Why accepting what we don’t know can make us wildly smarter
We don’t know everything, but sometimes we make it seem like we do.
Whenever you're asked a question you don’t know the answer to, what’s your first reaction?
Do you:
Cower in fear
Make something up
Deflect
Nod your head and back up until they can’t see you any longer and disappear into the shadows, ready to fight crime in the night
If you said yes to any of these, you’re not alone. Though I'd argue you're more of a stealthy ninja than most if you answered #4.
Because we don’t want to look less smart when we're with our friends or at work, we may bend the truth of what we know.
And there’s actually a reason for that anchored in psychology.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect
It’s called the “Dunning-Kruger Effect." A phenomenon made famous by psychologists David Dunning and Justin Kruger.
Dunning/Kruger tested several participants on a variety of skills. The ones who scored poorest often assumed they were actually scoring above average.
Dunning/Kruger found that people often misjudge the level of their skills.
Why?
Simple—they can't look at themselves objectively.
Navigating Architectureland
When we’re starting out, especially in a new field or at a new job, we want to put our best foot forward. We want to show we can do the work, and that we can do it well.
We have to be everything all at once.
We tell ourselves we’ve already learned so much.
We must know the answer already!
Along the path to experience though, we sometimes forget just how much there is to learn.
Having worked in the profession for almost a decade and a half, I know architecture is one hell of a complex, creative profession.
So much so projects often take years to complete.
It’s rare for someone under the age of 40, even 50, to become recognized within the field. As we wait to be "discovered," many of us do our best to improve.
We read books. We go to conferences. We gain knowledge.
But sometimes a question is asked. The one that we have no answer for, but feel compelled in our very bones we should know.
Accepting what we know isn’t who we are
For many, deflecting such a question to another topic is a common response.
For others, talking in a roundabout manner that makes it seem as though we’ve answered it (when we really haven’t) is another.
In both cases, the goal isn’t to answer the question.
It’s to preserve your confidence. It’s to make you seem smart. It’s to appear the part.
But whether we’re a newbie or a seasoned pro in any field, it’s ridiculous to assume that we know everything.
The trick though is accepting the universal difference between intelligence and knowledge.
We don’t always recognize the distinction.
Intelligence is the capacity for knowledge. Knowledge is information.
What we don’t know yet doesn’t make us less smart.
Have the humility to see we are always growing and evolving into our lives. It’s how we bring our insecurities into the light become wildly smarter.
5 paths to bring our insecurities into the light
Path 1 — Admit when you don’t know something
The first step is to say out loud, “I don’t know.” It’s rough, but you can do it. Take a breath and let it out.
Path 2 — Reframe the question
Follow up with something like, “I’ve never worked on that type of problem before. Where could I find out more information?” This reframes the situation and allows the other person to help you find the solution with you. They transform into a mentor rather than an adversary.
Path 3 — Don’t assume
When you hide your insecurities and don't say anything, the problems compound. Don’t let them. Don’t assume someone will catch it later. Resolve what you can right now. Your future self will thank you.
Step 4 — Ask more questions
When you don’t know something, ask more more questions. Keep going until you’ve reached solid ground in the conversation or when you have a better understanding of the topic.—
Step 5 — Follow the threads
When you realize you don’t know that much about a topic that comes up in your daily life, go look it up. Open up a book and read about it in depth. Find the sources that person used and research it even more. Reduce the things you don’t know by learning more about them.
As humans, we have a built-in desire to be successful.
As creative professionals, we want to be of service.
Sometimes we feel less than successful when we don’t have the answers.
But not having the answers is the chase.
It means there’s undiscovered country out on the never-ending landscape of information just waiting for you to discover it.
All you need now is the courage to find it and accept what you have yet to know is part of the journey.
Until next week, here are links to what I’ve been working on and treasures I’ve found out in the creative wilderness.
Enjoy!
Recent Finds
Article — An interesting post on what it takes to consider ourselves “experts” from Erin Jernigan on LinkedIn. With over 80% of the population dealing with some level of imposter syndrome, this is worth taking a closer look at.
Podcast — A funny and light-hearted interview with one of the most influential actors of our time, Liam Neeson. As a creative, Liam has had one hell of an epic career. But I was particularly moved by the humanizing stories he told about his time on Schindler’s List.
Idea — Everyone has a To-Do List. But not everyone has a “Not To-Do List.” Rich Webster shares some great insights on the types of things he avoids to become a productivity machine.
Bonus — Such a fun video showing Alex Melton playing “Fireflies” by Owl City. But he’s not just playing in one style, he’s playing the song as 8 different drummers would. A fascinating look at the fingerprints style leave on music and the creative process.
Quote of the Week
“Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.”
—George Bernard Shaw
That's all for now.
Stay creative, my friends—and have a great week!
