The Danger of Assumptions

The danger isn’t what happened—

It’s what we assumed about it:

Here’s how the ladder
of inference traps us:

1️⃣ Fact → Someone misses a meeting.
2️⃣ Detail → They didn’t answer my email.
3️⃣ Meaning → They must not care.
4️⃣ Assumption → They ignored me on purpose.
5️⃣ Conclusion → They’re unreliable.
6️⃣ Belief → They’re not committed.
7️⃣ Action → I exclude them from future work.

The problem?

At every step, the truth
drifts further from reality.

Fix it:
• Stick to facts, not opinions.
• Pause before assuming intent.
• Stay open to new information.
• Check beliefs before acting.

Use my sheet to see how to catch
yourself before assumptions cost trust.

Check the facts before you move.