𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞, 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠!
Michael*, responsible for sales at his company and stretched beyond capacity, didn’t ask for more headcount because he assumed some of the following:
* “I’ll never get it approved anyway”
* If I ask, it makes me a troublemaker
* It puts me on a black list, may even get me fired
* It means I’m not effective
Any of this sound familiar? If so, you wouldn’t be alone.
Assumptions live in the world of our imagination. They keep us in the safe zone. We confuse them with “the real truth”. Because of our brains’ wiring (negativity bias) many of our assumptions are rooted in fear. They protect us from rejection or a NO. And let's be honest, a NO can hurt - but usually it's only the ego or pride that get hurt.
Here’s why they can be so damaging:
They stop us chasing our dreams because we imagine it’s just not possible
We can be utterly wrong about our assumptions
They can cause strain and misunderstanding in our personal and professional relationships (because we assume we know what people are thinking - but we are not mind readers)
They can stop us focussing on what’s important now (as many fear assumptions are based on the future)
After a coaching session exploring his assumptions, Michael asked his boss for what he needed. Not only did he get the headcount approved, he also got a pay rise and promotion!
Like Michael, working with a coach may be exactly the mirror you need to help you move forward.
Here’s what other clients have achieved since challenging assumptions:
☑️ Got a sabbatical approved
☑️ Moved countries with their job
☑️ Got high paying dream clients
☑️ Repaired an important relationship
☑️ Got a mortgage that they never thought possible
To keep moving forward we must all find courage to ask for what you want or need. Did I mention already that our bosses, our partners and our friends/family are not mindreaders!
You are entitled to ask.
You may not get it, BUT you can all deal with a NO⚡️
It’s easier to deal with a NO, than the regret of not asking because your assumptions got in the way. You are made of tough stuff! 💥
What assumptions are you making that are keeping you stuck or feeling like you have no other options? My ask of you is to challenge those assumptions, no matter how big or small, and see if the outcome results in something OTHER than what you had initially assumed. What have you got to lose?
*name changed for confidentiality.
