Two months ago, I went to visit the US East Coast with my family, and together we visited some cities and a number of spots.  We rented a van and I drove around some.

One of the things you naturally noticed is that people fall asleep in the car on the way to the destination. They figure that the scenery on the way is not worth enjoying, and you really want to take the time to rest, because what is worth seeing is the destination.

This is almost the same attitude that we see in people — all their lives they are travelling towards something, and they figured that when they arrive at some spot ( either that historic spot you read so much in travel books, or that mythical magic spot when you have that dream job, or that million dollar contract, then you would enjoy and be happy).  And they spend all their lives working hard to arrive - and yet never find the happiness that they expect when they arrive at a destination.

Most spots, and most  dreams are not as good as they are projected to be — and most spots in which you have too high expectations, whether it be the statue of Liberty or the top of the Empire State building, or the Lincoln Memorial, is just so so - unless you are passionate and really enjoying yourself.

One of the frustrating things that I always encounter with our sales people is their misunderstanding with customers.  Oftentimes, this misunderstanding stems from miscommunication.  Oftentimes, our sales people make assumptions or guesses on what they think the customer need or want, and go on to make the proposal on these.  Sometimes, there are many issues that comes out when the assumptions are not correct.  They could just have asked!

One of the better stories I heard last night when we were out with a few friends is an anecdote of Richard Branson of the Virgin Group.

Richard Branson is some sort of a celebrity entrepreneur, and everywhere he goes, people wants to pose pictures with him.

One day, he was vacationing in the Carribbean when a couple approached him bringing along a camera.  Thinking that they wanted to have a picture with him, he immediately set up a pose, only to find out to his chagrin that what the couple really wanted him to take a picture OF them. 

He had assumed that the couple must have known him, famous as he was, and it was a humbling experience, he says to find out that no, many people still don’t know him.

Don’t assume.  My friend says means:

Assume also means make an ASShole of U n ME.

Don’t Guess.  Dont’ Assume.  Ask!