A checklist for identifying self-deception

In the book Leadership and Self-Deception, The Arbinger Institute introduces the concept of self-deception. Self-deception is the act of allowing yourself to believe that a false feeling, idea, or situation is true.

When you are self-deceived, the first step of recovery is to become aware of the deception. I’ve created this checklist of common symptoms to help me identify when I’m self-deceived so that I can get back to reality faster.

If you check any of the following boxes, you are likely self-deceived about something or someone.

❒ You feel stuck

❒ You’re focused only on your own perspective

❒ You’re resistant to alternative viewpoints

❒ You’re not interested in learning another person’s name

❒ You feel like you have to put up with others

❒ You lack the desire to help others

❒ You’re victimizing yourself

❒ You’re blaming others

❒ You’re criticizing others

❒ You’re trying to control someone

❒ You’re withholding information from someone

For more on self-deception, see my notes from Leadership and Self-Deception.

Have thoughts on this topic? I'd love to hear from you! I'm @RickLindquist on Twitter.