This may be controversial, but I don’t believe we can completely avoid assumptions. We can minimise them, yes, but not fully avoid them. If we define assumptions as ‘truth without evidence', then we hold perspectives that we have constructed in our minds. These can be either short-term or long-term.
I think our focus should be on minimising assumptions. However, this isn’t a quick fix; we must work at it consistently. We may never be entirely assumption-free as we are continually processing both new and old information. We do however, have a choice to confront our assumptions.
Recognising our assumptions
Sometimes it takes someone else to highlight when we have made an assumption. ‘You’ve just assumed that…’ or ‘Why are you assuming that…’ If we can begin to notice when we are adhering to an assumption instead of context-specific facts or knowledge, this will aid us in gaining greater clarity and understanding.
Some assumptions may run deep and might be rooted in our childhood. We must remember that, in reality, our perceptions are shaped by our own beliefs, which are constantly vying for our attention and striving to be at the forefront.
Stop the spiral
If we allow our assumptions to dominate, we can quickly find ourselves spiralling downwards. We can minimise this by reflecting on the origins of our assumptions. Employing a framework can assist with this:
What am I thinking?
Why do I think that?
What’s the evidence?
Did I make assumptions?
Clarity from questions
If we leap from 0-100 based on what we believe we know about a given situation, we may have missed the mark entirely. Asking questions to clarify information and approaching it with curiosity can help us dismantle the assumptions we may be holding onto.
Being critical about our approach to assumptions will enhance our understanding of people, experiences, and situations significantly more clearly.
Some VALUE of using assumptions (especially validated) appropriately, & consciously, are:
They can assist us in identifying FLAWS in our current perspective / position, & highlight any information gaps (if we are making an assumption, then it is probably because we haven’t got the best information yet) – This enables us to STRENGTHEN the INVESTIGATION context ........ for now.
As a consequence a validated assumption can act as a catalyst with which to maintain the momentum of an investigation, as well as assist in supporting a basis for hypothesis – This allows the option to explore ALTERNATIVE SCENARIO threads
The assessment of assumptions (validated or baseless), allows a general consensus of acceptance, or deferment, Including consideration & mitigation of potential bias – This demonstrates a platform of INVESTIGATION CREDIBILITY ..... as well as assist retrospective audit to explain a rationale at a point in time