Assumptions

Assumptions Scenarios

Introduction

According to the dictionary the meaning of assumptions is; something that is believed to be true without proof. Valid assumptions are usually based on information we have gathered through the years through education and experience. Invalid assumptions are usually based on inaccurate or incomplete information. These unfounded assumptions are developed by emotional reactions about someone or something. Most of the time when an assumption is made the solution is not far behind. It is not always well thought out and communication with the other individuals is usually non-existent.

The four scenario presentation will demonstrate the way in which assumptions are formed. The individuals in each of the scenarios have come to an assumption about their situations and how to handle them. The actions they take to validate their assumptions will be listed along with alternatives courses of action available for the individuals to take. Team B has collaborated on ways in which we would check the assumptions that we believe are being made.

Scenario One

Celeste is a wife and mother of two young children who decides she needs to go back to work. Celeste has decided to do this because she feels her husband works too much and does not spend enough time with the family. Celeste also feels this will make the family happier and she will be able to take on some of the burden off of her husband Jim.

Celeste should validate her assumptions by talking to her husband before she makes the drastic change in there lives. Jim may not want to quit his second job and he may not feel that it is necessary for Celeste to take on a new job. Celeste should also think about the time she will be away from home with the new job that is a 45 minute drive to and from work. What will her hours be? Celeste and Jim will also need to discuss how the kids will react in daycare. Will this be the best solution for all of them and will this actually make the family happier?

Some possible alternatives for Celeste would be for Jim to quit the extra job and find a way to cut back on expenses so that Celeste would not have to work. Celeste and Jim could come up with a budget plan. Jim could also find a new career that pays more money to compensate the lost of the second job.

An outsider could confirm the assumptions being made by interviewing Jim to see if he is unhappy with his jobs or working so much, also compare the time Celeste would be away from home and the time Jim would be away from home. Will they be at home at the same time with the kids?

Scenario Two

Maria is an instructor of an interpersonal skills for managers. She was told that Neil has not been able to keep a team together for very long. Maria has noticed that Neil lounges around with bored expressions and reads the sports pages while she is speaking. Maria has concluded that Neil is arrogant and hostile and this is hurting his performance. Maria also feels that with the right attitude Neil's power and prestige would grow.

Maria could validate her assumptions by speaking directly with Neil to confirm whether or not he feels bored in the class. She could also ask Neil what he thinks could make her class more interesting.

Some alternative actions Maria could take would be to talk to Neil about his behavior and the reasons he may be acting this way. Maria could consider the possibility that the class is boring and ask other students if they feel the same. Maria could ask the class to come up with ideas on how to make the class more interesting and ask Neil to participate more in class.

An outsider could validate these assumption by interviewing Neil and asking him how he feels about the class. An interview could be conducted with the entire class to see if their reaction is similar to Neil's or Neil's behavior could be observed by someone other than Maria.

Scenario Three

Jeffrey is a manager who works fro a medium sized organization.