We all have assumptions—beliefs about the world. We hold them pretty tight usually. We act in accordance with these beliefs, often rather unaware we’re doing so. Indeed, they tend to become part of who we are.
The result is our sense of identity gets tied up with our assumptions.
And so…
We don’t like to have them tested, much less found to be untrue. That feels personal.
And yet…
If our assumptions are wrong, our decisions are wrong, and we’re heading for a fall, or problems with other people.
Strangely perhaps, many people and organizations are quite unwilling to examine their own assumptions. Like much else, it’s an ego thing—too much indignity involved.
If we’re brave—with a strong sense of self—we can choose to “suspend” our assumptions, figuratively hanging them up for all to see. We can declare what we are assuming and put that to the test.
Not many are willing and brave enough to do this. Not many are secure enough in themselves. Not many are willing to not know, or even to be wrong.
Are you?
Better decisions beckon.