Don't Make Assumptions

Have you ever worked with a problematic client, someone who could not make decisive decisions, ignored your emails, or left invoices unpaid for longer than what made you feel comfortable? Or maybe you have a team member that is not performing up to your expectations, is chronically late, always overwhelmed, and not nearly as proactive as you'd like them to be.

In these situations, many people default to making assumptions rather than leaning into curiosity. But I want you to think about something for a moment. What might change for you if you stopped making assumptions, which are just stories you are telling yourself and started asking questions instead? First, find out what is happening for the other person. What is their story? Then meet them where they are, lean into listening and believe what they are telling you.

I understand that this sounds very simple but also potentially very scary. When we ask questions, we may hear answers that we'd rather not hear.

Listening and believing is often the hardest part because it challenges us and makes us look at things that perhaps we'd rather not see. Listening can point out changes that need to be made and work that needs to be done differently. It takes effort, patience, and time that many feel they do not have. But let me ask you this, what is making assumptions, not asking questions, and not listening costing you?

If you'd like to explore how being curious, staying present, and listening can positively impact your business, click here to schedule a free 90-minute discovery session.