What is “knowing but not doing?” Let me use an example to explain.
I have a confession to make – I’m addicted to learning.
My particular poison of choice is books ???? followed closely by podcasts. With COVID impacting any drive time (and my podcast consumption) my book habit hit new heights. To say my husband was a little shocked by the regular deliveries arriving at our door is probably an understatement.
There is a particular rush I feel when I discover a new book. And when that book arrives it takes all my willpower to not stop what I’m doing, rip open the packaging, gently stroke the cover, sink into my favourite chair and dive in.
Now, I know there are worse things to be addicted to but, I also know how easy it is to get caught up in the excitement and promise of a new idea or framework-thinking that reading, understanding and learning are somehow going to create an impact.
You see, learning-whilst exciting-is done in a passive ‘receiving’ mode. It’s the easy part. The more challenging, but valuable, stage is when that learning is actively applied.
But, to introduce any new approach we need to interrupt our normal pattern of thought or behaviour-and this can be challenging. It doesn’t happen without a deliberate approach and an active plan on how to integrate our new knowledge into our life or work.
Whether it’s approaching a team meeting with a fresh perspective or framework, having a meaningful conversation with a loved one, or using a new tool in our work, taking the time to plan and practice makes all the difference.
Remember that bringing a new idea into this world, developing a new skill, or creating a behavioural change takes focus, practice, reflection and patience.
So with this in mind, I took a different approach during one of my leadership programs last week. Instead of adding to our collection of new ideas and tools, we took a step back and revisited what we already had in our metaphorical toolbox. We picked out a current challenge and focused on being purposeful and curious in our approach, using the tools and frameworks we already had.
Everyone discussed and discovered new perspectives and ways to use the tools. It wasn’t always easy, but people were challenged to be thoughtful and curious in their approach. By the end of the session, everyone had gained a deeper understanding and mastery of the materials.
So, here’s the thing: It’s great to learn something new, but don’t get caught in the ‘knowing but not doing’ trap. It’s important to actively apply what you’ve learned. How are you making time to actively apply what you’ve learned and bring new perspectives to your meetings and conversations this week?
For those of you who have taken the time to check out my Constructive Feedback Guide or Guide to Deep Active Listening Skills, I’d love to hear about one thing you’ve been deliberately practicing. And, have you taken the time to plan how to use your insights in specific situations?
