Leadership Thought #304 – Be Wary of Making Assumptions
We all know the danger of rushing to quick judgments or making false assumptions about things, but we continue to do it anyway. I have heard many speakers discuss the reptilian portion of our brain that is focused solely on survival and keeping us out of harm’s way. We are hardwired for self-protection. However, in a world where day-to-day survival is rarely questioned, we must exercise caution to prevent the most primal part of our thought process from taking too much control. A knee-jerk or gut reaction to stimuli is often not a wise strategy and can end up being problematic.
Thinking can be arduous work. It requires effort and a willingness to fight situational impulses. We ask our brain to slow down, consider multiple alternatives, and use a contextual filter at a time when it wants to deal with the instantaneous reality of the present. As a leader, you must continually challenge your own assumptions and be open to different perspectives. Occasionally, you need to solicit contrary feedback and view things from many alternative angles. Too many people practice the “ready, shoot, aim” approach to decision-making. Being proactive does not mean being irresponsible. You may be trying to hit a moving target, and your focus will have to adjust accordingly.
We all reach a point in our careers and lives where we become more confident in our own experience and judgment. Some of us get to this point far too soon and end up learning some difficult lessons along the way. There is nothing wrong with self-confidence; however, confident leaders are willing to admit what they don’t know. They actively seek the advice and counsel of others to supplement their thought process.
Success requires thoughtful action. Greatness does not occur in isolation. If you are correct, your conclusions and decisions will withstand scrutiny and differing opinions. Confidence in your own opinions is not a bad thing unless it feeds your ego too strongly, taps into unnecessary fears, results from lazy or misinformed thinking, or shrouds a lack of relevant knowledge and experience. Be wary of jumping to quick conclusions and making rash assumptions.
Related articles
- The Trouble With Confidence (healnowtherapyhypnosis.blogspot.com)
- Under what opportunities and constraints do I learn, and do others learn? (lucymferreira.wordpress.com)
- Critical Thinking.doc (princessyvonnechan.wordpress.com)
- Assumption, supposition, presumption! (danieladamian.wordpress.com)
- The Trouble With Confidence (bigthink.com)
