I Don’t Underestimate Anyone
Title: Assume Competence
I don’t underestimate anyone.
I know what I’m capable of.
But I don’t know what other people are capable of.
So instead of assuming people are stupid, lazy, or incompetent, I assume the opposite.
I’m not scared of them.
I understand that underestimating people is one of the fastest ways to get caught off guard.
A lot of people move through life thinking they’re the smartest person in every room.
They dismiss people quickly.
“Ah he’s dumb.” “She doesn’t get it.” “That guy doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
Until one day those same people outplay them.
Because intelligence doesn’t always show itself immediately.
Some people are quiet observers.
Some people are patient.
Some people take longer to reveal what they’re capable of.
But that doesn’t mean they’re not capable.
So my default is simple.
I treat everyone like they’re competent.
I prepare like the person across from me is just as sharp as I am.
That mindset forces you to stay disciplined.
You prepare more.
You think more carefully.
And if the person actually isn’t as capable as you assumed?
Great.
You’re still overprepared.
But if they are?
You’re not shocked.
You’re ready.
Underestimating people is lazy thinking.
And I’d always rather respect the game than get humbled by it.