Last week I addressed the phrase, “It is what it is.” This week I’m tackling another meaningless, mind-numbing phrase that is used ad nauseum in our society: you don’t know what you don’t know.
Well, no fooling! It does not take a well-seasoned investigator to establish that fact. There is a lot that you and I do not know, but it is not a blinding flash of brilliance to come to that conclusion. However, I have met some people who think they know it all and I’m sure you have met one or two of them yourself. Hopefully, you are not one of those geniuses.
What causes people to use these phrases? Is it because they are at a loss for words and out of nervousness they feel like something must be said? Or is it another defeatist phrase thrown around like confetti at a party?
Yes, I don’t know what I don’t know and there are some things that I just don’t care to know. I don’t care to know the rules of basketball or field hockey. On the other hand, for those things that I don’t know but I need to know, then I better have a bias for action and do something about it. Otherwise, I will continue to walk around in ignorance, make excuses for my lack of action, and blame someone else for my lack of knowledge and behavior.
What about you? Are you making excuses and using meaningless phrases to justify a lack of action or to defend someone else’s inaction and accountability? Are you willing to grow and develop personally and professionally? If so, visit my website at www.fireofficerleadershipacademy.com to see how I can help you overcome the obstacles you are facing.
