21 Dangerous Assumptions in the Workplace

Here is a modest list:

1. Anyone being investigated needs to be placed on administrative leave.
2. Annual performance evaluations are necessary.
3. Open door policies work.
4. Zero Tolerance anti-harassment policies work.
5. Focusing on results is the best way to achieve results.
6. Setting multiple avenues of complaints will help to prevent lawsuits.
7. Departments will always act to promote their self-interest.
8. The mission does not need to be reaffirmed.
9. Anti-discrimination responsibilities need to be under Human Resources.
10. You shouldn't consult your attorney until things get serious.
11. What works in one department will work in another.
12. Checking references is a waste of time because no one will tell you anything.
13. People are candid with upper management.
14. Executives need less training than first-line supervisors.
15. Executives should speak from the standpoint of the overall organization rather than from their areas of specialty.
16. None of us is as smart as all of us.
17. Problems that are fixed stay fixed.
18. When an employee says, "Things are fine" that means that things are fine.
19. You don't have time to go to workshops.
20. People know the priorities.
21. Silence denotes assent.