“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” Khalil Gibran – Quotes On Strength
It takes a lot of armour always to be the “knower” or always to be correct. It’s defensiveness, posturing, and, most of all, it’s a major source of nonsense. It’s also very common—most of us have a certain amount of know-it-all in us. Unfortunately, wanting to know more makes the knowers and everyone around them sad. It breeds mistrust, poor decisions, and needless, counterproductive conflict.
It may seem simple to replace the armour of learning with that of a curious learner, but for many people, the desire to be a knower is motivated by guilt and, in some cases, trauma. Being the knower can save people in tough circumstances, and it’s easy to think that being the knower is the only important we bring to our relationships and jobs.
When only certain people are valued as knowers, knowing may become a cultural issue. Others refrain from speaking up because they aren’t “senior enough” or it’s “not their position.” To find your voice and to value yourself, and grow courage and strength.
Three tactics work to move from understanding always to discover.
1. Identify the issue. It’s a difficult discussion, but being straightforward is kind: I’d like you to develop your curiosity and critical thinking skills. You are frequently fast to respond, which can be beneficial, however asking the right questions is more advantageous, which is how you can develop as a leader.
“A brave man acknowledges the strength of others.” -Veronica Roth – Quotes On Strength.
Bringing down others does not make you more strong. Lifting someone like you would like to be raised in your times of need is where the courageous will always triumph.