When I work with Management teams, one of the most common topics for discussion is “Belief Systems”.
As we begin to explore belief systems, they become intrigued to understand more, What is it? What does it do? Is it important?
Most scientists will agree by the age of 10 we have established our belief system, a set of values and ideals that will define how we live the rest of our life.
Stephen Pirie, Author – Simple Tools for Clarity, Understanding and Betterment says the following:
“Your belief-system is what causes you to think and feel the way you do. Your belief-system will determine whether you’re depressed, happy, sad, excited, or bored.
Your belief-system determines your courage, fears and behaviours.
You only need to examine your life to see your belief-system at work, as reflected in your level of success, your health, wellbeing and the quality of your relationships.
Your belief-system is your “auto-pilot” — the beliefs you hold and the “facts” you automatically take for granted. Your auto-pilot makes you do what you do, and is the root source of all the wonderful things in your life: the loves, the fun, the money and the pleasant surprises, as well as all the drama, conflict, frustration, stress and other negative situations.”
In business we need to understand these belief systems if we want to support people and help them grow. These values are hard-wired, so using logic won’t be effective.
Think about the time where you’ve said something similar to “It’s like talking to a brick wall”, when trying to explain an alternative way of thinking to someone. This is belief systems at work.
If we are to begin to elicit change and move our business in a new direction, then we need to alter our management philosophy, to take account of these belief systems.
What are your thoughts on belief systems? Have you encountered them? If you have, what was your experience?