Assuming the Best About Others is Hard—But Necessary

The podcast explores the concept of adopting a positive intent mindset to improve workplace relationships and overall well-being. Trinity University Professor Amer Kaissi explains how assuming positive intentions can combat negativity and foster trust, collaboration, and engagement. He introduces the idea of "accountable positivity," which involves provisionally assuming good intentions and then verifying them. Kaissi also outlines five key skills—realistic optimism, empathy, humility, reality testing, and forgiveness—to cultivate this mindset. The discussion includes examples such as a restaurant owner who shifted from docking pay for lateness to having late employees apologize to their team and customers, which significantly reduced tardiness. The podcast emphasizes that forgiveness is for oneself and that difficult conversations are still necessary when positive intent is consistently absent.