(This is based on a speech I gave at Pelham Toastmasters on February 5, 2025.)

Let’s be honest: Most of us think we’re pretty smart. We’ve got years of experience, a collection of hard-earned wisdom, and a drawer full of metaphorical “expert” badges. But what if I told you that everything you know might actually be keeping you from learning something incredible?

The Dangerous Comfort of Expertise

Picture this: You’re an expert. Your mind is like those fancy new windows that block out every single sound, keep the temperature perfectly controlled, and seal you off from the outside world. Efficient? Sure. Exciting? Not so much.

When I started my coaching training, something radical happened in the first hour: I was challenged to leave everything I thought I knew at the door. Imagine walking into a room and being told, “Forget everything you know. You’re now a baby in the world of human relationships.” Talk about a humbling moment.

Three Ways to Crack Open Your Mental Windows

1. Be Open-Minded (Or: Are Your Windows Shut?)

Being open-minded isn’t about agreeing with everything. It’s about creating space for a “yes” – listening to something you haven’t heard before, considering something you’ve never considered.

Think of it like opening your windows after a long winter. Sure, you might get a sneeze (or a metaphorical uncomfortable moment), but suddenly, the whole house feels alive. Your mind does the same thing when you let a little fresh air of new ideas circulate.

2. Examine Your Biases (Spoiler: You Have Them)

Biases are like those blind spots when you’re driving. We all have them – those unconscious shortcuts our brain takes to make decisions faster. They’re helpful, but they’re also sneaky.

Next time you’re absolutely certain about something, try this: Ask yourself, “What if I’m missing something?” Just a quick glance over your mental shoulder might reveal an entire lane of perspective you never saw before.

3. Cultivate Curiosity (Channel Your Inner Toddler)

Remember when you were a kid and everything was fascinating? My son once spent hours examining door hinges. An “expert” might have shooed him away, but a curious mind squats down and wonders, “How does this thing actually work?”

In leadership, curiosity looks like saying “Help me understand” instead of “That’s wrong.” It’s about asking “What if?” and “How come?” instead of shutting down ideas.

The Challenge

Here’s my challenge to you, fellow independent leader: Block out just one hour this week. Choose one of these approaches: – Leave your mental windows open – Turn your head and check a blind spot – Ask a “What if” question you’d normally dismiss.

The Punchline

We’re not throwing away expertise. We’re just making room for something more. Growth happens when we admit we don’t know everything – when we’re willing to look a little silly, ask the “dumb” questions, and stay playful.

Who knows? The most revolutionary idea might be waiting just outside your perfectly sealed expert window.

I wonder. And I hope you do, too.