People tend to feel like they are dumb or inadequate, when in reality, they just have gaps.
They just don’t know… yet.
I tend to see this all the time with new team members. I’m sure everyone can relate. I do it myself when I have my own gaps. I shutdown and get defensive because I think I should already know something when I don’t and don’t want to admit or say “I don’t know”.
Saying “I don’t know” has a reputation of meaning the person lacks intelligence. Therefore, I try to avoid saying it at all costs. I want to think of myself as knowing all the answers.
But what does it really mean to “not know”?
It’s just a gap. A gap in knowledge.
It’s a gap in knowing. Some people refuse to try and know no matter how or how many times the knowledge has been presented or taught. If that's the case, then there is a problem that needs to be diagnosed and understood why. But for most cases, it’s just a gap based off of inexperience or inexposure.
You don't know what you don't know.
Help others fill their gaps and identify and acknowledge your own. Seek out others who can help fill your gaps and create an environment where others feel comfortable to share their own.
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