Commentating, Conclusions and Careless Communication

What’s the rugby player at the right thinking? What is his strategy as he breaks free of the tackle and rushes to make the try (the rugby equivalent of a touchdown)?
Well…it’s my son, Will,  in the photo and I—the all-seeing and all-knowing mother—don’t even pretend to know. Yet as I watch football, which is one of my favorite pastimes, I’m always amused to hear the commentators say with such conviction exactly what players are thinking and even feeling.

What if that happened to us at work? I can’t imagine what it would be like to hear the voices of the NBC NFL team commentating on every decision and move I make through the day…

“You know Bob, I noticed she still hasn’t gotten those 1099s out. I think this reckless procrastination is the pattern that will be her undoing!”

“Keith, that woman smiles more than anyone I know. Obviously, nothing bothers her!”

Everything they could conclude would be based on assumptions. Unless they’re stating fact. “Keith, if she doesn’t get those 1099s done by January 31, you’re sure to see a penalty flag from the IRS.”

How often do we jump to conclusions about people and situations?

How often do we let the patterns we’ve seen trap someone else in a role they don’t deserve? If you think you are going to find someone irritating, offensive, boring or charming, guess what—you will!

Today, try to let people be who they are. Remove the filters of past experience and see them in a fresh light. If you must look for something in them, let it be something good. And here’s a really powerful thought: do the same thing for yourself!

Here’s to conclusions based on facts and relationships built on understanding. For goodness sake.

Note: For help managing assumptions read the post Assumptions…Life’s Little Shortcuts.

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