Managing our ignorance.
I am sitting in the airport heading back from my first “big” speaking gig. I was given the opportunity to teach a four-hour pre-conference session and speak at a general session at the 76th Annual International Institute of Municipal Clerks Conference in Little Rock Arkansas. Being the critic that I am, I spent most of last night evaluating my performance. Going over what I felt went well, what I could have done better, and how I could change my approach to be more engaging and better connect with people. I initially came to the conclusion that I did pretty well. I didn’t entirely know what to expect and I felt that for my first “big” opportunity I did about as good as someone could expect.
As those thoughts of being satisfied crossed my mind, I had to stop myself from getting complacent. I couldn’t be satisfied with just earning the opportunity to speak at a national conference, I needed to strive for more. The biggest mistake people make is that they assume they know it all. I almost fell into this trap. If I would have decided that I was completely satisfied with the work I did, I would have had no reason to go back and critically evaluate how I could improve. Thinking a little bit deeper, I came to the conclusion that I was more satisfied with my first session, and not so happy with the performance in the second session. Digging even deeper, I think the people were more receptive to the first session. The material in the second session didn’t resonate as much. I would venture to guess that my evaluations will reflect my assumptions. With a more critical eye, I have something to build off of. I don’t have the answers at the moment on how exactly I can improve, but I will find them, and that is okay.
I think we all can be better when it comes to managing our ignorance. There is absolutely no harm in not having the answers. Acknowledging our limits is one of the best ways we can determine when to seek help and when to acquire more information to improve. I honestly think people are more receptive to someone who is genuine and transparent with their limitations.
Taking it one step further, to grow and be the best version of yourself, being okay with the ignorance you hold is only the first step. The individuals who are the most successful are the ones who acknowledge their ignorance but strive every single day to fill the gaps in their knowledge and limitations.
The question becomes, how do we fill these gaps?
Ask yourself honest and uncomfortable questions- The process of self-examination is one of the hardest things to do. People do not like looking at their shortcomings. Considering change is a process rather than an event, an evolving person cannot let their ego block them from the critical self-evaluation that needs to happen.
Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others- No matter how much we critique ourselves, we only have the viewpoint from behind our eyeballs. This leaves a lot of blind spots. It is amazing how asking for others’ perceptions can reveal simple truths we failed to realize.
Constantly look for alternative options- In my critical thinking class, I talk a lot about quantum thinking which is the ability to have two opposing thoughts at the same time. In other words, you must be able to go beyond just a true or false view of the world. If you can get past the wall of your deeply held biases, it is amazing how much more of the world opens up to you.
