One of the things we’re all inclined to do: See or hear something. Interpret it. Jump to conclusions. Act on them.

Often in exactly that order. And often far too quickly.

Yesterday, together with my colleague Marcel Karreman, I delivered the training ‘Clear Commissioning’ for senior leaders within a Dutch ministry. Together, we explored this tendency — and its consequences.

We tend to observe a certain behaviour, hear a comment — and immediately conclude:
“That colleague is resisting.”
“She’s just not willing to cooperate.”
“I can’t work with this.”

But… what if that’s not true?
What if it’s not resistance, but workload?
Not unwillingness, but confusion?

What if your judgement outruns your curiosity?

This is where leadership becomes essential:
Having the courage to pause before pushing forward.

Not out of hesitation or softness, but out of wise doubt and effectiveness.
To avoid making poor assumptions that will cost you more later than taking a moment now.

So here’s a question to sit with:
Before you interpret or decide — can you ask just one more open, exploratory question? From a place of curiosity?

Maybe even two?

Not to please, but to understand.

Because once you see what’s truly going on, you can move with more clarity, calm and precision.

Beyond assumptions. Straight to the heart of what matters.