We often fall into the trap of assuming that our experience automatically grants us the sole authority on any given issue. “I’ve been doing this for years,” we might say, “I know what works.” While experience is vital, this mindset can seriously hinder how we collaborate and make decisions.

The truth is, experience alone doesn’t provide the full picture. It has, undoubtedly, provided us with a wealth of valuable data points that contribute to our understanding. The key lies in translating those data points into a broader, more collaborative decision-making process.

Why Experience Isn’t Always Enough

Experience is an invaluable guide, but it’s important to recognize its limitations. While we may have encountered similar situations in the past, blindly assuming our past successes guarantees future ones can lead to missteps.

  1. Every Situation is Unique:  The situations we encounter are nuanced. While past experiences may be similar, they’ll rarely be identical. Unforeseen variables are always at play.
  2. Multiple Perspectives Offer Richness: Our experience is limited to our vantage point. Collaborating with others offers us a wider lens, illuminating blind spots and providing options we might not have considered alone.
  3. Objectivity is an Illusion: Our experience is inherently tied to our own biases and assumptions. Being transparent about these biases allows for constructive questioning and a more objective evaluation of choices.

Experience is an Asset, Not an Answer

So, if experience isn’t the only answer, how do we leverage it effectively?

  1. Explain Your “Why”: When proposing a solution, don’t just rely on “I’ve seen this before” as justification. Break down your reasoning. Cite past instances where similar strategies succeeded or perhaps failed, and offer the lessons gleaned from them.
  2. Invite Dialogue: Instead of presenting your experience as the definitive truth, frame it as a starting point. Openly invite others to contribute their own experiences and perspectives. Ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of the current context.
  3. Embrace Experimentation: Experience teaches us that what worked once may not work again. Embrace an iterative approach to problem-solving.  Suggest solutions as hypotheses to be tested, with clearly defined success metrics.

The Power of Shared Decision-Making

By shifting our perspective on experience, we foster a more dynamic and inclusive problem-solving environment. Remember those data points our experience gathers? Sharing them openly makes our decision-making process both transparent and collaborative. It shows respect for our team’s knowledge and signals our openness to growth and adaptation.

Experience is a compass, not a destination in itself. The best leaders harness their wisdom while remaining flexible and open to the wisdom of others. The result? Better decisions, stronger teams, and consistently better outcomes.