Assumptions provide the leader with a foundation to seek the truth behind questions and/or guide them in making decisions.
Assumptions are dangerous things.
Assumptions may blind them from asking demanding tough questions. Unchecked assumptions will have a leader reject the answers to their questions. Assumptions can make a leader miss opportunities to change course or set a new expansive direction.
How can you, a leader, check your assumptions?
- First, you have to admit to yourself that you are human. Your background, experiences, your education, and everything else from right now to your birth are your foundation. All of those items form your assumptions.
- Second, you need to find varying viewpoints and sources of information. You cannot ignore sources or views that are a direct affront to your assumptions. Doing so will make you miss opportunities and lead you to false conclusions.
- Third, never stop learning. Leaders who think they know everything usually get steamrolled. By seeking out new experiences and challenging positions you will make your foundation strong, deep, and broad. You will approach problems, decisions, and other leadership points with multiple assumptions. You will not be myopic in your vision.
Now go out and challenge your assumptions!
