Assumption of Positive Intent
I'm a CTO and founder with nearly two decades of experience driving growth and transformation through technology. At Stronghold Investment Management, I led the development of a systematic real asset trading platform and modernized everything from Salesforce strategy to custom cloud-native infrastructure. My background spans commercial real estate, e-commerce, and private markets — always focused on delivering innovation, velocity, and meaningful business outcomes. I hold a PhD in Theoretical & Computational Biophysics and was recognized as a Google Developer Expert in Cloud. I build high-trust, high-output teams. I’ve rebuilt broken cultures, hired top-tier engineers, and helped early-stage and PE-backed companies scale with confidence. System modernization is my specialty — not just upgrading software, but aligning teams and infrastructure with what the business actually needs. Currently, I lead client engagements through Heavy Chain Engineering and am building Newroots.ai, an AI-driven relocation advisory platform.
One of my favorite leadership principles is the Assumption of Positive Intent. It’s simple to learn, use, and teach. Here’s how it works:
When someone does something you didn’t expect, instead of thinking, "Why the hell did they do that?!" assume they had positive intent. Assume they wanted to do the right thing. After all, we’re all on the same team, heading in the same direction. Most likely, they intended for things to go better than how you received it.
Here’s why I love this principle.
1. Your Teammates Aren’t Trying to Let You Down
Your teammates aren’t usually trying to do stupid things or make your life harder. No, really. They’re typically trying to do the right thing. In my experience, assuming positive intent is almost always accurate.
2. It Creates Breathing Room
As leaders, we can’t address every problem in the moment. Sometimes, we’re juggling too many priorities. The Assumption of Positive Intent—especially when shared with your team—can give everyone a little breathing room. It allows you to address issues thoughtfully, rather than reactively.
3. It Fosters Empathy and Understanding
I often teach this concept in one-on-ones, when someone comes to me frustrated with a coworker. I remind them that their coworker is capable and usually does the right thing. Without making anyone wrong, I can validate their experience ("Yeah, I can see how that would be hard") while also reframing the situation ("Knowing the deadline is Friday, I can see how they thought it was the right thing to do").
Often, I don’t even have to go that far. Just reminding them of this principle is enough. They think about it, nod, and smile. Problem solved.
4. It Encourages Curiosity Over Judgment
Instead of thinking, "They’re so stupid. Why did they do it that way?" the Assumption of Positive Intent shifts your mindset to curiosity: "They’re not stupid. Why did they do it that way?" This approach leads to better questions, better understanding, and better solutions.
5. It Fights Misalignment and Toxicity
Misalignment is a disease. (Fun fact: The word "disease" comes from "dis-ease"—literally, a lack of ease.) Toxicity spreads like cancer and creates strong misalignment. The Assumption of Positive Intent helps abate toxicity by fostering trust and collaboration. It reminds us that we’re all working toward the same goals, even if we occasionally take different paths to get there.
Why This Principle Matters
The Assumption of Positive Intent isn’t about ignoring problems or letting poor performance slide. It’s about approaching challenges with empathy and curiosity instead of judgment and frustration. It’s about creating a culture where people feel trusted, understood, and aligned.
So, the next time a teammate does something unexpected, take a breath and ask yourself: "What positive intent might they have had?" You might be surprised by how much easier it is to find a solution—and how much stronger your team becomes in the process.
