The first occurrence of this lesson happened at work this yesterday afternoon. I learned that it is not a good idea to assume that things will turn out the way you expect or need them to. Assumptions can really come back and bite you in the butt as a contractor. For example, one may presume that a vendor is going to follow up on your request for a color sample or that a delivery is going to occur on schedule. There are quite a few assumptions that can be made in the world of construction on a daily basis. In fact it would be pretty hard to get through the day without making any assumptions. However, it is going to be important for me to learn what I can and cannot assume. Right now, as a novice project manager, it seems wise to assume very little and to always follow up on issues/items until I have the answer I want and need. My dad offered this advice, "Trust, but verify." After the past couple days, I definitely plan to implement this into my daily work.
Unfortunately, today I was guilty of making assumptions that may prove to be costly. I made the mistake of assuming that we would be compensated for some added work that we will be forced to do on a project. The people of authority had made several remarks through out the course of the project that made me think we would get paid for the extra work. In my mind paying us also seemed like the natural thing to do, as we were not responsible for causing the additional work. In fact, we had made adjustments to our scheduled plans to accommodate the other contractor’s requests. Unfortunately, we may end up eating the cost of those changes and for making assumptions. I won’t know for a while if this assumption was justified; however, I do know that if I encounter a similar situation in the future I will be hesitant and careful not to assume anything. Prior to making decisions, I will need to understand the best and worst case scenarios. Ultimately, I need to avoid making assumptions even if things seem crystal clear.
The lesson of the day also applied to my night at the Kohl Center. I, like most Badger basketball fans, assumed that a home game would equate to a Wisconsin victory over Illinois. With a win and a Michigan State loss to Purdue, the Badgers would be in a tie for first place. As most basketball fans know, the Kohl Center has become one of the toughest places in the country to play during Bo Ryan’s tenure. It is very rare that a visiting team leaves Madison with a victory. I think the stat I heard today was that Wisconsin had won 56 straight home games over non-ranked opponents, which Illinois was at the time. The Red and White had yet to lose a home game all season so I do not think anyone expected that defeat would come against the Illini. After all, the Badgers had already dispensed of Duke, Purdue, and Michigan State at the Kohl Center this year. Regrettably, Illinois seemed to have the Badgers number last night and did exactly what no one expected--they took out the Badgers on their home court. After a slow start, they quickly reversed their fortune and shot lights out while forcing the Badgers to shoot a woeful percentage from the field.
The Badgers and Coach Ryan have spoiled the Wisconsin faithful over the years with all their successes. Wisconsin fans expect nothing less than a victory when the game is played at the Kohl Center. With the parity in college basketball and the talent within the Big 10, it may not be fair for fans and myself to continue to make this assumption. That being said, I think the Badgers are a great team that will bounce back from this game and finish the Big 10 season strong. They have a very favorable remaining schedule and in turn, should earn a great seed for both the Conference and NCAA tournaments. Does a prediction count as an assumption? If not, I am going to predict that the Badgers will not lose another home game, will only suffer one more defeat during the conference season, and will make a deep run in the NCAA tournament! Go Badgers!
Remember to avoid assumptions otherwise you may end up making an ASS of you and me (that’s "assume" for those of you who haven’t heard that saying),
The Bean Spiller
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Because this blog was so boring I decided to write a blog of my own on your blogsite...
ReplyDeleteNow I tend to do my best thinking while going to the bathroom. I dunno always have been like that. When writing a paper in college if I ever got stuck I would go to the bathroom and end up with a great new way to state my thesis.
Today while just finishing up in the bathroom I wondered why the good TV shows need to a take a break in the middle of a season? Last night the Good Wife wasn't new and I haven't seen a new Desperate Housewives in awhile. Gossip Girl and Beverly Hills 90210 haven't been new since before Christmas I believe. Of course though One Tree Hill came back on Jan 18th. Why??? No one wants to watch that garbage. Prediction of the next story line in the show Nathan and Haley decide its time to let Jamie get to know Grandpa Dan since Haley's mom is dying. Also watch out for a guest appearance of Lucas and Peyton for Haley's mom's funeral. Gag me! The writers should have killed them off the show that way we never need to worry about seeing them again. Please bring back Chuck and Blair and the beautiful kids of 90210. We all know these shows aren't being filmed live. Its not like the actors/actresses need a break. All I know is there is nothing worse then checking your DVR to catch up on your favorite show only to not find it there because it was another repeat. Come on Alicia Floreck! I want to watch you solve all of Chicago's legal problems.
Well thats all for now from me... Until next bathroom break!