The Magic of Assumptions

There are no “facts” about the future. Everything we think we know about tomorrow is based on what we think we know about the world today and our assumptions of where that will likely lead. Through a process of trial and error successful project managers, software developers, testers, and analysts usually develop a heightened sense of assumption recognition. But they often don’t think consciously about the assumptions they, their colleagues, business partners, and customers are making. Consulting project manager Payson Hall argues that improving your ability to detect and make assumptions explicit is a vital career skill. Payson will lead session attendees through a series of short experiential exercises to underscore the importance of identifying assumptions to facilitate problem solving, task definition, estimation, and conflict resolution. Gain insights that you can immediately apply in the workplace to improve your productivity and decision making.