When You Assume

We all know what can potentially happen when you "assume" something. Assumptions can lead to unfortunate and misguided understandings. The best way to correct an invailid or incorrect assumption is to make sure all infomation and details are shared regularly and with accuracy. Assumptions occur when true information is not forthcoming. Behaving professionally isn't for everyone, especially when that professionalism is based on being forthright.

My mom lives in Vegas and I am visiting her this week. Yesterday, while waiting in the "returns" line at WalMart, she was approached by someone who smiled widely and said assuredly, "Oh I know you! You sing and dance, don't you?" She answered yes, well, because she does, but not in the way that she was asked, as in the, you're someone famous, aren't you? Pretty soon, there was a small crowd gathering around her. No one asked her name, they just went on and on about how pretty her skin had stayed and what a great smile she had and what great shape she was in... It was quite funny and she loved telling us all the story later, She never did figure out who they thought she was but she found great joy in playing along.

It was assumed that she was someone worth knowing and while, of course she is, would she have been cooed over had she come clean and said, "I don't think I am who you think I am" ? One person had initiated the conversation with an assumption and others joined in because it seemed like the right thing to do, given that this woman, my mom was someone "famous." After all, no one wants to miss out on meeting someone famous... I'd love to to have been a fly on the wall of that person as they told their friends that they had met someone famous in line at the WalMart.

"Where have you performed?" Oh all over, here and there. meaning: my kitchen, the small stage, the bathtub, Indiana, California and of course, Vegas..., Here and there. While we are each famous in our own right, the influence we can have on others can be for good or for bad and, as in this case, for fun. However, there is always an opportunity for that affect to be profound.

We take with us each day the ability to influence through assumptions. Be very careful with this power and do not use it for evil. At the same time, it is wise to be mindful of what you, in turn, assume about others or situations. For the assumer is the fool, not the other way around. I can only assume you know what I mean.

© by rayannethorn

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Permalink Reply by Fran Hogan on December 29, 2009 at 8:46am

Rayanne, I love this story! Your mom must be lovely and she certainly has a great sense of humor. What fun she must have had.

Happy & safe New Years wishes to you, your mom and the rest of your family!

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Permalink Reply by Randy Levinson on December 29, 2009 at 3:04pm

Rayanne, Your mom needs to figure out who she resembles so she can start making dinner reservations at posh hard to get restaurants under that name. I have a friend who resembles Dustin Hoffman and we never had to wait for a table anywhere after Rainman came out.

But I want to touch on another thing you said;

"The best way to correct an invailid or incorrect assumption is to make sure all infomation and details are shared regularly and with accuracy."

This alludes to my understanding of "knowledge is power" in that the more people who have all the knowledge in an organization the more powerful that organization will be. All too often, and especially in a down economy where jobs are tenuous at best, leadership tends to hoard the knowledge as if to consolidate the power of the organization. Ultimately that behavior leads to the mis-assumptions and mis-understandings that will invitably bring instability and uncertainty and we know that never leads to a good place for any organization.

Thanks for bringing this up and get me your mom's autograph when you get the chance.

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Permalink Reply by Karla Porter on December 30, 2009 at 11:32am

Rayanne this reminds me of why I don't like to go to concerts or be in crowds - groups can be dangerous. There is all kinds of history of really freaky things they are capable of, not least of all what happens in European soccer matches. Your mom had the right exit strategy to be gracious and get out with all her skin and dignity intact and a good story to tell.