Challenge All Assumptions

• Assumptions are the biggest barriers most people face in getting the crucial facts and ideas that lead to good judgement. Holding on to false or tired assumptions can be fatal to any organization. Challenging them appropriately can make your career. We often remain ignorant of the assumptions that govern our decisions. When they are challenged, stubbornness kicks in. Bernie presents Sherlock Holmes as a master of challenging assumptions. He presumes nothing and never accepts hypotheses as facts. You need to create a culture where your colleagues feel it necessary to identify and challenge assumptions in every strategic conversation. Try changing assumptions during a conversation. This is called probabilistic thinking.

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