Assume Nothing

This is a saying that I use personally as well as in my work life. I won’t go into the definition of “assume” because I am sure you have heard how some people describe it, not necessarily appropriate for this blog. Yet the phrase “assume nothing” can be quite helpful.

Consider emails. How many times have you received an email and thought you knew exactly what the writer intended, only to find out that you put your own spin on the contents. After a series of back and forth emails, did you finally get to the original point? Or, have you found yourself preparing for a meeting, only to realize that the agenda for the meeting was nothing what you expected?

Maybe we are afraid to ask clarifying questions for fear of coming across as ignorant. Or possibly, we feel that we are wasting someone’s time by requesting more information. Whatever the reason, it is good to remind ourselves that there is no harm in gathering all necessary facts. Whether you find yourself in a team meeting, talking with a client, or responding to a transferee’s e-mail, don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything, or understand exactly what they are trying to convey. The few extra minutes spent in understanding will pay off in the long run. You will be better served if you “assume nothing but expect anything.”