5 Comments
User's avatar
David C Morris's avatar

Thanks for today’s post. I first heard, “presume positive intent” from an HR leader during an hostile takeover I was involved with. I heard it and have mistakenly referred to it as, “assume positive intent.” Presume is a much better word.

Expand full comment
Admired Leadership's avatar

Say more about this, David... why is it better?

Expand full comment
David C Morris's avatar

I just think it is a better stronger word than assume. Plus, I’ve tried to eliminate the word Assume from my vocabulary. Most issues I come across with my teams with a question and their response beginning with, “I assumed...”

Expand full comment
Steve's avatar

Never PRESUME because you'll make a PRES out of U an....

Never mind. Doesn't work on this one.

Expand full comment
Mikey Ames's avatar

Presuming positive intent from others feels like a behavioral move into optimism -- love it.

Expand full comment