Communication Assumptions

I always wonder why people assume that their assumptions are accurate - making others wrong? I wonder why they don't assume that others are just thinking with different beliefs than theirs, and get curious.

Sales people are huge offenders of this, as are techies. Both assume that their maps of the world are accurate and pit the comments/beliefs/actions of others against their view of what's 'right'. I used to own a technology company and had 48 techies working for me; obviously I'm in the sales industry now. Unfortunately, one of the favorite descriptions of clients/users during times of annoyance is "they're jerks".

I wonder what needs to happen for people to just get curious, and truly wonder what makes people say and do what they're saying and doing. Just maybe their beliefs are different and the sellers and techies would understand more and get into a position that would help them serve their clients better.

Just a thought.

-Sharon Drew