The curse of knowledge
As we internalize what we learn, the line between what’s obvious and what isn't becomes blurred. When it does, we might start assuming others know what we know.
Knowledge is tricky. When we've done the hard work, put in the time, it can become second nature to us.
As we internalize what we learn, the line between what’s obvious and what isn't becomes blurred. When it does, we can start to stumble and be unable to notice and appreciate what we know from what others don't know. We might start assuming that others know it too.
We might forget to appreciate the amount of work that went into embodying that knowledge in the first place. And as well, sometimes we might get annoyed with others thinking they should know what we know because, well, it's so obvious, isn't it?
Having done the work, learned the material, and practiced the techniques also means that we might be less able to fully recognize and appreciate the challenges of acquiring that knowledge in the first place since it's second nature to us now.
Leaders in their fields have a breadth and depth of knowledge that isn't shared by everyone around them. Taking the time to be specific, setting clear expectations and asking questions to ensure clarity and understanding instead of assuming everyone knows what we know goes a long way to help create inclusivity.
We have to practice taking on more than our own perspective if we are to meet and understand people where they are today.
Perhaps we need to take a step back and remind ourselves that what we know isn't necessarily common knowledge to everyone else around us. We all have something we can contribute that isn’t familiar to others. At times we are the teacher, and at other times we are the student.
Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.
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