Join 1k+ Subscribers

The Top Tips Blog

The False Consensus Effect

personal development
the False Consensus Effect can distort your perception

Happy Friday!

Last weekend, I drove to York and back to visit family. It was a 500-mile round trip that, despite my best intentions, brought out my inner grumbler.

There I was, navigating the M1, muttering under my breath about two distinct sets of drivers. 

First, there were the middle-lane hoggers. You know the type, cruising at a snail's pace, clogging up the motorway, making it impossible to keep a steady flow. 

Secondly there were the speed demons in the outside lane, zipping by at what I was sure were dangerous speeds. Some of them were aggressive, driving too close behind, flashing their lights and forcing “reasonable” drivers like me to pull over and let them through.

I found myself getting increasingly annoyed, and more than a bit judgey. So I did a thing I’ve learned to stop myself getting cross. I practised being curious. So instead of just getting grumpy with everyone else I ask myself questions. 

To keep things fresh I try to make them different each time. It can be basic stuff like “Where could they be going to need to drive so fast?” or “How long do I think they’ll survive driving like that?” or “How long until they flash force an unmarked traffic police car?”

 

Thinking Aloud

This time though I focused on myself and made an uncomfortable assumption about how I was thinking. I assumed I had read the situation wrong and then searched for what that was. 

It doesn’t always work but it makes things more interesting. And sometimes it generates new ways of thinking or seeing things. 

This time it dawned on me that I was falling prey to a cognitive bias known as the False Consensus Effect. There’s loads of these things rattling around in my head and every now and again something happens and I remember what they mean. 

It’s a thing summed up best by this great George Carlin quote, which is why I remembered it at that moment:

“Everyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and everyone driving faster than you is a maniac.” 

It perfectly sums up how I was thinking I was the gold standard for driving, and felt annoyed when others clearly don’t see it my way and drove badly.

I had decided, as most of us do, that my approach to driving was the correct one, and anyone who drove differently was either inconsiderate or reckless. It wasn’t just that I was doing what I considered normal – I was assuming that everyone else should consider it normal too.

 

It’s Just Like Me

The False Consensus Effect convinces us that our way of seeing the world is the most reasonable, rational one, and therefore others must surely agree. Why wouldn’t they?!

This is why we can be genuinely surprised when someone doesn’t share our opinion, whether it’s about a political issue, a way to approach a project, or even the best way to drive down the motorway.

We assume that, because our ideas make sense to us, they must make sense to everyone else. 

When people don’t agree, it can feel like they’re being deliberately difficult or simply out of touch. In reality, they’re just working from a different perspective - one shaped by their own experiences, values, and beliefs.

 

I’m OK, You’re Not OK

This bias often plays out in our relationships, both at work and at home. 

Let’s say you’re the type of person who loves getting things done quickly. You might naturally assume that others value efficiency in the same way you do. 

When a colleague takes a more methodical, slower approach, it can feel frustrating. “Why don’t they just speed up?” you might think. But to them, careful planning and thoroughness might be more important than quick wins.

The False Consensus Effect can cause real friction in relationships when we expect others to think and act like us, without taking into account their individual values and priorities.

 

Blind Faith

The False Consensus Effect doesn’t just affect how we view others; it also impacts the way we make decisions. If we believe everyone sees things as we do, we might rush ahead with choices without seeking input or considering alternatives.

Take workplace decision-making as an example. A manager might push forward with a plan, assuming the whole team is on board because they believe it’s the best course of action. But if the manager doesn’t actively seek out different viewpoints, they might miss key insights or dissenting opinions that could have led to a better outcome.

This bias narrows our vision, making us less likely to see potential pitfalls, simply because we don’t realise other perspectives exist. The result? Missed opportunities, flawed plans, and avoidable mistakes.

 

Breaking the Cycle

Alright so I’ve outlined the problem and how it comes about. Where’s the Tip? 

Fair enough, so here’s a few ideas about how  we can stop the False Consensus Effect from tripping us up:

 

1. Seek Out Other Opinions

One of the best ways to counteract this bias is by actively seeking input from others. Don’t assume you know how everyone feels - ask them. The more diverse the feedback, the better your decisions will be.

 

2. Challenge Your Assumptions

Whenever you find yourself thinking, “Well, that’s obvious,” stop and ask yourself: Is it really? 

Just because something seems clear to you doesn’t mean it’s clear to others. This small mental shift can open up a world of new perspectives.

 

3. Be Open to Being Wrong

Part of overcoming this bias is accepting that you might not have the best or only solution. Be open to the possibility that others might have insights you haven’t considered. 

I had to really learn to get better at being okay with being wrong. I adopted a phrase to use that helped. When I was asked for an opinion (or felt the urge to offer one anyway!) I would frame it with this phrase “I might be wrong, and I often am, but this is what I think . . .”

Surprisingly it didn’t seem  to reduce the value of my opinion in other people’s minds. But it certainly helped me to accept that it’s okay to be wrong. And that another opinion might be more helpful to me and the situation in hand.

 

Top Tip: Assume Less, Ask More

The next time you find yourself assuming others share your thoughts or agree with your approach, pause and check in with them. You might be surprised at the range of views that exist. 

By being more open to diverse perspectives, you’ll not only improve your relationships but could also make better, more informed decisions.

But also the next time you find yourself trundling along the M1 at 65 miles per hour with cars to the left AND right of you passing you by maybe take a moment to check in with yourself. It’s possible for other more ‘reasonable’ drivers to succumb to the False Consensus Effect AND be justly annoyed by middle lane hogs!

Stay connected with news and updates!

JoinĀ Iain's mailing list to receive the latest Top Tips every Friday. As a subscriber you'll always be the first to read it, BEFORE it makes it to the blog. Plus you'll get the latest news and offers.

Iain hates SPAM. He will never sell your information, for any reason.