Problems created by assumptions made
BY MELISSA SOMERS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAM OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (CPP)
“When you’re surrounded by people who share the same set of assumptions as you, you start to think that’s reality.”
— Emily Levine
IF YOU SEARCH Google Images for Bobcat, most of the resulting images will be of a medium-sized cat native to North America. Being in the construction and equipment rental business, when we hear Bobcat we naturally picture a skid steer. It’s important to remember that while you might picture a piece of heavy equipment, assuming that anyone else visualizes the same thing can easily result in frustration — and preventable losses.
We’ve probably all heard the popular saying about the likely result of making assumptions. And while it might not be something that you think you do, I’d say it’s pretty safe to assume — if you’ll allow me to not follow my own advice for a moment — that we’ve all done it on occasion. It’s human nature to fall into a sort of language shorthand for any given circle of people or influences we are with.
While working diligently on honing our communication skills with those in our daily lives — at work or at home — it’s also human nature to fall into our most familiar lingo and behaviors when faced with challenging or stressful situations. Therefore, having clear and organized information on hand to report theft is vital, and being mindful to avoid taking chances with assumptions for understanding is equally important.
Here are a few suggestions that should make things crystal clear:
- Have a copy readily available of the registration or title for your stolen unit.
- Avoid the use of the alphabetical O when referring to the numerical 0. When communicating, say zero instead.
- Use a phonetic alphabet — alpha, bravo, etc. — when referring to letters for clarity.
- If you have a CPP-issued Owner Applied Number (OAN), be sure to share it with the reporting officer.
- Give the officer your contact information and invite him to contact you if any questions come up throughout the investigation.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions — especially if you’ve been unclear with any information provided or are unsure about next steps. Confirm understanding on both sides by repeating information supplied in the form of a question.
- Ask the reporting officer for the report number and ask if the officer knows when the equipment’s information will be entered into the stolen-vehicle or -article system. If you’re a CPP member, report the incident to us, and make sure to share the report information so we can verify it has been entered into the appropriate system and that the details provided are accurate.
- Ask the reporting officer how to best reach them or who you should call in the event of any issues that may come up.
- Supply a photo of the missing item.
- Provide any information regarding the theft to the officer as soon as possible. Be sure to include any security footage, statements from witnesses, and license plate or vehicle identification information pertaining to the thieves.
- Request a copy of the report.
Imagine how much time for all involved would be wasted if your stolen Bobcat was assumed to be the animal species rather than equipment property? Assumptions can be costly on several different levels, so making every effort possible to communicate clearly and to avoid assumptions is well worth the minimal energy expended. It will also increase the chance of recovering your loss.
The next time you’re faced with an occurrence where communication is vital, visualize yourself doing a Google search of the information you’re trying to convey. Keep in mind that, while you and the person you’re reporting your loss to might both be speaking English, you each have your own lingo that you might inadvertently fall into using — the danger zone of making assumptions should be avoided. Create and use everything in your communication arsenal to encourage more favorable results.
Leave a Reply