Deer in the Headlights

Ask for requirements - Do not assume

My manufacturing job required me to commute 90 miles through Ohio farm country. After working a double shift and getting off at 1 AM, I come over a rise in the road to have my headlights surprise three deer crossing the road. They all froze. I swerved to miss them, hit an embankment and rolled the car over three times. I missed two of the deer. One had to be put down by a state highway trooper. Soon I was looking for a new car.

Did my car research and settled on a small sports car - the Triumph TR7. The TR7's shape and even its advertising tagline was "the wedge." I go to the dealership and am soon assailed by a salesman who "knows" all about me. You’re young, you love driving, you’re looking for a sports car, McPherson strut suspension, rack and pinion steering, car's aerodynamic shape, etc.

I kept shaking my head no. The salesman finally in frustration pleaded with me. What exactly was I looking for? Finally, being listened to, I smiled politely and stated that I wanted a car that "will go under deer."

Never, ever assume you understand a user's requirements without asking.