Assumptions - Questioning Beliefs

Do we question our assumptions sufficiently? 

In my blog about Assumption Mapping, one of the variables was, ‘the level of confidence in the belief of the assumption’. 

How do we form our assumptions and how do we define our level of confidence in them?  It is easy to think that assumptions are facts - but they are NOT, they are based upon opinion and often just ‘received wisdom’ (whatever that means).  Furthermore, they are never caste in concrete,  for example, they can be conditionally, partially or even occasionally true – and if not, can often be made to be.

In the late 1990’s sales of Heinz’s ketchup had fallen considerably.  They needed to do something to boost sales.  In a stroke of genius, they just turned the label upside down.  It was the most successful innovation they ever made.  With the bottle ‘upside-down’, the ketchup was easier to pour.  They questioned the assumption that the cap should be at the top.  They sold 75% more ketchup.

Another consideration is that opinion is subject to bias.  Bias is everywhere, it is almost impossible not to have some form of (cognitive) bias.  There is an extensive list of cognitive biases on Wikipedia, all of which can affect our view of  ‘the facts’.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_biases 

All of these can distort our beliefs and there are so many, it is a wonder that we are right about anything.

So when you identify assumptions, do not accept them as fact.

Not only should you question them, you should challenge the thinking that led to them.