So often we make assumptions about other people that are simply untrue. We think they are “above” us; that they don’t like us; or that they look down on us. All of these thoughts are based on assumptions that we don’t validate, and all of these assumptions get in the way of us engaging with them confidently and even creating relationships that could ultimately benefit us (and them.)
Over the years, I’ve found that at all levels of society and business, people make false assumptions of what others are thinking, projecting on to them their insecurities and fears. I’ve seen many people held back in their careers because they are afraid to approach or engage with people more senior to them, for no other reason than they are initimidated by their rank or status. We bring prejudices and false beliefs into our interactions with people (based on everything from the color of their skin or where they went to school, to the title on their business card) that alienate us from them and prevents us from building a relationship with them. Living with assumptions that others “are better than us”, that “they haven’t got time for the likes of us” or that “I’m just not good enough” can be very costly – to our careers, our relationships and our happiness over all. [Read more…]