Word gets around. And sometimes, it gets around faster than the truth can catch up.
A while ago, I was preparing to run a course for a local group in the community – something that had been long anticipated by many in this group who had expressed interest. But as days turned into weeks, registration numbers trickled in far slower than expected. Eventually, the course had to be called off despite the initial interest.
I assumed that the group as a whole had a change of mind and left it at that. It was only later that I found out the real reason.
Among the group, one individual hadn’t received a place. Unbeknownst to them, eligibility criteria tied to funding meant they couldn’t be included in the course. But instead of asking, they assumed they had been singled out. That they’d been excluded unfairly. And perhaps out of hurt, they shared that view with friends. One conversation turned into many and naturally the interest quietly fizzled. And what could have been a shared learning experience never took flight.
A Thought to Carry With Us?
I don’t share this to point fingers. In truth, I’ve probably done the same. We all have. We see someone’s expression and assume they’re upset with us. We get left out of a meeting and assume it means we’re not valued. We don’t hear back from someone and assume the worst. Sometimes, we even assume our assumptions are the kinder version of the truth.
But assumptions carry weight. They shape narratives. And they often live in the silence of what was never clarified.
I’ve since learned to be more explicit when communicating decisions, especially when they’re not easy ones. But I’ve also learned the value of what I now call the Just Ask principle. If something feels off, if something doesn’t make sense, just ask. It may not change the outcome, but it could change everything else.
Ganga Sudhan enjoys finding small insights in everyday moments and sharing them as reflections on work, life, and the in-betweens. You can reach him at [email protected] or find him on LinkedIn via the QR Code to follow his latest musings.
Life Uncomplicated:
Reflections on work, life, and the little things that make a difference
This column explores the subtle truths we live by – unpacking ordinary experiences to find shared meaning. It won’t always have answers, but it hopes to offer clarity, comfort, or at least company in the thinking.
