Are You A Leader Who Is A Know-It-All?

I often hear the remark ‘I know’ or ‘I know it already’; ‘I’ve attended workshops on it before.’ Variations include: ‘I’ve done it before – I know.’ ‘I have worked here for ten years – I know.’ ‘Work here long enough and you will know!’

The question is ‘how much do you really know?’ Can you do it? Really? If you know it, why aren’t you doing it? Don’t tell me – you’re not paid to do it. So much for being resourceful and pro-active!

Do you know that you stop learning once you made that simple but sweeping statement? Like the Zen parable, your cup of tea is already filled. You can only accommodate knowledge if/when you empty your mind. Beginner’s Mind is what we need if we are to really learn.

Knowing something is different from a sense of knowing (as in intuition). Knowledge is something else. Having knowledge does not really make you all knowing. Skills are about applying your knowledge. How does knowing and not applying make you increase your skillfulness and competence?

Experience is part of the process of knowing. If you had a similar experience, you may be able to relate to somebody else’s by saying ‘I think I know.’ Crossing the finishing line in an Ironman race or marathon or a 10km race – it can be part of your knowing. Having experienced success, failure, achievement, disappointment, fulfillment and realisation – these are moments that build upon our knowledge and knowing. Reading the blogs recommended here may give you an insight into how other leaders think. And, no, leaders need not be CEOs or C-level managers!

It may be painful and embarrassing to admit that you don’t know something. But, hey, welcome to the real world! That is why we have experts. You are an expert in some areas of your life, while others have their own expertise. At the Youth Olympic Games, we engaged international referees, jury-members and technical controllers with vast experience and exposure. This collaboration with our national technical officials and team of volunteers, made the five days of weightlifting competition safe, fair, efficient, and exciting. 

So, are you a know-it-all? Time to face reality, and get real. The next time somebody challenges you with ‘What do you know?’ be ready for a retort that is deep and penetrating. Or, you can wade in the shallow end and wonder if you can swim…
Photo-credit: International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). Our YOG national volunteers and officials with International President, Dr Tamas Arjan.