I read through Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute. Following the conversations of fictional people in a fictional company, the book attempts to get leaders “out of the box.” Here are some of the best quotes:
“Self-deception actually determines one’s experience in every aspect of life.”
“Self-deception obscures the truth about ourselves, corrupts our views of others and our circumstances, and inhibits our ability to make wise and helpful decisions.”
“The discovery of a way out of those self-deceptions is the discovery of hope and the birth of new possibilities and lasting solutions.”
“Self-deception – the inability to see that one has a problem.”
“Self-betrayal – an act contrary to what I feel I should do for another. When I betray myself, I begin to see the world in a way that justifies my self-betrayal. When I see the world in a self-justifying way, my view of reality becomes distorted.”
“Do you see people as annoying, a nuisance, or as they truly are – as people.”
“Don’t focus on what others are doing wrong. Do focus on what you can do right to help.”
“Don’t worry whether others are helping you. Do worry whether you are helping others.”
How can we embrace reality as our friend? How can we help others on our team do the same?
