The biggest barrier to learning in organizations is fear. This is why quantitative metrics are so popular. Numbers offer the illusion of objective certainty, rather than mere human judgment and interpretation that leave individuals exposed to questions and criticism.
So here is a metric for you.
For what percentage of people in your organization is it safe to say "I don't know" in front absolutely anyone else about any topic.
That is your organization's continuous learning quotient (CLQ).
If you can't admit ignorance, you cannot learn.
For what percentage of people in your organization is it safe to say "I don't know" in front absolutely anyone else about any topic.
That is your organization's continuous learning quotient (CLQ).
If you can't admit ignorance, you cannot learn.
If it isn't safe for everyone to admit not knowing thing that means your organization is incentivizing fronting over learning.
A very risky position. And exhausting. All that mental energy devoted to fabricating answers and trying to catch each other out instead of learning.
A very risky position. And exhausting. All that mental energy devoted to fabricating answers and trying to catch each other out instead of learning.
I bet a whole lot of companies have a CLQ of 0. No one feels safe admitting ignorance in front of everyone.
That is a terrible environment for problem-solving.
Celebrate not knowing joyfully because it makes finding out so much faster.
That is a terrible environment for problem-solving.
Celebrate not knowing joyfully because it makes finding out so much faster.
This has to start at the top. If you are a leader, practice saying "I don't know" a lot in front of other people.
