#217: Don’t assume anything

Thanks to Murphy, we know that if something can go wrong, it will. But that does not mean you should help Murphy.

One way to make it difficult for Murphy is to avoid making assumptions. I know, I know, in life and in business we must make assumptions because we don’t always have accurate knowledge about the future.

But that’s not what I’m talking about. What I’m suggesting is that you don’t make silent assumptions when working with or managing people. If you do that, it can cost you.

Here’s a classic example. In 1998 NASA’s 125 million dollar Mars Climate Orbiter crashed onto Mars. Why? Because one group of engineers assumed that it was OK to use English units of measurement. Big mistake. All other engineers had already changed over to the more universal metric system.

When you must make assumptions, do so loudly and openly so that others know what you’re up to.



I’m JamesMcIntosh@nonsenseatwork.com

Copyright: 2008 James Henry McIntosh

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