196 Assumption of Positive Intent in Business Relationships

Business Miracles

Each of us highly sensitives has our own set of beliefs, perspectives, and experiences that shape how we see everything, including interactions with other people. It can be all too common for us to make quick assumptions and react when someone says or does something we perceive to be intentionally mean or hurtful, especially if it triggers an automatic trauma response. This reaction (or maybe even over-reaction) is due to our assumption of poor intent. In situations like this, an untrained HSP will very likely overreact in some way, maybe lashing out or shutting down as a way to protect and attempt to keep safe. However, trained HSPs can choose to master the skill of assuming positive intent and avoid falling into this trap.

In this episode I discuss the topic of assumption of positive intent, sharing more on what it is and why it is so important for us to be in practice with this skill in all our relationships as HSPs, especially in business. I talk about why we struggle with this skill and what we can do about it, outlining five steps that we can take to assume positive intent. Where this can especially come in handy for us as highly sensitives in business and leadership is networking, sales conversations, team hiring, team delegation, and any difficult conversation.

Research shows that adopting this positive mindset can can help reduce misunderstandings and conflict with others and overall can also lead to a happier, more harmonious life. And I would add as a result, an experience of less effort, more impact and more income as a highly sensitive leader.

“Assumption of positive intent is the opposite of the HSP shadow of judgment of others.” – Heather Dominick

Listen and Learn:

• 2:28: What does it mean to assume positive intent
• 3:21: Why do people assume positive intent in others
• 4:56: Why do HSPs struggle with the assumption of positive intent in others
• 7:55: How to assume positive intent in others
• 10:41: Why you should question your gut reaction

“Assumption of positive intent is also the opposite of our HSP shadow of judgment of self and tendency to be self-critical.” – Heather Dominick

Links and Resources:

• Get your copy of Heather’s book DIFFERENT: The Highly Sensitive Leadership Revolution: http://www.differentthebook.com
• Get your copy of the HSE Training Kit: Survive to Thrive: http://www.shiftfromsurvivetothrive.com
• Get your copy of the HSE Assessment and Success Guide: http://www.myhsetype.com

Learn more about this episode of Business Miracles at https://www.businessmiracles.com/196