Start With a Question

When your team’s report is never on time, start with a question.

When an employee is habitually late to work, start with a question.

When it seems your assistant is never at their desk, start with a question.

When a colleague doesn’t stop by to say hello, start with a question.

Each of those situations often lead to an assumption.

We assume the report was late due to inefficiencies.

We assume the lateness to work is due to poor planning.

We assume that the person is out doing personal errands.

We assume the colleague no longer likes us.

Do you know what is most often true about assumptions?

They are rarely accurate.

The above situations are all real.

For each, the assumption was 100% wrong.

The assumption prevented effective communication.

Put aside the assumption.

Be curious instead of judgmental.

Start with a question.