38. The Leader’s Costly Assumptions

Leaders have to be heard before they can expect anyone to respond to their change initiative. But there are a lot of impediments to people’s ability to hear what is actually being said. As this episode reveals, one of the biggest is our assumptions. They’re countless in number, and exist both individually and collectively. Just speaking of the new can be enough to trigger them. Thankfully, leaders have powerful tools in their communication to nullify them.01:45 Amplify Card 31: What do they assume about this? 06:45 I’m seeing the risk of assumptions that lead to misunderstanding. 09:55 The challenge is that each word you speak about your vision is going to trigger assumptions. 15:20 There are going to be assumptions about me before I’ve said anything from both those who know me and those who don’t. 20:20 A sampling of different kinds of assumptions: based on logic; value; trauma; political; cultural; private; and public. 23:20 All of these assumptions test both the vision itself and how we get people to come on board. 24:40 Posing the question, “What if?” can help them feel it and see it. 27:40 Counsel on how to harness the power of conversation by hearing them. 32:30 How a declaration can cut through assumptions. 35:40 Assumptions help you tailor what to say to them. 38:28 Metaphor can be used to unlock resistance and get them to act on your vision. 43:10 Can we create something new that’s not built on assumptions? 46:40 We can’t let our baggage weigh us down. Produced by NOVA