“Assumption is a killer in relationships. It needs to be replaced with awareness.” From No Limits by John Maxwell
Interesting observation. I know for me, my assumptions about certain situations with my wife or kids has almost always created misunderstandings and some times hurt feelings. But I also have learned that assumptions with my team, in my department, or with my company also creates misunderstandings and hurt feelings and definitely impact our production, customer satisfaction and profitability. I have found that I use my personality, my work ethic, my process and assume that those around me should be doing the same thing I would do. Then what happens is I get really frustrated when they don’t see things like I do. They don’t have the same urgency as I do. They don’t seem to care as much as I do or work as hard as I do.
Then the BIG problem starts! I am assuming they understand the importance. I assume they understand the outcome we need and by when. I assume they know how I want the situation handled. We are missing awareness and Clarity. (Clarity, My new book coming out this fall. https://www.choiceconsultingman.com/clarity/). They know enough to be dangerous and frustrating but they do not know the importance, urgency, value, need. They do not know the WHY. The problem is we assume they know and that causes frustration, tension, disappointment and a rush of other not-so-good emotions.
So let’s reframe our process and introduce a new paradigm. Let’s start giving away with guardrails. Guardrails, what is that? Guardrails are a written and reviewed list of guidelines. When we assign or ask someone to take on a task or project lets create guardrails. Let’s write down the task or project. Let’s agree on details, timelines and expectations. Make sure they know the WHY. The urgency. The importance. Let’s set some times to check-in and review and let’s give them the power and authority to get the work accomplished. Let’s make sure they are aware and we are aware of what we are doing, why we are doing it and what the expectations of 100% complete look like.
You got this! Try this process over the next 4 to 6 weeks and you will walk into a new paradigm of empowerment, growth and delegating with excellence!
https://store.johnmaxwell.com/No-Limits-Blow-the-Cap-Off-Your-Capacity-Hardcover_p_2793.html