Most people realize that making assumptions is bad and can get you into some serious trouble. As the saying goes: “When you ASSUME, you make an ASS of U and ME.” Nevertheless, as humans we all tend to make them. So, here are some safe ones … things you can feel okay in assuming. They’re from the best-selling handbook START RIGHT … STAY RIGHT – Every Employee’s Straight-Talk Guide to Job Success:

• The e-mails you send will be seen by more people than those they’re addressed to.

• Things said “just between you and me” won’t stay that way.

• The time you pick to take a long break or lunch will be the same time your boss looks for you.

• The “minor” rule you choose to ignore will be the pet peeve of the manager who catches you.

• Call in sick so you can do something else and you will be seen by someone who knows youshould be working.

• Treat one customer poorly, and ten people will hear about it – including someone who has authority over you.

• Your ability to get “another job” will be directly related to how well you do in the job you have now.

• Whenever you think “no one will know,” someone will.

• Whenever you think “no one will care,” someone will.

• Whenever you think “it will never be missed,” it will.

• Whenever you think you’re as good as you need to be, you aren’t.

This list is definitely worth sharing with all your people. You might even run a contest to see who can add to these “safe assumptions.” It can be a good tongue-in-cheek way to emphasize the importance of watching what we do and how we behave.

Lead well … LEAD RIGHT