It’s OK To Make Assumptions

Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter, in his keynote yesterday at the ACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum in San Diego, told the audience that he sits down with all new employees, and, instead of warning them against making certain assumptions when they join the microblogging company, actually tells them to make them. 

Stone told the gathering of insurance professionals the assumptions he imparts aren’t just for new hires, they can benefit anyone in business—be it an entrepreneur at a startup or someone working in a large enterprise such as a carrier. Among them:

• “Assume that we can change the world, build a business, and have fun.”

• “Assume that we don’t always know what’s going to happen” Leave yourself open to new possibilities.

• “[Assume] that there is a creative answer to every problem” Creativity is infinite. And employees shouldn’t be afraid to offer up a “wacky” solution -- because an idea that may seem off the wall initially could lead others to put together a chain of thoughts that could lead to a great new idea.

• “Assume there are more smart people outside our company.” Twitter hires smart people, he says, but it’s only one company. There are smart people all over the place and you should be asking everyone to give you feedback on your ideas.

• “[Assume] we will win if we always do the right thing for [the end customer].”

• “[Assume] the only deal worth doing is a win-win deal.” He says making deals in which both partners don’t benefit will curtail future partnerships with those organizations. 

• “[Assume] your co-workers are smart and that they have good intentions.” People stumble and they might need help, but everyone stumbles occasionally. And offering help to someone who might be struggling now might pay dividends when you need help.