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Assuming the Best About Others is Hard—But Necessary
Are you guilty of bracing for the worst when it comes to your clients, colleagues, and bosses? Amer Kaissi, professor at Trinity University, explains why bringing that negative mindset to work will quietly undermine your team, organization, and career. He wants leaders to instead adopt a "positive intent mindset," which means giving everyone -- even people who disappoint you or with whom you vehemently disagree -- the benefit of the doubt. He shares five key capabilities we can all build to improve trust and performance without sacrificing accountability. Kaissi's book is called The Positive Intent Mindset: Exceptional Leadership Through Trust and Accountability.
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[HBR IdeaCast podcast series]
HBR IdeaCast
Episode 1067
Assuming the Best About Others is Hard—But Necessary
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A conversation with Trinity University professor Amer Kaissi on shifting to a “positive intent mindset.”
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February 24, 2026
Are you guilty of bracing for the worst when it comes to your clients, colleagues, and bosses? Amer Kaissi, professor at Trinity University, explains why bringing that negative mindset to work will quietly undermine your team, organization, and career. He wants leaders to instead adopt a “positive intent mindset,” which means giving everyone — even people who disappoint you or with whom you vehemently disagree — the benefit of the doubt. He shares five key capabilities we can all build to improve trust and performance without sacrificing accountability. Kaissi’s book is called *The Positive Intent Mindset: Exceptional Leadership Through Trust and Accountability.*
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- Managing people
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- Leadership and managing people