|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |  |
|
Assumptions
| Guest post by: Rebel Brown |
Article Overview: How often do assumptions step in to define our beliefs, our actions and our very lives? We all know the old rule about what happens when we assume. Yet, I find in my own life that no matter how much I say I won't make assumptions - I still do.
 |
Free Download - Are you Stuck in Failure? By Rebel Brown |
Assumptions
How often do assumptions get in the way of our reality?
Unfortunately, the answer is a lot more than we actually believe is the case. We all know the saying about what happens when we assume. We all know that assumptions are dangerous. Yet we all still assume.
I caught myself assuming this weekend. I was driving on the freeway and preparing to merge from 3 lanes to two. I was in the lane that was vanishing, and waiting for my turn to merge with the next lane. In California, there's an unspoken rule that drivers follow- allowing an efficient every-other-car merge.
Well, when it came to be my turn - the guy wouldn't let me in. I had to slam on my brakes, causing havoc behind me. My first thought was, well, that's unprintable - let's just say I was not happy. What a jerk! But then a voice said "Why do you think that? What if he doesn't know any better?"
I paused and checked the license plate on the car that wouldn't let me merge - South Dakota. That made me feel pretty small. I was dead wrong - the guy wasn't a jerk, he just didn't know any better.
See what assumptions can do in our personal lives? Now think about how many assumptions are buried behind our business decisions. We assume a certain type of customer is our key opportunity because of our past experience with others like them. We assume a product feature is required because of a lost deal tat required it. We assume a person is capable of managing sales because they are a great sales rep.
We'll never be rid of assumptions. It's part of the human experience. Our learning and judgements are based on making assumptions. So how do we avoid allowing the wrong assumptions to put us on the wrong course?
The only way I know of to avoid letting assumptions drive my actions is to consciously think about my decisions, reactions and beliefs. Conscious thoughts mean examining the reality of the situation - in addition to the assumptions I bring to the table. That's how I check my assumptions at the door - or behind the wheel as the case may be.
How about you? How do you check your assumptions to avoid that hazardous "assume?"
MIND TRAP: When we don’t question assumptions
Assumptions Anyone?
Those Damned Assumptions
The Blind Leading the Blind: Why You Really Need a Coach
Management Development Secrets - Getting Off Being Hooked on Assumptions
Do You Allow Yourself To Be Intimidated?
What Did You Just Say
Why Assumptions Are Bad for Business
Controlling the Assumptions in Your Sales and Marketing Strategy
Are You Making This "Kiss of Death" Sales Mistake?
Enough Leads for the Sales Force? How to Convert More of Them More Quickly
One Key to Strategic Planning is to Confront Your Assumptions
Enough Leads for the Sales Force? How to Convert Them More Quickly
Are Your Assumptions Limiting Your Possibilities?
How to attract success
Your Limitations - Are they a Black Swan?
2 Leadership Mistakes That Will Cost You!
Taboo Topics: Talking Politics in the Office
"The Icing on Your Customer Cake"
Senior Management and Critical Information
Article Tags: assumptions, assumptions drive, business growth strategy, defy gravity, leadership, still assume, wrong assumptions
|
About the Author: Rebel Brown RSS for Rebel's articles - Visit Rebel's website My best selling market strategy book - Defy Gravity - shares the lessons I've learned in my client engagements. I'm thrilled to be able to share these experiences with business leaders in a variety of markets. We all have Gravity - myself included! When we shift from gravity thinking - high velocity growth is ours for the taking! I'm honored to have been featured in media including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Inc, Business Insider, Startup Nation, First Business TV, ChangeThis.com, 800CEORead, Exceptional People and more. I'm a frequent radio show guest - sharing tips 'n tricks to help all business leaders excel. I'm also an executive speaker for companies, associations, events and audiences who are ready to Shift - from Gravity to High Velocity Growth. Visit www.RebelBrown.com for Rebel's thought-provoking and informative videos and articles. Click here to visit Rebel's website   The Ghost and Our Integrity Sensationalism is not Expertise What Does Your Gut Say New Tricks Lost in Space |
Related Forum Posts
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
by: Stan Prokop, Canadian Business Financing
Best Automated Forex Trading Strategy
Build Your List with Joint Venture Giveaway Events
May 2012 Top 100 Social Media Experts to Follow on Twitter
What to measure to be phenomenally successful in business
10 mistakes of media relations
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Are You Too Good for Your Job?
Work Place Counselling
Getting The Media Attention You Deserve
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.