The CEO's Soup and the Power of Assumption

Allow me to share a thought-provoking story I recently came across. While its authenticity may be debatable, the message it conveys holds immense significance for all of us.

?

It seems there is this company whose tradition is to have the final round of selection for the CEO's position over lunch.

?

Mr. A was vying for the CEO position of a this company. He cleared many rounds of interviews and came out successful, beating many other contenders. He was quite confident that he would be selected for the position. The current CEO also was quite sure that he would be the right candidate for the post. And as was the tradition of the company, he invited Mr. A to have lunch with him as a final round of interview, which would be very informal. The appointment letter would be given after lunch was over.

So, on the prescribed date and time, Mr. A arrived on time, dressed appropriately, well-mannered, calm, and composed. After initial handshakes, food was ordered. When the soup arrived, Mr. A immediately sprinkled salt and pepper, without even tasting the soup.. The CEO looked at him strangely. But Mr. A didn’t observe the reaction and started drinking his soup.

?

Then, the food was served, they both ate, shook hands, and the CEO left, mentioning that the office staff would get in touch with him regarding the offer letter.

Mr. A was surprised and a bit shaken. Why hasn’t the CEO handed over the offer letter to him?

A day or two later, the office staff called to inform him that he was not selected for the CEO post. Mr. A was really shocked and asked the reason.

"You sprinkled salt and pepper in your soup without even tasting it," they said.

"What!!! Exclaimed Mr. A..!! Is this some kind of a joke?"

"No, Sir.. It is not.. It seems that is the reason for rejection."

Are you also surprised and wondering why someone would be rejected for such an important post just because of such a trivial thing? Then read on…

The mistake Mr. A did was to assume. Assume that the salt and pepper would not be enough and added extra without even tasting it.

Now that’s not a big crime. I hear you say.

Yes, it’s not a big crime. But have you heard of the saying, "HOW WE DO ONE THING IS HOW WE DO EVERYTHING"?

If his habit is to assume in a simple thing like adding salt and pepper without tasting,, then it is likely that he will assume matters in the office as well. He will take decisions without checking facts first. That would be very risky for an organisation with hundreds of employees.

Moreover, his failure to notice the CEO's reaction reflected a lack of sensitivity, potentially leading to discord within the organisation.

Reflecting on this, I couldn't help but draw parallels to our own lives. How often do we make assumptions without verifying facts, unintentionally causing misunderstandings or missed opportunities?

I recall instances where my assumptions led to misunderstandings, even loosing out on friendship of a dear one.. Yet, these experiences have taught me the importance of communication and seeking clarity.

Isn’t it time to pause and reflect: How many opportunities have we missed, or relationships strained, due to assumptions?

how many times in a day do we assume things (not checking facts), which has affected our relationships?

Think about it. Something a simple ?misunderstanding has the potential to damage or make us lose our life’s biggest opportunities.

Every interaction, no matter how seemingly insignificant, holds the potential to shape our lives and opportunities.

We just need to be aware of our actions..

In the end… “HOW WE DO ONE THING IS HOW WE DO EVERYTHING"

Share your thoughts, if you agree...

#Assumptions #Opportunities #Communication #Clarity #Mindfulness #GrowthMindset #LearningFromMistakes #Relationships #ProfessionalDevelopment #LifeLessons

?