Cognitive dissonance occurs when there are conflicting beliefs, thoughts or memories, causing discomfort. To reduce this, people will modify beliefs, compromise standards, or deny conflicts. The three most common effects are modifying beliefs, compromising standards, and denying conflicts. To eliminate cognitive dissonance, the document outlines six steps: gain clarity, change approach, reestablish focus, think outside the box, commit to a daily routine, and find someone who can help.

1. THE LAW OF CULTURAL
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
AND PERFORMANCE
A CONNELLY/YEATTS COACHING FOR
PERFORMANCE PROGRAM

2. THE LAW OF COGNITIVE
DISSONANCE
We act in a manner that is consistent with our
cognitions.
Cognitions are our
beliefs, values, thoughts and memories.

3. HOWEVER
When faced with conflicting cognitions, we become
upset, nervous or confused. The imbalance is so
uncomfortable that we will do anything to reduce it.

4. COGNITIVE DISSONANCE:
A TRUE
PERFORMANCE KILLER

5. Humans will do ANYTHING to eliminate
dissonance. Common effects include:
ANXIETY
UNHEALTHY, UNUSUAL OR
DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR

6. THE THREE MOST COMMON EFFECTS OF
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
1. Modifying beliefs,
values and
remembrances

7. THE THREE MOST COMMON EFFECTS OF
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
2. Compromising
standards
to fit a situation

8. THE THREE MOST COMMON EFFECTS OF
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
3. Deny the
existence of the
conflict altogether

9. 6 Steps to
Eliminate Cognitive
Dissonance

10. 6 STEPS TO ELIMINATE
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
1. Gain Clarity

11. 6 STEPS TO ELIMINATE
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
2. Change Your Approach
Redesign Your Thinking

12. 6 STEPS TO ELIMINATE
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
3. Reestablish
Focus

13. 6 STEPS TO ELIMINATE
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
4. Get outside
the box

14. 6 STEPS TO ELIMINATE
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
5. Commit to a
daily routine

15. 6 STEPS TO ELIMINATE
COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
6. Find someone
who can help

16. CONNELLY/YEATTS
COACHING FOR
PERFORMANCE
2010