When You Really DO Know It All–Or At Least a Lot of It
In 2010 I wrote about “The Curse of Knowledge”: When we forget what it was like to not know something. The sweet little boy in the photo is getting ready to graduate from high school soon–and still learning.
I said it then and it is still true: T
he next time someone — a friend, coworker, employee, client or customer, family member, trainee or class member — asks you a question, remember what it was like when you had questions, too.
The next time you need or want to share your understanding, knowledge, skills or abilities, make it a positive experience for others. Think of it as a privilege to be able to transfer something from your mind and heart to theirs.
If they don’t immediately understand the information or agree with your opinion, rather than letting arrogance or impatience put a hex on what you’re trying to do, stop for second and remember what it was like before you became a know-it-all, or at least, a know-a-lot-of-it.
Start where they are–and with good cheer and a caring attitude, move to the next step, then the next, pausing to make sure those you are leading are following.
Count your blessings — and remember when you hadn’t received them yet!
