How easy it is to make assumptions... and assume they are right! Oftentimes in the middle of the night, my mind will be unraveling the events of the day, trying to make sense of what was said, how I could have responded, and ways to rectify a situation.
Last night was no exception! Anything electrical around the house is relegated to "The Professionals." Since our contractor/handyman moved out of the area, we haven't had anyone to help with these tasks.
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| How do you respond when things fall apart? (Photo credit: Domino Breaches, CyberHoot) |
Using Home Depot's ProReferral website, I was able to submit a request and have local professionals respond. Talking to one of the electrical companies, we agreed on the project scope, price, and when it could be done. We received and okayed the estimate. Outstanding tasks: we needed to send pictures of the items we purchased and the company would call with a time when they would be onsite.
The next day I received a phone call from the electrician who would be completing the project: we finalized the cost; I texted the pictures; and he confirmed the time he would be at our house.
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| When do you veer off course? (Photo: Grand Canyon Railroad, Arizona, Larry Gardepie) |
Follow me so far? That night I replayed what had happened during the day, and wondered if Tom (the electrician who called) was from the company who agreed to do the work. Or, was I still receiving referrals from the website?
On the call I assumed he was from the contracted company, but I never asked. Being new to the ProReferral website, I didn't know how to stop any further referrals -- I assumed that once I had agreed to do business with one of the companies, the "match" would indicate to others that the request was closed.
The late night replay raised questions in my mind about my assumptions and conclusions.
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| How do you get back on course? (Photo: Bright Angel Trailhead, Grand Canyon, Larry Gardepie) |
Through a series of texts and phone calls I found out that I had booked two different electricians! My assumptions and conclusions were reasonable -- the company was waiting for my photos of the purchased items; we were waiting for a scheduling window; Tom's phone call occurred at the exact time that these two outstanding tasks should have been happening.
What was missing: asking questions; checking out my assumptions; confirming what was known.
All is well -- we now have one electrician scheduled to complete the electrical work but I am tired today because of the late night unraveling of my unspoken thoughts! I am learning that if I want to sleep peacefully at night, I must check out assumptions and question my conclusions... preferably as they are happening!
Do your assumptions or conclusions lead you in directions you did not anticipate?
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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