dynamicwavestudio 
The artwork of disassuming (Episode 151)
As Head of Pattern and Innovation Scouting at Nokia, Leslie Shannon’s job is to establish connectivity-related tech disruptions and alternatives, together with developments in robotics, drones, visible analytics, cloud gaming, generative AI. In a approach she is an in-house futurist.
However after I requested her to explain what she does she stated: “I have to continually be questioning my assumptions.”
To her, an important a part of the job is to not perceive all the brand new applied sciences rising, however to have the ability to revise her assumptions round what the way forward for the world will seem like.
She informed me that she continually evaluates her assumptions, and each six months she sits down for a serious overhaul of her elementary assumptions.
The ability of reviewing one’s assumptions is as invaluable as it’s uncommon.
To have the heart to re-evaluate one’s world view based mostly on new data, to dare to say out-loud that you just have been unsuitable, takes honesty and humility.
Let’s name this ability “The artwork of disassuming”.
To imagine is to assume: “That is what I believe, based mostly on what I do know.”
To disassume is to assume: “This may be the place I’ve to vary my thoughts based mostly on what I just lately realized”
To disassume is a made up phrase, nevertheless it’s a phrase we want, as a result of the observe of disassumption is a ability we want.
We particularly want this artwork once we are profitable.
Within the phrases of Leslie Shannon: “Success cements assumptions, and assumptions breed blindness.”
It’s really easy to assume you understand how to do one thing when you might have been profitable doing simply that.
However the world modifications, and what was proper can now be unsuitable. (Leslie works for Nokia in any case, an organization that learnt that the arduous approach.)
As a futurist within the quick altering world of digital communication, Leslie is a professional at disassuming. I requested her to share with me some methods we are able to use to ensure that our unsuitable assumptions don’t blind us.
She stated: “We have to continually rethink the tales we inform ourselves. We have to cease, pause, take a step again and query your assumptions. An assumption, in any case, is a factor that’s accepted as true or as sure to occur – with out proof.”
Leslie stresses that disassuming is a deliberate act, one thing you determine to do.
She additionally gave us three insights on how one can develop an efficient disassuming mindset.
1) Open
Leslie: “The trick is to be continually open, to be consciously open and to be purposely open.”
Open-mindedness is the anti-dote to getting caught in outdated assumptions.
2) Uncomfortable
Leslie: “While you discover one thing that makes you uncomfortable, lean into it. Comply with the uncomfortable – it in all probability signifies that the factor that’s making you uncomfortable is difficult your assumptions.”
Leslie shared how, when she was learning new Generative AI tendencies, first assumed that the facility of the AI could be within the cloud and that it might be nice for community operators like Nokia, so when folks began speaking in regards to the potentialities of Gen AI being run regionally on a telephone her first response was to dismiss it. However that uncomfortable feeling pushed her to re-assess her views on how Generative AI may be serviced sooner or later.
3) Reminiscence
Leslie: “Keep in mind what you stated. So as to have the ability to reevaluate your assumptions you want to have the ability to evaluate the brand new assumptions to the previous. To only speak in regards to the latest, newest factor is straightforward. To check your previous thought together with your new is more durable – but additionally extra invaluable. The long run is just not some extent, it’s a vector.”
Leslie is effervescent with optimistic power once we speak, and I get a way that the power to problem your personal assumptions is not only a recipe for achievement, but additionally a recipe for happiness.
Her closing phrases to me are profound: “What makes the observe of disassuming so troublesome is that our assumptions usually turn out to be a key a part of our id. Every time you end up pondering, “I’m an individual who at all times/by no means . . .” – what follows isn’t really who you’re, it’s an assumption. “I’m an individual who by no means eats mangoes,” or “I’m an individual who at all times votes for this political get together,” or “I’m an individual who will work at this employer for the remainder of my profession,” are all examples of assumptions that may hold you from seeing new potentialities, each in your self and on the earth round you. But these sorts of id assumptions and the resultant blindness that they create are probably the most troublesome to overcome as a result of we really feel that the very core of who we’re is threatened if we query them.
It’s important to ask your self, “Will who I actually am vanish ultimately if I eat a mango?” or “Will who I actually am vanish ultimately if I’m made redundant?” The reply is sort of at all times no, and you might discover that mangoes are scrumptious and your subsequent job is much better than your final one. However you gained’t know till you disassume even the issues that appear most central to who you “are”.”
A disassuming thoughts is in a aware state of regularly questioning how one seems to be on the world in an effort to change as quickly as that’s the proper factor to do.
We must be disassuming extra usually.
What assumptions might you do away with in case you actively interact within the act of disassuming?
