Idaho Commission for Libraries

Catching up on my reading I looked at the December Leverage Points.  The interview with Brian Hinkens caught my eye, Facing Organizational Uncertainity by Learning How to Learn.

He talks about Knowers and Learners -- an interesting concept I thought.  Then as I read it, I realized -- I have been there!  I have been a knower as well as a learner. 

Knowing, like Brian, was part of my youth.  That drive to do well, to know all the answers, to receive the praise and recognition for a good performance.  I also felt the disappointment when I tried to use my previous knowledge in new situations and found that I was not able to meet my expectations.

"As a knower you get stuck."  This phrase is so true.  I find myself trying to use my previous knowledge which is a square peg trying to fit in a round circle!  Also that scared feeling one get's when in a new situation and you "don't know the answers" -- and the fear of admitting so!

Whereas being a learner, one is willing to be "influenced by new information or perspectives."  What a freeing thought -- it is okay to use your knowledge, yet learn from new experiences.  "Becoming a learner seems to be about accountability."

So if we allow ourselves to be knowers, yet become learners  when our knowledge isn't working anymore, we enhance our ability think and create. 

I encourage you to read the article and look at your tendencies -- are you a confirmed knower trying to put the square peg in a round hole -- or are you allowing yourself to be a  learner -- not knowing all the answers, yet in the end creating new knowledge and building bridges?