The Fundamental Attribution Error (FAE) can really change how we view our coworkers and how well we work together.

FAE is a fancy term for a common mistake we make. It happens when we focus too much on a person's character instead of the situation they are in.

For example, if a coworker misses a deadline, we might think, “They’re just disorganized.” But we often forget to think about other things that might be happening, like a heavy workload or personal problems. This can cause misunderstandings and bad feelings, making the workplace uncomfortable.

Here are Some Examples of FAE:

• Performance Reviews: If a manager only sees an employee as lazy without considering bigger problems, that employee might get unfair reviews.
• Team Conflicts: If one person has trouble talking to others, the team might think they aren’t good at their job. They might ignore things like recent changes in the team that could be making communication harder.

What This Means:

1. Low Morale: If employees feel misunderstood, they might feel unappreciated and upset.
2. Higher Turnover: When there are misunderstandings, good workers might decide to leave the company.

By understanding FAE, we can build a workplace that is kinder and promotes better discussions!