The Experience Lie

Ok, so this one has been bothering me for a while, I hope it doesn’t come across as a rant. I have had so many recent interactions where this has come to the surface that I feel it is worthwhile sharing some insight.

Time is not the best (nor is it the only) way to build experience. Let that simmer for a minute.

It's interesting when you swap the word "experienced" with "curious"

If you thought that by simply “doing your time” you would build experience, then maybe you should stop reading here and go on living blissfully with that belief. If not, then stick with me on this.

I don’t want people who have decades in their field to think that I am discounting them, absolutely not! I will come back to you by the end of this article.

I believe that the best way to build experience is to be curious and to stay curious.

Some of the most intriguing people I know are also the most curious. It's interesting to see what happens when you swap the word "experienced" with "curious". Example: "Renee is the most curious business coach I have come across" or "John is the most curious salesperson I know", now that sounds more interesting to me :)

What do I mean by curiosity?

I can give a few examples. The first is perhaps the most obvious, ask questions. Asking questions with the intent to understand. I love it when I am speaking to a group about a topic and someone asks a question that gives me a new perspective on what I am talking about. Asking questions that embed your learning and ensure that it sticks. Asking questions that improve your understanding of what you are reading or hearing.

Another example of curiosity, in the context of experience, is seeking out people with a different perspective to yours. If you only spend your time with people who share your point of view or belief or know what you know, then you are possibly limiting your growth socially and you may be closing doors on opportunities to learn.

One last example; be curious about learning. I have fallen into the trap of reading a lot of books on the same topic before. Or even watching TED talks on similar topics. Then, I will read a book that someone recommends that is a little left of center and I love it. I’ll watch (or listen to) a TED talk on an obscure topic and learn so many new things. Stay curious about learning, take in content and conversations that you wouldn’t normally.

Some of the most “experienced” people I know have simply opened their minds and hearts to gather experience from every exchange.

Now, if you have been doing that for 30 years or more (like some of my friends) then you are a force to be reckoned with! If we don’t know each other I’d love to connect, because... I’m curious.

Stay curious friends!