Amy Edmondson’s quote, “It’s hard to learn if you already know,” reminds us that the belief in ‘knowing everything’ can block genuine learning and understanding. Reflecting on childhood experiences, many of us were ridiculed for saying “I don’t know,” which created a defensive belief that we must always appear knowledgeable and fake it to know everything due to fear of being judged. This mindset limits curiosity and growth.
As a coach, embracing curiosity and acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers or coming from the place of not knowing anything, creates a powerful space for connection, appreciation, and acknowledgement for every human being. This approach fosters situational humility—acknowledging that each person and situation is unique, and there’s always more to learn. It also builds psychological safety, where clients feel free to express themselves without fear of judgment.
Letting go of the need to always know, creates an environment where both I and my clients can be vulnerable, explore openly, and grow authentically. This shift from “knowing” to “curiosity” is crucial for deeper learning and transformation.
