I recently had a coaching experience that reminded me how assumptions can limit us as leaders.
A leader I was working with had been avoiding an executive, assuming she didn’t care about certain issues. But when a problem arose, he discovered that she actually cared deeply—it just hadn’t been obvious from her demeanor.
This situation reminded me of how easy it is to jump to conclusions based on limited interactions. When we rely on assumptions instead of understanding, we may limit collaboration and miss out on valuable insights.
Just like my client had to shift from assuming to clarifying, we as leaders need to watch for these moments. When someone seems disinterested, rather than distancing ourselves or assuming they’re checked out, we can try asking questions to understand their perspective.
Asking clarifying questions doesn’t just help prevent misunderstandings; it builds trust and invites engagement. Leaders who lean into curiosity over assumptions create an environment where everyone feels valued and open to contributing.
This shift may take more effort upfront, but the return—stronger relationships, fewer misunderstandings, and better results—makes it worthwhile.
Assumptions may be efficient, but clarity is what keeps us on the same page.
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