The artwork of disassuming (Episode 151)
As Head of Development 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 means she is an in-house futurist.
However after I requested her to explain what she does she stated: “I have to consistently be questioning my assumptions.”
To her, a very powerful 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 appear to be.
She advised me that she consistently evaluates her assumptions, and each six months she sits down for a serious overhaul of her basic assumptions.
The ability of reviewing one’s assumptions is as precious as it’s uncommon.
To have the center to re-evaluate one’s world view based mostly on new info, to dare to say out-loud that you just have been incorrect, takes honesty and humility.
Let’s name this ability “The artwork of disassuming”.
To imagine is to suppose: “That is what I feel, based mostly on what I do know.”
To disassume is to suppose: “This is perhaps the place I’ve to alter my thoughts based mostly on what I lately realized”
To disassume is a made up phrase, but it surely’s a phrase we want, as a result of the follow of disassumption is a ability we want.
We particularly want this artwork after we are profitable.
Within the phrases of Leslie Shannon: “Success cements assumptions, and assumptions breed blindness.”
It’s really easy to suppose you know the way to do one thing when you’ve got been profitable doing simply that.
However the world adjustments, and what was once proper can now be incorrect. (Leslie works for Nokia in spite of everything, an organization that learnt that the onerous means.)
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 will use to be sure that our incorrect assumptions don’t blind us.
She stated: “We have to consistently rethink the tales we inform ourselves. We have to cease, pause, take a step again and query your assumptions. An assumption, in spite of everything, 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 resolve to do.
She additionally gave us three insights on how you can develop an efficient disassuming mindset.
1) Open
Leslie: “The trick is to be consistently 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: “If you discover one thing that makes you uncomfortable, lean into it. Observe the uncomfortable – it in all probability implies 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 ability of the AI could be within the cloud and that it could be nice for community operators like Nokia, so when individuals began speaking in regards to the potentialities of Gen AI being run domestically on a cellphone her first response was to dismiss it. However that uncomfortable feeling pushed her to re-assess her views on how Generative AI is perhaps serviced sooner or later.
3) Reminiscence
Leslie: “Bear 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 outdated. To only discuss in regards to the latest, newest factor is straightforward. To check your outdated thought together with your new is more durable – but in addition extra precious. The longer term isn’t some extent, it’s a vector.”
Leslie is effervescent with optimistic power after we discuss, and I get a way that the flexibility to problem your personal assumptions isn’t just a recipe for fulfillment, but in addition a recipe for happiness.
Her closing phrases to me are profound: “What makes the follow of disassuming so troublesome is that our assumptions usually develop into a key a part of our identification. At any time when you end up pondering, “I’m an individual who all the time/by no means . . .” – what follows isn’t truly who you might be, it’s an assumption. “I’m an individual who by no means eats mangoes,” or “I’m an individual who all the time votes for this political occasion,” or “I’m an individual who will work at this employer for the remainder of my profession,” are all examples of assumptions that may maintain you from seeing new potentialities, each in your self and on this planet round you. But these sorts of identification assumptions and the resultant blindness that they create are probably the most troublesome to beat as a result of we really feel that the very core of who we’re is threatened if we query them.
You need to ask your self, “Will who I really am vanish not directly if I eat a mango?” or “Will who I really am vanish not directly if I’m made redundant?” The reply is nearly all the time no, and chances are you’ll 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 acutely aware state of regularly questioning how one appears on the world with a purpose to change as quickly as that’s the proper factor to do.
We must be disassuming extra usually.
What assumptions may you do away with in the event you actively have interaction within the act of disassuming?
