We should all assume positive intent when talking to other students, educators and support staff.

Assuming positive intent means consciously choosing to assume that all staff and students are operating to the best of their ability and are acting with the best interest of the student, college and their colleagues in mind.

When confronted with what we see as criticism, such as assessment feedback, or receive support where we are not given the easy answer, it’s very easy to get defensive or feel attacked in some way.

Instead, try to take a step back and look at it from a different point of view. What is the Educator/Student trying to say? Am I hearing everything? Rather than being suspicious of their motives and think they are unwilling to help, assume that they are doing the best they can and that their intentions are to help us grow and be more successful. Assuming positive intent is to believe that the other person doesn’t have a hidden agenda and truely is trying to help.

If we assume intentions are negative and are directed at attacking us then we are immediately defensive, which means we are less likely to trust them and less likely to listen to what they are saying, missing out on valuable learning opportunities.