Of all the things that we can do to hold ourselves back in our professional and personal lives, there are two fundamental road-blocks that we need to move out of our way. The first is our attachment to outcome. Outcome is the object of our anticipation, otherwise, why would we do anything? However, when anticipation becomes fixation both before and after the result is known, attachment to outcome becomes a hindrance. The second road block is made up of the Seven Deadly Assumptions that we make. Often, the attachment that we have to an outcome is tied closely to our adherence to one or more of these assumptions. Let's take a look at the Seven Deadly Assumptions and see how they sabotage our success.
1. THE ASSUMPTION OF OUTCOME-The assumption of outcome is probably the most common assumption that we make. It may start something like this, "These things never work out for me?." or "She always says, no?". The assumption of outcome prevents us from taking action because we believe that we have the ability to foretell the result before it happens. It is predicated on the fundamental premise that history ALWAYS repeats itself. Thus, if something was attempted with a result that was unpleasant or unexpected before, the assumption of outcome insists that there is no other possible outcome should that same action be attempted again.
What this assumption neglects to acknowledge is that history does not always repeat itself. One disappointing result does not doom you to the same result over and over again. As you let go of the assumption of outcome, you allow yourself to consider other possibilities. The creative process is encouraged by thinking in terms of what is possible. Look again to the disappointing result. What other outcomes could be possible? What could be changed to improve the likelihood of a different outcome?
2. THE ASSUMPTION OF IMPOSITION-The assumption of imposition is the assumption that wraps itself in politeness. "They are so, so busy I would not want to bother them?" or "They have much more important things to worry about than?". Typically this assumption has less to do with courtesy than either fear of rejection or the transfer of one's own opinion to another. In either case, the assumption of imposition is based on the notion that others will be bothered or annoyed by what we have to offer or ask for. In business, the assumption of imposition can be associated with a lack of confidence either in ourselves or the product/service that we offer. Neither provides a strong recipe for success.
3. THE ASSUMPTION OF INDIFFERENCE-Like the assumption of imposition, the assumption of indifference suggests that what we have to offer is unimportant to others. We say to ourselves, "He would never be interested in something like this?" Again, the assumption diminishes the value proposition of what is offered. If the offering is truly without merit to a particular individual, we should identify those for whom the value proposition is stronger. If it is without merit at all, why are we spending time on it?
Take a moment to consider the things that are important to you others but that you believe others to be indifferent.. Think about the reasons that you believe these things are important. What is their value? What is their benefit? How could these same things be valuable or beneficial to someone else? Test your theory by letting go of the assumption of indifference and ask. Let others tell you what their level of interest is.
4. THE ASSUMPTION OF "NOT ENOUGH"-An assumption grounded in the world of scarcity, the assumption of not enough has many faces. Among them, "not good enough", "not enough time" or "not enough money". The assumption of "not enough" is very effective at stopping us in our tracks because it reminds us of the futility of our actions or desires. Whatever we desire, there is "not enough" of something to achieve it. Often, we don't even know what we have or what is required. But, whatever it is, we do know that we don't have enough of it.
The problem with the assumption of not enough is that it is usually based on someone else's yardstick. Until we take action, we won't know what is truly required to accomplish something. Until we try, we don't really know how long something will take. Until we begin the action of research, we don't really know how much money is required. If we let the assumption of not enough stop us before we get started, we limit our possibilities once again by denying ourselves the chance to learn what can be accomplished with the resources we DO have available to us.
5. THE ASSUMPTION OF THE MOTIVES OF OTHERS-This may be one of the most dangerous assumptions to make. In it, we judge not only the outcome but the intentions of others as a justification for choosing an alternate action or inaction. The assumption of others' motives usually manifests itself in a couple of different ways. One possible explanation of how this assumption comes about is that we use the assumption to justify a disappointing outcome. For example, "She really has it in for me, that's why I didn't get that pay raise." Then, there is the related "guilt by association" clause. This variation of the assumption of the motives of others expands the assumptions that we make about a person's motivations to anyone that is associated with them. Thus, if Sam or Sally has a hidden agenda, Monique must have one as well because of her connection to Sam and Sally. Therefore, it is best to avoid all of them.
This assumption sabotages us because we start to make our decisions and take our actions based on what we believe to be true of others. Instead of focusing on what we need to do to achieve what we want to achieve, we feel that we need to take 'countermeasures' in order to avoid or outsmart the hidden agendas of others.
6. THE ASSUMPTION OF ONE'S PLACE-The assumption of one's place prevents us from approaching those who can best help us or from taking the actions that will move us the farthest because of a perceived hierarchy of entitlement or caste system. In a corporate setting, the assumption of place prevents us from seeking a meeting with someone a few rungs up the ladder from us. In a sales setting, we avoid the Decision Maker because of our insecurities around our place relative to theirs. Like the other assumptions, the assumption of one's place, is based on the fundamental premise that we are 'inside' the head of others. If the idea is good or the concept is valuable, people will be interested regardless of their position in an organization. Of course there may be others involved in a decision process, but never let the assumption of one's place stop you from sharing what you have to offer.
7. THE ASSUMPTION OF FINALITY-The assumption of finality suggests that "this is it", the only shot we have. If we blow it, we are done. In the assumption of finality, there are no second chances or do-overs. More often than not, the sense of finality is there because we have placed it there. We have decided that there is no do-over. While it is true that we only have one chance to make a first impression, it is not true that the first impression is the only impression or the last one. Virtually everything can have a second or even third chance. We simply have to release the assumption of finality and choose to try again.
Whenever you feel a sense of futility, find yourself holding back, or look at yourself against the backdrop of others take a moment to ask whether one of the Seven Deadly Assumptions is rattling around inside your head. Ask yourself, "Is it possible that my assumptions are distorting what I think I know to be true?" Then, ask yourself, "If I let go of the assumption, what else is possible?" Let the possibilities guide you not the assumptions.
Elaine Halliday is director of Six Sigma Living, a division of Kiwi Development Solutions, LLP. Six Sigma Living offers solo-professionals and micro-businesses with consulting, coaching and training to promote business prosperity and to build success from the inside out. For more information, please visit http://www.sixsigmaliving.com
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