Ever had assumptions show up that proved you wrong?
I was doing a training this week with a networking group – ConnectingGTA. Hands down, one of the most encouraging and support networking groups I’ve been part of.
We were unpacking the topic of communication and connection. It was all about slicing, analyzing and looking at how to communicate and connect, so that we can show up with more intention. .. And not be on autopilot.
One of the topics we covered was the importance of common ground. This is where your beliefs, values and interest and that of the other person/group intersect.
One of the barriers to finding common ground is ASSUMPTIONS … and I was guilty of it while facilitating the training.
You see, I noticed one person on camera that didn’t seem too interested (my own perception). This person was on the phone a couple of times. And this person didn’t seem to laugh or smile when I said something light and funny … because, you know, I think I’m HILARIOUS. Kidding…😜
My assumption was that this person wasn’t getting value from the session, or wasn’t interested.
I couldn’t have been more wrong.
This person gave a 10/10 on the feedback survey, and mentioned that the training was one of the best that they had participated in.
Bottom line
We make assumptions when we should be making observations. We tell ourselves stories that aren’t necessarily true and don’t serve us. When we make assumptions, we stop paying attention to people and miss clues that would help us find common ground with them.
So, as always, what’s the lesson?
From a leadership perspective:
- What assumptions do you make of your people?
- When has making an assumption not served your department’s goals?
- What’s the value in moving from making assumptions to asking questions?
From a personal growth perspective:
- What assumptions do you make of yourself?
- How can you interrupt the thought pattern when you do make assumptions of yourself?
- What’s the value in reframing the stories you tell yourself that don’t serve your growth and transformation?
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