IGNORANCE: VICE OR VIRTUE

Everyone has ignorance one way or the other. Even if you have a very vast knowledge base in your field or generally, you still possess a certain degree of ignorance. Simply put, you don't know everything there is to know. That is why you could watch smart people do poorly or miss out some questions on the who wants to be a millionaire show. To be fair, ignorance works both ways, either as an advantage or a disadvantage depending on how we handle it.

The oga at the top incidence, in 2013 which was broadcasted on cable tells a lot about ignorance. Mr Obafaiye Shem was been interviewed and at that time he was the Lagos State commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). During the interview, the interviewers wanted to know steps taken by the NSCDC to prevent fraudsters from preying on innocent individuals with the pretense of recruitment. He said a committee had been set to take care of the issue of the fraudsters and to block their fake accounts. He was asked about the normal process of recruitment by NSCDC so that when people come across a process that is alien to the normal process they could immediately identify the perpetrators as fraudsters. He replied that whenever they were recruiting, the papers and dailies would have the information. The conversation continued thus

Interviewer: What is your website?

Commandant: The one we are going to make use of is going to be made known by my oga at the top.

Commandant: I cant announce one now and my oga says it is another one

Interviewer: The NSCDC has multiple websites?

Interviewer: If you want to know about NSCDC, what website do you go to?

Commandant: ww.nscdc (after a slight pause) thats all.

This scenario shows that the commandant did not know the actions of the commission to stop fraudster, neither did he know their normal process of recruitment or their website. Mr Obafaiye thought he could cover up his ignorance.

Ignorance in itself is not a crime but the way we react to our ignorance matters a great deal. Ignorance cannot stay hidden. Reflecting on the oga at the top incidence, peradventure if he had said something like; 'i've forgotten' or 'i dont know', the ensuing uproar would have been averted.

Ignorance has different levels and implications. The different levels of ignorance is depicted by this proverb.

He that knows not and knows not that he knows not, is a fool shun him

He who knows not and knows that he knows not, is a child teach him

He who knows and knows not that he knows, is asleep wake him up

He who knows and knows that he knows is wise, follow him.

DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF IGNORANCE

1. CLUELESS- He that knows not and knows not that he knows not

These are people who are ignorant about an issue and are unaware of their ignorance. Sometimes they know about their ignorance but choose to overcompensate by their words thinking that they are fooling others. They have the impression that asking questions puts them in a bad light, so they put on a know-it-all front and never ask for help.

I've come across people who when asked boast about their knowledge in a certain area or use bravado to cover up meanwhile they don't even know much about the issue at hand. These set of people, feel that their previous experiences suffices for new challenges. Unfortunately, ignorance cannot be swept under the carpet and it has grave implications. If a clueless individual is on your project team, no mater how hard other work the team, the project is doomed to fail or barely reach the target or deadline.

2. INQUISITIVE- He who know not and knows that he knows not

These are people who are ever ready to learn. When they encounter a challenge they brainstorm, network with other professionals in their field, ask questions and try various approaches. On the long run they find new solutions or better ways of carrying out a project. They read books, attend seminars. participate in  webinars, surf the net for solutions etc. They find out what they don't know and promptly find ways of gaining knowledge.

3. INSECURE- He who knows and knows not that he knows

This category of people know much to an extent but they lack self confidence. They rarely speak up in meetings and entertain the fear that their ideas would be scorned or disregarded. They double check every information because they are unsure. They are quick to say 'i don't know' even when they know about something this is because of the fear that they don't know enough to share with others. Insecure people are usually passed up when there is an opening for promotion. This is because they are regarded as ignorant or worse case scenario perceived as an ignoramus.

4. KNOW IT ALL- He who knows and knows that he knows

These are the fake-it-till-you-make it type of people. As a leader they try to act as though they know it all. They are aware of what they don't know as well as their core area of expertise. They look for less obvious ways of acquiring the required knowledge. They try to catch on quickly on what they know little or nothing about. They are inquisitive in a subtle way and they are possess confidence. They don't shy away from sharing their ideas in areas where they are knowledgeable hence they are seen as know it all's.

Ignorance could be a vice or virtue depending on the category of ignorance. For the clueless and insecure, ignorance is a vice while the inquisitive and know it all's they turn ignorance around and it becomes a virtue.

ANTIDOTE OF IGNORANCE

1. Get information.

Utilize every possible avenue to gather knowledge. There is a common saying that 'if you think education is expensive, try ignorance'. Invest some money in acquiring knowledge through attending seminars, webinars, surf the net for information. In all you do, don't rest on your laurels, even if you were summa cum laude. Things are changing really fast and you need to regularly upgrade to avoid getting into a rot or becoming obsolete.

2. Build confidence

When you increase your knowledge base and expertise, you'll increase your confidence. Confidence cannot be shared but rather it can be learned. Everyone has fear, even the most outspoken speakers still entertain fear. You have to silence your fears and work with the information's you have. At first it might be an uphill task but with time you'll get used to silencing the voice of fear and thereby grow your confidence. 

2. Get a mentor.

Connect with people who are successful in your profession. Reach out to people who have gathered experience over the years and are really good in what they do. Sometimes you might not be able to reach them so read their books.

3. Inculcate an inquisitive life style.

Know for a fact that, the moment you think you know all there is to know, you stop learning. realize that there are new things coming up, find out what you need to know and learn.

4. Be observant.

There is so much we can learning by watching how things are done. Sometimes if you look closely you could figure out some things. Understudy others and very soon you'll be having a lead role. You might have a few questions thereafter but you would have gathered some basic information, you are not completely clueless. You have a knowledge bass to work with. You might not always have the opportunity to ask questions but you do not have restraint whatsoever in observing how things are done.

I hope these few tips have been helpful, you can share any other helpful tip which i did not mention .