How much time is wasted by assuming that others have the same understanding we do? I recently had a conversation with a young college student who wanted to change cell phone plans, but she first had to switch her friend Cindy (who was on her plan) to another service. Their joint plan went from the 14th of one month to the 13th of the next.
When she told me she’d inform Cindy that the current plan would continue until “the end of the month”, I asked if Cindy knew that “the end of the month” really meant the 13th; she replied, “I assume she does… it’s always been that way!”
Hmmm… what problems and potential time wasters are hidden in this scenario?
- The student pays the bills and is constantly reminded of the plan dates, but Cindy isn’t.
- She may have told Cindy those dates (two years ago) but without reminders, Cindy may have forgotten by now;
- Cindy could have easily misunderstood and thought that because a change was occurring, she really had until the end of the month (as the student said) to take action;
- If she switched before Cindy was ready, Cindy might overrun her minutes, have to pay extra fees, or be left without service… all of which would take time and resources to correct.
Watch for these simple, innocent-looking miscommunications! Thinking ahead, analyzing our words, and keeping in mind that assumptions are just that: assumptions, not facts – as well as being very clear in all our communications will not only save other people time and energy, but save ourselves time and energy by avoiding the necessity to repeat, clarify or correct situations that occur when things happen according to what we did say, rather than what we meant to say.
