Wayne Moses Burke

In the same book that I referred to last post, Gut Feelings by Gerd Gigerenzer, there is a section titled ‘Not Knowing the Rules Can Change the Rules’ in which he discusses the advantage that people unaware of the current rules have to make significant social change (p. 220-222).

He puts forth several examples of this throughout history, including Christopher Columbus, who managed to discover America due to a miscalculation on the circumference of the planet. Our friend Chris apparently died believing that he had found a quicker trade route to India.

He goes on to make the point that in situations with “substantial degrees of uncertainty or social unpredictability,” this ignorance remains an attribute – it is, however “little help in routine day-to-day problem solving where efficiency and expertise are wanted.”

I find this reassuring and exciting on two fronts. First, because this is exactly how I feel as I stumble into my work in trying to change the way that decision-makers and their constituents communicate with one another. I know just enough about a fair diversity of industries that the inevitable obstacles don’t bother me at all – on the contrary, I’m kind of looking forward to them!

Second of all, Gigerenzer references how this ‘ignorance’ can be used to positive benefit when stepping into a new situation, in his case – management. By refusing to be briefed on the ‘flaws’ of his new staff, he gave them the opportunity to rise to his expectations with no preconceptions – which they did! I am doing the same thing as I meet people and discuss my work – there are people out there who are negative, and there are people who are supportive. I know that the right people exist that will make this all come together easily — and while having fun doing it.

In these ways, my ignorance IS blessed! What do YOU think?