Our story begins…
(Fact) “Joe left the room when I asked him to explain why he thought we could increase our revenues by 500% next year.”
(Assumption) “He’s probably bought into those crazy claims being made by [insert consulting company] about [insert latest magic pill]…”
PAUSE… while we take a moment to analyze the story above.
We collect a lot of information from our clients when we start a project. We do this in part to help our clients create a shared understanding about their current state. Current state is consulting lingo for what’s up right now.
Key to the concept of current state is understanding what is fact, and what is assumption. Ignoring or avoiding a conversation about the difference between the two can put any endeavor at risk.
According to our friends at Merriam-Webster…
A fact is “something that truly exists or happens: something that has actual existence.”
and again,
An assumption is “something that is believed to be true or probably true but that is not known to be true: something that is assumed.”
Here are some quick thoughts to consider about facts vs. assumptions.
- Always identify and separate what is fact vs. assumption. This requires a willingness to not only present your ideas but an openness to answer questions about its validity.
- Substantiate facts (or assumptions someone thinks is fact). Sometimes it helps to have a neutral party (internal or external) do this for you.
- Resist the urge to assign motive to facts based on unsubstantiated assumptions you make. Giving in to this temptation is an instant recipe for creating unnecessary negativity.
RESUME STORY.
Joe came back in the room 5 minutes later to explain that he just had to go to the bathroom. Then he proceeded to substantiate his position that he could increase revenues by 500% because he just licensed [insert latest productivity tool]…
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