Making Assumptions

We all do it-we make assumptions about situations in life and more often than not its not true or backfires. An assumption occurs when we take something for granted without proof. Over the past several weeks we have all watched the baseball playoffs. As you know, many assumptions have been made by announcers, critics and fans about all the playoff teams. Here are a few that I heard:

• Jonathon Broxton is unhittable. Perhaps he is at Dodger Stadium. The announcers on TBS said all the Dodgers had to do was get to Broxton and the Phillies would be toast. Broxton walks Matt Stairs, hits Carlos Ruiz and allows a walk-off hit to Jimmy Rollins in game four of the NLCS.
• CC Sabathia will get the Yankees off to a good start. He pitched ok, but gave up two home runs to Chase Utley (see below). The Phillies went on to win 6-1 and took the lead in the series (it has since been tied).
• Chase Utley is worn out and creates a hole in the Phillies line up. Mr. Utley hits two home runs in his first two at bats against Sabathia.
• Jonathan Papelbon doesn't lose at Fenway Park. He gave up two runs in the eighth inning of game three and blew the save and game in the ninth as the Angels swept the Red Sox.

In baseball, every situation is different. The playoffs are pressure packed and unless you look at the situation in its entirety, you may miss something that will change your thought process. In each case above, there were variables that the pundits missed causing them to make an assumption that was incorrect.

Isn't this true in life and in the workplace. We make assumptions all the time about a person, department, management. Often, it is a cover up for your own failings and creates the blame game. Look at each situation in a new light. Analyze all the variables and give people the opportunity to react in their own way before you burden them with your opinion. Assumptions do make an a_ _ out of you and me. Do yourself a favor-stop making them!