When discussing an issue or solving a problem, people often jump to conclusions before they spend time talking about what the problem is – or what data they have at hand. The Circle of Assumptions teaches us an orderly way to think about problems, starting with data and building toward conclusions.
It enables us to see how easily our communication can be garbled by our failure to be aware of our own assumptions – and how they affect the conclusions we reach.
Ring | Definition |
Example |
Data | Observable data and experiences, as a camera might record them. | “We are planning to launch a new product.” |
Interpretations | Data we select from what we observe, often based on our own belief system. | “Once again we’re behind schedule.” |
Evaluations | Value judgments and meanings that we add, often laden with emotion. Words like “right” and “wrong” or “good” and “bad” creep into our language. | “This is their fault.” |
Conclusions | Statements that indicate our mind is made up. Over time, our conclusions become the basis for our beliefs. | “We need a better team.” |
Actions | Steps taken. | “I’m going to tell my boss.” |
Your boss is leading a discussion of the launch of a new software product in 12 weeks. He’s laying out the production schedule. A co-worker says, “If the launch is in 12 weeks, then we’re already two weeks behind schedule.”
Immediately, your mind draws the following conclusions:
At that moment, your boss pulls out a project schedule and says: “It’s funny. I anticipated your question. And if you look at our schedule, you’ll see we’re exactly where we planned to be. Because of our new supplier, we can get the product in stores in less than eight weeks. We’re actually one week ahead of schedule.”
As your co-worker turns red, you thank your lucky stars that you kept your assumptions to yourself!
Psychologists know that people’s beliefs affect how they interpret data. So the Circle of Assumptions teaches us that people can get caught in self-justifying feedback loops, where they become blind to data which does not reinforce their beliefs.
A critical element of productive conversation is the ability to assess what people really know, and what they think they know. The Circle of Assumptions teaches us to drive back toward the center, toward the data, and to keep checking each other’s assumptions. People need to ask:
Skillful communicators frequently probe their own assumptions and challenge them.
This sets the stage for other people to do the same. When people focus on the data that they’re missing, it allows them to move forward to resolve the problem rather than remaining mired in their assumptions.
Keep the concept of being data-driven in mind.
Adding a further layer of complexity is the fact that our brains are hard-wired with what psychologists call “the assumption of competence.” In essence, we perceive ourselves – and want to be perceived by others – as competent and infallible, not prone to error.
The assumption of competence is a well-known psychological syndrome that boosts our image of ourselves as competent and in control. It is thought that it played an ancient role in our survival by helping early human beings feel in control – despite overwhelming odds. Today, it drives much of how we behave. For example, it can result in self-justifying feedback loops, where people become anchored in their position, blind to data that does not reinforce their conclusions.
We unconsciously tend to assume we know more than we do, or that we have more power than we do.
To communicate productively, a group has to be able to challenge its members’ assumptions.
The most important assumptions to examine are always the ones that people cling to most dearly. Often these assumptions are based on deeply held beliefs. Unmasking these beliefs and assumptions helps us learn and understand what motivates us – and raise the level of group discussion and decision-making.
From a management perspective, this is a skill we need to model ourselves before we can ask it of others. By inviting other people to test our assumptions, we set an example we can then use in our communications with them.
Note: People who want to learn more about the Circle of Assumptions may want to purchase a copy of the book “Straight Talk: Turning Communication Upside Down for Strategic Results at Work.”
Lesson 12: The Role of Attention | Lesson 14: How Each Style Manages Conflict |
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