Experience: What we get when we needed it the most.

Experience: What we get when we needed it the most.

My father died when I was a relatively young man, he used to say this to me all the time – ‘Son, experience is what we get when we need it the most’.

Experience is often touted as a vital asset in various facets of life, from career development to personal growth. It is frequently sought after, yet it remains elusive for many individuals, particularly when they need it the most.

Experience is typically regarded as an invaluable resource because it (supposedly) equips individuals with a deeper understanding of our respective fields. It fosters the development of skills, knowledge, and expertise that can be crucial in making informed decisions and solving complex problems. Furthermore, experience often provides individuals with the ability to anticipate challenges and respond effectively, contributing to improved performance and confidence.

In the realm of mental health, for instance, an experienced psychiatrist may possess a wealth of knowledge about various disorders, therapeutic techniques, and observed patient interactions. This knowledge can be instrumental in helping individuals navigate the complexities of their mental health struggles but I cannot understand a profound lifelong lived experience.

Similarly, in professions like medicine, engineering, and law, experience is highly esteemed because it enables professionals to make critical judgments based on years of accumulated knowledge and practice. But this experience alone cannot understand living with cancer, going through a divorce or understanding financial ruin when foundations fail on a project for new property developments.

Experience in my opinion, well, it’s a paradox…

?Experience is not without its pitfalls and paradoxes. One glaring issue is the assumption that longevity in a particular field equates to competence. As the saying goes, "Practice makes perfect," but this adage does not guarantee that every individual will improve over time. In some cases, individuals may accumulate years of experience without necessarily becoming more skilled or effective in their roles.

For example, in the field of mental health, a psychiatrist with decades of experience may still be incompetent if they have not kept up with the latest research and treatment methods or engaged in lived experience knowledge. Similarly, a driver with many years of experience may still exhibit poor driving habits if they have not actively sought to improve their skills and stay updated with new traffic regulations. Take a look at the ‘experienced’ drivers in my town, oh my lord!

One of the most significant challenges regarding experience is the “system” bias that often rewards individuals solely based on the number of years they have spent in a particular role. This bias can be seen in various professions, where seniority is given precedence over demonstrated competence and knowledge. While experience can indeed be a valuable indicator of proficiency, it should not be the sole criterion for advancement or recognition.

In many organisations and institutions, individuals with longer tenures are often promoted or granted higher status, regardless of their actual performance. This can lead to a situation where individuals who have spent years being ineffective or even detrimental in their roles are still celebrated as experienced professionals. This system bias can hinder the progress of more capable individuals who may have less experience but possess the necessary skills and innovation to drive improvement.

Challenge…

?Experience is undoubtedly a valuable asset, offering individuals the opportunity to acquire knowledge, hone skills, and develop expertise. However, it is essential to recognise that experience is not a guarantee of competence. The paradox of experience lies in the fact that the mere passage of time does not automatically equate to improvement or effectiveness in one's chosen field.

I mean, I’ve seen many sociopaths with experience pass interviews…. They sit in jobs, and achieve nothing, all whilst senior management remains unchallenged and seems hyper competent.

To address this paradox, organisations must move beyond the blind celebration of experience and focus on promoting meritocracy, innovation, and new ideas where individuals are recognised and rewarded based on their actual contributions. This shift will allow those who truly excel in their roles to rise to the top, regardless of their years of service.

Experience is what we need when we require a deeper understanding and the ability to respond effectively. However, the path to acquiring meaningful experience must be guided by a commitment to continuous learning, improvement, and a fair assessment of an individual's actual competence rather than their time served.

My dads words have had a lasting inpact on me, we can never have enough experience, and often, that experience cannot be generalised as being relevant or good.

with love

R and H

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