Assumptions at work

Everyone knows how making assumptions of others can get us into trouble.

Where many of us often struggle professionally is when we make assumptions about the task at hand.

Because unless they’re properly addressed at the onset—Who’s doing what? Who’s accountable to what? What do the specs of this project look like?—expectations about the work can often get lost in the shuffle.

When what you think you’re getting paid to do isn’t what your superiors expect, that’s when conflicts arise.

Being clear about what promises both parties are making is a great way to avoid that conflict. And the best way to do that is to be clear about expectations from the start.

Asking the right questions can help a lot. And so can answering them.