Additionally, he stands out in the crowd as none of his competitors take time to solicit such data. It is his way of showing his clients just how much he cares.

One of Anthony's valued clients was recently insulted in receiving the questionnaire stating: "I'm not going to justify it with a response! There was nothing you could have done better. You should know that. Your questionnaire is a sign of insecurity."

Anthony shock was this: "If I seek to enhance my skill sets each day, and have developed tools to aid in this process, how can a client who'll benefit from my continual improvement possibly be irritated?"

You, my amazing readers, have already answered this question in your own mind:

1. Anthony's client was upset based on his own 'assumption' of what the questionnaire represented, not on what Anthony's intention was.
2. The refusal to cooperate was more about the insecurities of the client than Anthony. What string of assumptions lead this client to this conclusion?

We're all guilty of making assumptions. In our haste, we think we know the meaning behind other's words and actions but unless we take the time to get curious, we simply miss the bigger picture. Before we know it, we've entered a downward spiral that damages relationships. Unless someone points this out to us, we strengthen the pattern.

Anthony's client exhibited a dangerous blend of 'assumption' and 'impatience.' Had he taken the time to consider who Anthony was and what he was really trying to accomplish, he would have cooperated graciously.

Notice your own assumptions this week. Where do they prevent you from understanding the larger picture? A hint is that you feel immediately irritated. Slow down and ask: "What is it about this scenario that irritates me and is it more about me or the other person?"

Enjoy your discoveries and have a great week!

Ann

Ann Golden Eglé, MCC
Executive Coach & President
Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC

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Permission is granted to either reproduce copy or distribute "Your Success Thought for the Week for August 15, 2007" as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author is Ann Golden Eglé, Golden Visions Success Coaching, LLC, 541.385.8887, PO Box 1696, Bend, Or. 97709. www.goldenvisionscoaching.com