Pursuit of Confidence: How Do You Know That You Know What You Think You Know?

The Fundamental Question

In the journey of personal and professional development, there's a fundamental question that often gets overlooked amidst the hustle: How do you know that you know what you think you know?

It's a query that transcends the boundaries of certainty, prompting introspection and a reevaluation of our understanding.

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In this article, we will share 2 ways of responding to this fundamental question.

Taking a pause to reflect on progress, relevance, and the continual pursuit of value while addressing and removing errors along the way.

Have you ever taken a moment to question the depth of your knowledge?

Maintaining relevance, Are your skills and knowledge still pertinent in the ever-evolving landscape? Regularly questioning the relevance of what you know ensures that you stay adaptable and valuable in a changing world.

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Here are two proven ways of doing this.

Constructive Criticism

Criticism comes in various forms, but constructive criticism stands out for its potential to bring improvement. Honest feedback with recommendations for improvement can be transformative.

For instance, as a managing director, one of your line managers might gather the courage to inform you that your submissions in a recent management meeting were apt but lacked a strategic lens.

One managing director may take it personally and might even try to remove such managers from the team because they feel embarrassed and belittled. On the other hand, a different manager may appreciate the feedback, encourage the line manager to continue providing such input, and seize the opportunity by enrolling in a short course or buying a book to help them find the missing strategic lens.

Rather than viewing constructive criticism as a threat, see it as a catalyst for improvement. It propels us forward, nudging us to reconsider assumptions, alter behaviors, and fine-tune our knowledge base.

Benchmarking for Progress

Comparing your knowledge to that of those more skilled or knowledgeable offers a benchmark for progress.

This external yardstick aids in setting realistic goals and understanding the gaps between where you are and where you aspire to be. Benchmarking is not about competition; it's about inspiration and learning from those who have walked the path before you.

Take the time to assess your progress, question your relevance, and ensure that your contributions are aligned with the value you aim to bring.

Embrace the journey of continuous learning, and in doing so, discover the resilience that comes from addressing and learning from errors along the way.