We can train our brains to replace assumptions with open communication.
The next time there is an elephant in the room, pause the conversation and address the issue by using the phrase, “The Elephant I see is_____.” Give everyone in the room the opportunity to share and listen to each response.
Bonus – Get a stuffed elephant and keep it on the table during group discussions.
We do not want people to waste energy going down the path of trying to figure out or second guess what others are thinking.
It is better is to be really good at saying what YOU are thinking because that’s where you can help most. The trick is to train our brain to recognize our own underlying assumptions, assumptions so fundamental that we don’t even recognize they are assumptions. Example: there are leaders and there are followers.
