Assuming Is A Thought Barrier

Yesterday, in a panel discussion it came up that assuming is a thought barrier; meaning that making assumptions can limit your thinking and understanding of another person, organization, or situation. In the context of the discussion the point was that when we assume something without asking questions or seeking further information to understand, we may close ourselves off to new ideas or alternative perspectives, or worse yet not understand other people or their context.

Why not just ask instead of assuming? This seems pretty straightforward forward, but seems a struggle for some. It also becomes a struggle because it is not always a comfortable or convenient environment to ask. For example, I have quit using acronyms when I am speaking or in meetings. Ever been in a meeting or reading something with acronyms that you have no idea what they are? I rest my case.

Remember, we need to ask not guess or assume. In his epic 1961 science fiction novel, Robert A. Heinlein wrote in Stranger In A Strange Land, “Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.” We need to remember to ask as the first step to understanding. Conversely, we need to be prepared to authentically answer.

Byron's Babbles