothing is better for either reinforcing faith or refining beliefs than challenges from the opposite position.

But, bearing all this in mind, don’t give in to this too easily! Later articles will look at the risks associated with this, but remember, this article is about those with unshakeable, unswerving faith!