A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a business partner that served as a stark reminder of the dangers of assumptions. We were preparing for a visit to a prospective client, an industrial laundry owner, and I outlined my goals for the visit.

One of my key objectives was to identify tasks and workflows that could be automated, potentially saving the client time and money. My partner, however, quickly dismissed the idea. “He’s got the operation running smoothly,” he stated confidently, “I doubt there’s much opportunity for automation.”

Intrigued, I pressed him on his reasoning. “He sounds very confident in running his business,” he replied.

It was then I realized the fundamental flaw in his thinking. He was making a crippling assumption: that the owner’s confidence automatically translated to complete knowledge and optimization of his workflow.

“You’re assuming he knows everything there is to know,” I challenged, “Never assume.”

And guess what? We uncovered a treasure trove of automation opportunities when we visited the client site. This incident highlighted a crucial lesson: assumptions can be incredibly blinding, preventing us from seeing new possibilities and opportunities that lie just beyond our limited perspective.

Why Assumptions Blind Us

Assumptions are shortcuts our brain takes to make sense of the world. They help us navigate complex situations quickly and efficiently. However, they can also create cognitive biases, leading us to misinterpret information and overlook potential solutions.

Here’s how assumptions can blind us to opportunities:

• They limit our thinking: By assuming something is true, we close ourselves off to considering alternative possibilities.
• They create blind spots: We tend to focus on information that confirms our existing assumptions while ignoring evidence that contradicts them.
• They prevent us from asking questions: We assume we already know the answers, so we don’t bother digging deeper.

Breaking Free from the Blinders

So how can we overcome the blinding power of assumptions and open ourselves up to new opportunities? Here are a few key strategies:

• Question everything: Be skeptical and challenge your assumptions, especially when you encounter situations that seem familiar.
• Be curious and open-minded: Actively seek out diverse perspectives and information that contradicts your existing beliefs.
• Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem obvious or challenging.
• Gather data and evidence: Don’t rely solely on assumptions; base your decisions on concrete information and facts.
• Embrace experimentation: Don’t be afraid to try new things and test different approaches.

By actively challenging our assumptions and cultivating a curious and open-minded attitude, we can break free from their imposed limitations and unlock a world of new possibilities.

Bottom line: Remember, the world is constantly changing and evolving. What seems efficient and optimal today may not be the case tomorrow. By staying curious, questioning everything, and constantly seeking new perspectives, we can ensure we don’t miss out on the incredible opportunities beyond our assumptions.

Have you ever been blinded by an assumption that led you to miss an opportunity? How do you challenge your assumptions and stay open to new possibilities? What are some other strategies for overcoming the limitations of assumptions?