i was so insulted by this.
"Before you assume, try this crazy method called asking".
-- Unknown
I have a quick story to share as a reminder that asking rather than assuming can make all the difference in our everyday interactions. I don't know about you, but we often find ourselves jumping to conclusions. Unfortunately, assumptions can (and most often) backfire.
Imagine this (true story):
I walk into a car dealership, ready to test drive a particular car. I was excited but I didn't show my cards (of course). I approached the salesman, pointed to the cute blue Saturn sedan (you probably have never heard of Saturn, but believe me, it was a GM brand) and asked if I could take the car for a spin. 🚘
The salesman (literally) looked me up and down and asked, “Are you sure you want the manual version? Automatic might be easier.” I'm not kidding, he really said that. 😑
Surprised, and even more annoyed, I said, “Yes, that’s the one I want to test drive.” He still hesitated and replied, “Stick shift is pretty challenging… do you know how to drive one?” Really dude?
I could feel the assumption in the air: he’d seen I was a woman and assumed that I wouldn’t—or couldn’t—drive a stick shift. What he didn't know was I learned to drive a manual and had only ever driven manual 4X4 trucks, thank you very much. 🔥
Assumptions like these can cause awkward moments; and sometimes, they can lead to lost opportunities or offended customers. In this case, he lost a customer. Even if I wanted to buy the car, I wasn't going to buy it from him.
Here are a few reminders to help us all avoid making assumptions:
Recognize biases: Our assumptions often stem from our own biases and stereotypes or our own limited experiences. Acknowledging this is the first step toward being open to a new reality.
Ask thoughtful questions: Instead of assuming someone can or can’t do something, ask a simple question (for example): “Would you prefer manual or automatic?” gets you the answer you need without judgment.
Keep an open mind: Being open-minded in everyday situations can help create a welcoming environment and avoids putting people in a box or judging them unfairly. When we ask questions rather than make assumptions, we empower others to be themselves, free of judgment.
It’s easy to avoid misunderstandings by asking instead of assuming. Especially when it comes to negotiations. You never know the full story of the person in front of you, and a simple question could lead to a positive outcome for everyone involved.
You got this 🤙🏽
