<p>We make assumptions when we don't fully understand a situation. &nbsp;It is a natural reaction to immediately fill in any missing information by making up our own story.&nbsp; We do this because we like to try to make sense of people and situations.</p> <p>The problem with this is that most of the time our story is incorrect which causes all kinds of complications. &nbsp;The fact is, we don't know what the truth is unless we ask.</p> <p>As much as we would like to think we know what others are thinking, we simply can't read minds.&nbsp; Sometimes we think we have the super power to know the reasons why people do the things they do (without asking them) which is pretty presumptuous.&nbsp; Remember, not everyone sees the world the same way you do (shocker, I know, but it is easy to forget).</p> <p>Need another reason to stop making assumptions?&nbsp; Try turning it around, do you believe that other people can read your mind?&nbsp; Would you rather that someone makes up a story (an assumption) about what you are thinking and feeling?&nbsp; Or, would you prefer if they ask you?&nbsp;</p> <p>When you ask instead of assume, you may not always get an answer you like or expect.&nbsp; Still, asking is much better than making up your own story because then you are in the position to make an informed next step.</p> <p>Asking questions seems like an easy thing to do so why don't we do it more often?&nbsp; Why do we sometimes become paralyzed when it comes time to:</p> <p>- Contact a client to find out why they haven't responded to a phone call or e-mail</p> <p>- Ask a partner if they are satisfied with the way you work together</p> <p>- Ask a colleague if they still plan to make that introduction for you that they promised</p> <p>It goes something like this.&nbsp; Let's say you see a prospective client at a networking event, he sees you too but when you try to approach him for a chat he leaves abruptly.&nbsp; That is all that happened, you don't know why he had to leave and yet your mind starts making up a story, an assumption.</p> <p>You might think he doesn't like you or that he isn't interested in your business.&nbsp; That may or may not be true but why bother thinking negative thoughts when you don't really know the reason he left.</p> <p>If you want to know the reason, ask!&nbsp; You may find out that he just went outside to put money in a parking meter, that he had a family emergency, or something else which was not related to you at all.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>So how do you do it?&nbsp; When asking questions, do so in a non-judgmental way with the intention to discover the truth.&nbsp; Stick to the facts and use a neutral tone when asking questions verbally.</p> <p>If you're still not convinced, here are seven reasons why you, and your business, may be suffering because of assumptions.&nbsp; Making assumptions is bad for business because doing so can:</p> <p>1. Cause unnecessary stress</p> <p>2. Waste time and energy</p> <p>3. Create misunderstandings</p> <p>4. Cause you to miss out on great opportunities</p> <p>5. Lower your confidence and create self-doubt</p> <p>6. Lead you to offer the wrong product/service</p> <p>7. Create obstacles that don't exist</p> <p>Hopefully it is clear why assumptions are not good for your business and you are willing to stop making them.&nbsp; Making assumptions isn't good for any relationship which means you can apply this to your personal life as well.&nbsp; After all, you do have a life outside of your business right?</p> <p>My challenge to you is to start paying attention to your thoughts and become aware of when you are making assumptions and then get into action and ask the right questions.</p> <p>Asking questions is simple, and not always easy.&nbsp; Find the courage to do what may feel difficult and just ask.&nbsp; Ending assumptions is like any skill, it takes practice.&nbsp; The more you do it the easier it will become!</p> 2008-11-13T14:38:52Z -15.0934 381 2213 true 15 5980 why-assumptions-are-bad-for-business 2 2008-11-21T18:14:40Z 2008-11-21T18:14:40Z

We make assumptions when we don’t fully understand a situation. It is a natural reaction to immediately fill in any missing information by making up our own story.

0 2009-02-24T09:47:07Z