How is it that we allow ourselves to get tangled up in assumptions?  Why do we stop short of asking the questions or doing our research?

I remember a time when I was asked to take a look at a business opportunity.  I tend to be entrepreneurial and typically will listen to the pitch.  I have a few standard benchmarks the business has to pass before I will spend time evaluating an opportunity.

This business passed the basic test and I was intrigued enough to find out more information.  The person pitching the business made a 30-minute presentation and asked me if I would like to join a Zoom meeting with other business owners.  I agreed.

It was the most painful meeting that I have had on Zoom.  I knew at the start of the meeting that it would be a challenge to stay awake on video.  The presenter was fine, but not dynamic.  When they switched the screen to start the presentation everything went well.   As the slides advanced, my computer remained on the first slide. 

The following day the person who introduced me to the business texted me and asked for my thoughts.  I replied kindly but added at the end that I thought the presentation was a bit painful. 

I will admit that I wanted to see the person’s reaction to my response of “painful.”  At this point, I was not sold on the business.   

This 19-year veteran was very successful in this business.  The person was kind, informative, and had excellent follow-through.  Momentarily, however, the person lost sight of the customer and made a huge assumption. 

The person never asked why I thought the meeting was painful.  The reply text indicated that this person also thought the content was difficult to understand and complicated.  The assumption was that I found the content too difficult. 

That assumption was incorrect.  I was not insulted, but I lost interest in the business.  Had the person taken the time to find out why I felt the presentation was painful, I likely would have continued to pursue the business.   

I often catch myself thinking that I know what someone is going to say or do.  I have found that my assumptions are often incorrect.  I am doing a much better job of appreciating the people around me by listening to their words and watching their reactions. 

When I realize assumptions are entering my thoughts I immediately pray for the strength to be open to see the truth.  I pray for the patience to let go of any judgmental thoughts and the faith that I will be guided down my intended path.

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