We all hear this response in answer to our questions, “I don’t know!” This answer shouts “red flag” for me as either one of two things. Either the question was not focused enough to get a proper answer, or the receiver of the question is not willing to explore the question.
Have we lost the art and science of asking questions? Or better yet, do we not honor and acknowledge that ‘not knowing’ in today’s world is a sign of not being educated, bright, aware, open, exploratory, (and the list can go on)? Have we lost the capacity to wonder (and explore) possibilities that keep us focused on topics that need further exploration?
Nothing has been developed or explained without the sense of exploration and questioning. Kids do it all the time and if we’ve lost that capability, who do we need to become to get it back? And if we’ve been cut off by societal norms for being inquisitive, who do we need to become to bring it back so we can experiment without the stigma of failure?
How can we increase our leadership style if we believe (and it has been reinforced) that failure is a demon that keeps us from being the smartest person in the room. And we can’t develop ourselves when having all the answers is really limiting us from disrupting the status quo, and pushing beyond our own limitations.
To those people who have helped me see this — thank you! I really appreciate that you have taught me something because of your comfortableness of being “correct.”
I’m looking forward to my next “ah-ha” moment, are you?
COMPLIMENTARY EXPLORATION
Terry Schaefer offers a complimentary 30 minute call where you can explore how to grow your business past your own expectations.
