Many workplace challenges stem from unspoken assumptions. Through our coaching conversations, we often see questions like: What really makes someone a high performer? What’s the right way to operate as a team? Categories of assumptions include those around the way we work, our communication style, people and their roles. On today’s Leadership Foundry Podcast, Brandon and Randy are back on the mics to address some of these assumptions head-on.

3:30 Categories of assumptions.

5:00 Randy kicks off the show with assumption #1:”Long work hours = dedicated employee.”

5:30 Assumptions #2 + #3: “If we’re not receiving feedback, all is well.” Randy also highlights the danger of valuing tradition over change.

6:30 Assumption #4: “We need to schedule a meeting about this…”

7:30 You’ve often heard Brandon say, “In absence of communication, people assume the worst.” Sometimes, this can also be an assumption, with the receiving party simply needing a reminder.

8:00 Assumption #6: “The team won’t trust me and I’ll be viewed as weak if I’m vulnerable.”

10:00 Randy takes us to Assumptions #7 and #8: The assumption of shared knowledge and shared expectations.

11:00 Email etiquette and reading between the lines. There’s often an assumption that a short email means the sender is upset.

12:00 Randy breaks down creative, remote employee and introvert assumptions.

12:30 Assumption #11: “If I put my head down and do good work, I’ll get promoted.”

13:30 The assumption of “managing politics.”

14:00 Asumption #13: “I don’t have time to have lunch with a colleague.”

15:00 Assumption #14: “I can work from home just as efficiently and advance in my career just as I would if I were in the office.”

17:00 “Don’t assume your growth is in the hands of other people. You’ve got to own your development.” – Randy

19:00 Randy and Brandon pivot and discuss tips to debunk these assumptions. To start: slow down and be thoughtful.

20:00 Another best practice to avoid assumptions: Ask questions and drive clarity.

22:00 Randy issues a warning: Don’t superimpose your assumptions onto others.

23:00 The importance of active listening.

24:00 “We’re all in the customer service business.” Brandon talks about ownership and explains why to treat your boss as your best customer.

26:30 Focus on the facts and assume good intent.

29:00 “If you want to fix assumption issues, focus on building strong, trusting relationships with your colleagues.” – Randy

30:00 Remember, your senior leaders want you to succeed!

31:00 Brandon breaks down assumptions based on looks and not curiosity.

32:30 Randy offers a final piece of advice: Reflect on yesterday and plan for today.”

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