Tag Archives: assumptions

“It’s amazing how often the act of aligning on the problem untangles the messiest of knots.”

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“It’s amazing how often the act of aligning on the problem untangles the messiest of knots.”

—Rohan Rajiv, author of A Learning a Day Blog

Image from Unsplash by Parker Sturdivant

When we take the time to clearly define and agree on the core issue, confusion dissipates, and solutions become visible.

Too often, teams or individuals get tangled in assumptions, distractions, or conflicting agendas. By aligning perspectives on the real problem, we create a shared focus that simplifies complexity and opens the path forward.

As a coach, I’ve seen this alignment unlock breakthroughs, enabling people to move past obstacles with clarity and confidence.

Untangling isn’t about forcing a solution — it’s about understanding the knot so well that the right moves become obvious.

EXERCISE:

How often do you and your teams focus on solutions before you fully clarify and align on the actual problem?

How would taking this foundational step put you on the road to far better outcomes in your personal and professional communities?

How often do you project your current mindset and assumptions into past and future events

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“How often do you project your current mindset and assumptions into past and future events?”

—Author Unknown

Image from Amazon

Over the past several years—and especially in the past few months—I’ve become increasingly interested in the phenomena of conscious and unconscious bias.

When I examined my upbringing and the various communities in which I operate, I experienced repeated rude awakenings.

It was always easier to see other people’s biases and be blinded to my own. Though books, seminars, and conversations with friends and colleagues, I’ve gotten a better look at myself and didn’t always like what I saw.

With greater awareness, I am inspired to do better, and filled with a sense of hope.

EXERCISE:

How aware are you of your current assumptions and biases?

When and how often do you use them to protect and justify your views?

Consider reading the book Caste — The Origins of our Discontents, by Isabell Wilkerson to take a deeper look into this important issue.

 

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while or the light won’t come in.”

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“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while or the light won’t come in.”

—Alan Alda, American actor, director, screenwriter, and comedian

Image from Unsplash by Arno Siemons

Alan Alda was the lead character of one of my favorite shows – M*A*S*H* – from 1972 until 1983. Today’s quote seems appropriate given his nickname on the series was Hawkeye.

Hawks have extraordinary eyesight, and can target their prey up to two miles away. That is eight times better than we humans, on a good day.

Unfortunately for most of us, our assumptions, biases, and personal filters cloud and sometimes completely block our view of things.

EXERCISE:

How can and will you take Hawkeye’s coaching and scrub your windows on the world to see further and more clearly than ever before?

Invite people into your life who don’t look or act like you

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“Invite people into your life who don’t look or act like you. You might find they challenge your assumptions and make you grow.”

-Mellody Hobson, Chair of the Board of Directors of DreamWorks Animation

Image from the shore of Australia

About a month ago, my wife Wendy surprised me with a 60th birthday trip to Australia and New Zealand. During our three week trip, I had the opportunity to expand my world view and perspective by meeting dozens of people from other countries.

Among these interesting individuals were a kiwi farmer from New Zealand, an Academy-Award Winning sound designer who worked on the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and a Naturalist about to start working with a non-profit in Hawaii.

EXERCISE:

How can you arrange – sooner rather than later – a “Bucket List” adventure so you can invite more new and interesting people into your life?

Your assumptions are your windows on the world

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“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.”

—Isaac Asimov, Science Fiction Writer

Image of "The Four Agreements" book cover

Have you every read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz? If not, please order a copy today.

The third agreement in this masterpiece is “Don’t Make Assumptions.”

Unfortunately, we all tend to make assumptions about everything and everybody. This is often the root of much dysfunction, chaos, and general unhappiness in our world.

EXERCISE:

Where would greater openness and clarification of issues, personally or professionally, let more light in so you could lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life?