#311: Self-respect trumps self-esteem

Tell me, how’s your self-serving bias? Working over time, no doubt. Just like mine.

Let me explain. When we view success or good outcomes as due to our own doing or personal characteristics - that’s self-serving bias. When we blame failure or bad outcomes on external causes or bad luck - self-serving bias again.

Why do we do this? According to psychologists, if we can claim responsibility for good things, then our self-esteem and our public image are enhanced. And if we can blame failure on external factors then we can protect our self-esteem and our public image.

So go ahead, blame this economy on the bankers and the loss of your job on your ex-boss. Blame who ever you like for whatever you want, but be warned. I’ve tried blame and I felt better for only a few seconds at a time.

True, blame keeps my self-esteem in tact. But my self-respect demands that I take responsibility for doing something about my predicament.



I’m James McIntosh at nonsenseatwork.com

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