How many times at work or at home do you “assume” that you are getting accurate information on an issue or believe that a person acts a certain way because that’s the way you have heard he or she has always been?  Do you always assume the worst in most cases?  Do you believe a story about someone because it fits your assuming belief patterns?  Or are you afraid to question or check the reality of a story or information…because maybe you will find that you are wrong in your assumptions?

Unfortunately, I believe that too often everyone, everyday experiences a number of unprofessional or personally hurtful incidences which cause them to fall into assuming potholes!  And although the pothole may not be maliciously intended or just the result of unplanned negative words…the result is an assuming pothole for someone just the same.

So this week my TRIPLE III TIME message is to AVOID ASSUMING POTHOLES.  By this I mean to not only try to become a “non-assumer”…but to also avoid being the initiator of assuming potholes!  I understand that in life and in the world-of-work, assumptions sometimes have to be made.  But before you take action with regard to an assumption, keep these points in mind:

• Opportunities are often lost due to poor assumptions
• People recognize and appreciate non-assumers
• Don’t assume but instead give people the “benefit of a doubt”
• Understand that you learn more when you approach a person or situation assumption free
• Trust suffers with poor assuming… both with others and trusting yourself
• Appreciate the questions that come from genuine non-assumers
•  Remember that smart people are smarter because they don’t assume

There are a lot of thoughts involved in this AVOID ASSUMING POTHOLES message.  Be sure to give it appropriate and adequate attention.