Critical thinkers effectively use factual knowledge. They don’t try to impress others with what they know. However, they do get the facts. Thus, critical thinkers manage knowledge.
Manage Knowledge
Have you ever worked with someone who had an opinion about everything? And believed they knew it all? What’s worse, they talked constantly about everything they knew?
Seriously, did people run away when that person walked up to a group of coworkers? You bet!
Like Cliff Clavin from Cheers, some people want to tell you everything they know – or think they know! All the time!
Conversely, Proverbs 12.23 says don’t share everything you know. In other words, don’t try to impress people with your knowledge because others don’t care.
Similarly, Proverbs 20.5 says “sound advice is like deep water…” It suggests that the true wisdom of a precept-driven life is drawn out rather than blurted out.
Impartial advice is like deep water that’s drawn out through experiential insight. Proverbs 20.5 paraphrase
Therefore, my quiet influence has great impact.
You’ve heard “People don’t care what you know until they know you care.” Truth is, people don’t care what you know!
Foolish Overconfidence
Who tries to impress others? According to Proverbs 12.23, the foolishly overconfident. What they say is foolishness.
Similarly, Proverbs 13.16 says the foolishly overconfident make their foolishness public. Instead, get the facts.
Unfortunately, like Cliff on Cheers, direct criticism, snarky comments, or attempts to correct them just don’t work.
Critical Thinking Defined
In both Proverbs 12.23 and 13.16, critical thinking contrasts with foolish overconfidence. Here, I’m translating the Hebrew word arum as critical thinking.
Actually, the Hebrew word arum is translated by several English words. For instance, prudent, careful, and sensible in various translations. Hence, critical thinking drives behavior that’s wise, foresighted, practical, circumspect, and reasoned.
Critical thinkers conceal knowledge but the foolishly overconfident reveal foolishness. Proverbs 12.23 paraphrase
Thus, critical thinkers manage knowledge.
Leadership Insight
How does a leader manage knowledge most effectively?
One way, I think, it by following Proverbs 12.23 – don’t tell everything you know. Ok, but in what contexts?
First, when someone asks for a solution, give them a chance to express their ideas. A simple, “What do you think?” is a good starting point. Let the other person contribute to the solution.
Second, learn to read the room. How so? Be sensitive enough, and discreet enough, about what you say so that you don’t inadvertently offend someone.
Third, some of what you know isn’t verified. Thus, don’t be guilty of spreading rumors.
Fourth, some of what you know isn’t public. The classic answer is “we don’t comment on personnel matters.”
Fifth, some of what you know can be misinterpreted. Absent the necessary context, it leads to false conclusions. Thus, telling everything you know may confuse more than clarify.
I’m not suggesting the leader purposefully withhold relevant information. That said, I am suggesting the leader exercise discretion by thinking critically and managing knowledge appropriately.
Why? Because critical thinkers manage knowledge.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com