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Don't make Assumptions

3/22/2015

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This morning the local newspaper was telling the story of Jonny Florez. I know Johnny, although until today I did not know his name. I know him from the Las Cruces Farmers Market where he and a female companion sing and play music. They are an older couple, I now know that he is 86, and they are dressed in Mexican attire.

The first time I saw them, several years ago, I thought "What a cute couple. They are representing the cultural history of this city." I assumed they were married, had been for a long time, and did this just for fun. These were my assumptions, and I never gave them another thought.

This morning my assumptions were busted. I read that Johnny's 68 year old home in the downtown area was to be sold for non payment of taxes. I learned that Isabel Aguirre, his musical partner, is a friend, not his wife. That both had gone through very tough times independently of each other. You can read the story here-
http://bit.ly/1BGSJEp

After reading the story, I wondered how many other "Johnny's" I come across every day. How many assumptions I make about their lives, and how many opportunities I miss to connect, and make a difference.

"Don't make assumptions" is one of “The Four Agreements", a book by Don Miguel Ruiz. It is one of my guiding principals, and one that I encourage my clients to practice. Today I learned that I have to keep practicing.



*Photo source Las Cruces Sun_News


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    Elke Wunderlich, ACC is the Founder and CEO of TopView Leadership, a Personal and Professional Development Company. The Connected Leader Blog focuses on 21st Century Leadership issues.i

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