Know-It-All
“I have a question because I just don’t understand the way this works,” Ricky Porter said uncomfortably.
It was hard to get these words out of his mouth, because Ricky is revered for his success and wisdom in a very competitive industry. In fact, he’s one of the people, inside and often outside his firm, that others call regularly for technical expertise. Thursday was one of those days and Ricky received a call from someone who used to be with his firm.
“Hi Ricky. I have a question for you. I hope you can help me,” the former colleague said before launching into some background information to set the stage for his question.
Ricky listened carefully and then outlined the solution in a minute or two.
“I knew you were the right guy to answer this question,” the caller said while thanking him for his help.
As Ricky finished the call he felt a warm sense of satisfaction glow across his chest. It always makes him feel good to help other people. He’s happy to do it. But, the day of asking for help wasn’t finished yet.
Ricky had a lot on his schedule for the rest of the afternoon. It was challenging work, but he was experienced and knew he could work through all of the issues associated with some ongoing negotiations; until he couldn’t.
The internal confusion about how to proceed was a feeling he had a hard time processing. After all, he already knew it all.
That thought made him snicker and then laugh right out loud! He had always thought of himself as helpful and kind. He had never thought of himself as a know-it-all and had never liked people who gave off such airs. But, It was time to do the uncomfortable.
“Hello Jeremy. This is Ricky. I would be grateful if you could help me. I don’t understand a pivotal point in a contract I’m in the middle of negotiating. Would you be willing to help me?”
“That’s the reason I’m here,” Jeremy responded immediately. “I’ll be in my office until at least five pm. Could you stop in this afternoon?”
When Ricky sat down with Jeremy he took a deep breath. It was a new experience for him to ask advice from someone so much younger. But, he needed the help, so he proceeded to review his questions with his colleague.
Jeremy answered his questions quickly and easily. In fact, his expert explanation opened Ricky’s mind to other applications for his newly gained knowledge. The meeting also gave Jeremy a chance to make some inquiries of his own before the meeting was finished. In the end it was a mutually beneficial meeting.
Utilizing the principle of mutually benefiting opportunity is a key to overcoming a know-it-all mindset. Putting it into practice can be a challenge, but it is always worth the payoff.
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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV in Northwest Arkansas. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as a real estate agent and Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Both Sides of the Fence, About the Dish, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.
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