The card on my desk today read, “Be aware of unconscious assumptions.” It hit harder than I expected. Most conflict I’ve seen inside creative projects doesn’t come from lack of talent or effort. It comes from assumptions that sneak in unspoken. We assume someone knows what we mean. We assume they’ll read between the lines. We assume care equals mind-reading. It rarely works out that way.

In this space, it’s easy to forget how many different perspectives collide. People come in with their own assumptions about process, culture, and expectations. When those unspoken assumptions meet, misalignment happens fast. What feels obvious to one person may never cross another’s mind. The work is in slowing down, asking questions, and clearing the air before confusion turns into conflict.

Philosophically, this is nothing new. Don Miguel Ruiz built an entire agreement around it. Don’t make assumptions. Ask. Confirm. Speak directly. It feels slower in the moment, but it saves you weeks of resentment and confusion.

For the ZAO, this lesson cuts to the heart of community building. We grow faster when we clarify instead of assuming. Whether it’s about respect tokens, artist slots, or collaborations, direct words keep trust alive. If we want a culture of ownership, we need a culture of clarity.

Take a moment today and check where you’re relying on unspoken agreements. What would shift if you made those words explicit?

– BetterCallZaal on behalf of the ZAO Team