“Knowledgeable vs Curious…”

 

Shared by Kristina Smedley

“Knowledgeable vs Curious…”

There is a big difference between these two characteristics.

In fact, when quickly read, one might sound strong and worthwhile, while the other comes across weaker and unsure.

Check your biases – which one do you feel is strong? More desirable?

To be knowledgeable is highly desired. And often celebrated.
Especially in high tech, engineering-based companies.

We often see the best Engineer promoted to management. 
Promoted because they are the best at their job. 
They are the most knowledgeable in their field of practice.

Same thing in the business world.

If you’re lucky, you receive the title of SME – Subject Matter Expert.

You become the person that everyone goes to with the tough questions.

You are expected to have the answers.
To be the most knowledgeable.

We go to these Experts time and time again.
Our expectations are high. Greatness. Solutions. Answers.

Many aims to be seen as this Expert. 
Always spouting off their knowledge. 
Proving to others how much they know.
How smart they are.

I hate working with this type of person.

I would rather go to the person that has more questions.
That starts from a position of inquiry.
Who courageously wants to know more.

In the Pie of Knowledge, there is a small slice of “What we know we know.”

Then, there’s three more slices of “What we know we don’t know.”

That leaves four or more huge slices of “What we don’t know that we don’t know.”

The curious person deeply understands this, and this knowledge is key.

To me, it’s more important than the other technical knowledge that the Experts hold.

This allows for curiosity and inquiry.
It provides confidence when asking more questions.

Being courageous.
Admitting that we don’t know. 
But having the attitude to learn more. To experiment. To find out.

Curiosity leads to discoveries. To new ways of thinking and innovation.

It reduces the power dynamics and allows partnership on an equal playing field.

Inquiry brings people together. It starts from a place of asking, rather than telling.

Then, through inquiry we build trust.

And trust is the foundation of relationships, increased communication, and collaboration.

By starting with curiosity, we find answers far and above what the simple knowledgeable person will provide.

I will always choose the Curious person.
They are the more courageous.
And they hold more power and potential.

 

#IntegrallyRelational

#CourageouslyListening

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