The Ripple Effect: Leading with No Assumptions by Monica Gelinas

As the Executive Director of CC4C,  I’ve adopted a new agreement with myself: Make no assumptions. This simple yet profound commitment has reshaped how I lead our organization uplifting children and families facing rare conditions. 

While easy to say, implementing it has been much harder. On the first day I tried, it lasted about an hour before I fell back into old habits. Yet, I pressed on, determined to stay on the “learner” path, where curiosity, questions, and openness guide decision-making rather than assumptions and judgments.

When I embraced this practice, I realized I was making A LOT  of assumptions—not necessarily bad ones, but ones without evidence.I decided to make it a way of life. 

Therefore, I was not living in reality, the truth. I could easily misunderstand or develop a misconception about someone, an event or circumstance all because I made an assumption. And assumptions can build barriers.

This realization was the start of what I call the ripple effect.

The Ripple Effect on Leadership

It starts with one assumption, a story we create to explain or fix a problem. Then comes judgment, followed by a belief based on that judgment. Finally, an emotional response and behaviors rooted in those emotions follow. Without realizing it, these patterns shape our actions, our leadership, and our relationships.

In leading a nonprofit, this ripple effect can be especially damaging. For example, assuming why a team member didn’t deliver on a project without asking them directly, or making assumptions about what our community needs without gathering data or input from families. Assumptions can strain relationships, reduce trust, and create a disconnect between our mission and our impact.

By choosing to not make assumptions, I’ve found more space in my mind and heart. I can lead more authentically, approach staff and board meetings with openness, and handle challenges with clarity. 

This practice has created a ripple effect of its own—one of ease, peace, and effective collaboration. It has allowed me to see situations and people as they truly are, without the noise of unfounded beliefs.

The Ripple Effect on Donor Relationships

This agreement to make no assumptions has also transformed how I communicate with our donors and supporters. Donors are the lifeblood of our organization, and yet, it’s easy to fall into the trap of assuming we know what they want or why they give. We might assume they support our mission for a particular reason, or that they understand the intricacies of the impact we’re making. But without asking the right questions, we risk misalignment in our relationships.

By asking questions—real, open-ended questions—I’ve deepened our donor relationships. I’ve learned what truly motivates them to give, what stories resonate, and where we can improve our communication. 

This has allowed us to tailor our messaging, ensuring that our donors feel connected and appreciated. The ripple effect here is trust, loyalty, and long-term partnership. Donors who feel seen and understood are more likely to stay engaged and continue to support the cause.

The Courage to Ask

The empowerment that comes from not making assumptions is rooted in the freedom to ask questions. In moments where I would have previously made assumptions, I now take the time to ask for clarification. 

Whether with staff, volunteers, families, or donors, this practice has created a culture of transparency and trust. The courage to ask, even when it’s uncomfortable, has made a significant impact on our organization’s relationships and success.

Questions have become my shield against the confusion that assumptions create. They help me navigate difficult conversations, complex decisions, and strategic planning with greater clarity and less emotional strain. This is particularly true in how we engage with families—rather than assuming we know what they need, we ask and listen, ensuring that we deliver the right support in the right way.

Leadership Grounded in Truth

The ripple effect of leading without assumptions extends far beyond me. It influences our staff, our partners, our donors, and the families we serve. By grounding our leadership in truth, we’re building a stronger, more effective organization. 

We’re making decisions based on facts and compassion, not assumptions. And this gives us the freedom to lead with integrity and confidence, knowing that we’re on the right path.

For our donors, this approach builds a sense of partnership. We invite them to share in our vision, not as passive contributors but as active participants in shaping the future of our organization. By communicating openly and avoiding assumptions about their expectations, we build a foundation of mutual respect and shared goals.

This practice of no assumptions has transformed both my life and my leadership. It has given me the unexpected gift of happiness, clarity, and stronger relationships with all who support our mission. And as we move forward, this ripple effect will continue to grow—creating an organization that thrives on truth, connection, and trust.

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” —John 8:32

Ready to transform your leadership and relationships? Embrace the power of leading with no assumptions. Discover how this simple yet profound shift can create a ripple effect of positive change in your organization, your donor relationships, and your life.

Share your experience: What assumptions have you challenged, and what positive ripple effects have you seen?