Our vision is more obstructed by what we think we know than by our lack of knowledge. – Kristen Stendahl
This quote scored a direct hit twice this week, now that I think about it. For my current consulting gig, I’m working on a strategic plan for an online community. And in the process of reading and re-reading some books about the process, I’ve learned a great deal… and I’m a so-called expert on the subject. It’s forced me to rethink a number of aspects of how the Real Joe message boards could be done.
Another example. My 15 year-old daughter has used computers her whole life but has never really shown an interest in the technical aspects of them — that I’ve noticed, anyway. Last night, she was explaining to me about an app install problem she was having and the depth of her understanding and questions suddenly hit me: she understands this stuff waaaay more than I’ve given her credit for.
I told her that I didn’t even think to ask her if she wanted to work with me on reformatting her mom’s computer last weekend and reinstalling Windows. I then asked her if she wanted to team up with me on doing the same with our old family HP this weekend. The sparkle in her eyes when she said ‘yes’ told me that she really did.
I wonder what other presumptions I have about her that are limiting what I teach or do with her?