We Don't Know What We Don't Know

As a continuous learner, I'm very aware that there's always much, much more to learn.  One of my best ways to learn has been to be in a perpetual state of inquisitiveness.  Since we don't know what we don't know, our best options are curiosity, observing, questioning and connecting.

Answer Shopping

Answer shopping is when we continue to ask a question, hoping for a different answer.  Children do it all the time, playing one parent against another.  We do it when we escalate a customer service issue to a higher level in an organization.  Our court system is designed with a defined appeals process.  And it's common to challenge a medical diagnosis that isn't what we expect.  Answer shopping is a good way to explore our options. 

Biting Your Tongue or Biding Your Time

I asked a friend who is in transition if she was "biting her tongue" during transition discussions.  What she heard was "biding her time".  I'm glad we clarified the misunderstanding.  The basis of my question was that she has a lot of experience with mergers and much wisdom to share.  The question she thought I'd asked would imply that she was a lame duck with little to add to the process. 

When we hear something unexpected, clarifying the message, can prevent unfortunate misunderstandings.

Why?

"Why? is the favorite question of young children.  They are information sponges. By continuously asking, they gain incredible knowledge.  When we're stuck, we need to once again become childlike, querying ourselves and all those around us.  Children are naturally continuous learners.  As adults, we need to regress to childhood curiosity in order to progress in our thinking, outlook, perspectives and possibilities.

Direct Impact

Whether it's a floor furnace, ceiling fan, radiator, window unit air conditioner, or fireplace, we immediately recognize the impact of these purveyors of hot and cold.  When we have central air and heating, we aren't as conscious of our mechanism of achieving the desired result.

When we are attempting to address the needs of others, we must be aware that they each have different preferred methods of achieving their priorities.  Asking is our only way of ascertaining their ideal method of communication, allowing for the best direct impact.