Starting Something New and the Dunning-Kruger Effect
Ever heard of the Dunning-Kruger Effect? The graphic below explains it better than just words. But it basically explains how your competence and confidence shift over time as you’re learning something new.
This is top of mind for me having recently started a new job. But it really applies to learning or trying anything new. This could be becoming a parent for the first time, learning how to surf, or learning to drive.
Think of the last time you took on the challenge of learning or starting something new, and I bet you can see this curve reflected in there somewhere. Did you hit a point of overconfidence, and then quickly realize how much new you had to learn? Did that point feel frustrating, and you had to grind through it to start learning at a more gradual pace? Did you eventually hit the Plateau of Sustainability?
Like I said, this is top of mind for me having started a new job. I’m probably quickly approaching the Peak of “Mount Stupid.” I’m learning the business. I’m meeting the broad team. I’m identifying areas for improvement. I’m seeing how my past experiences can be applied and help drive needed change. I’m encouraged by how quickly I’m picking things up as each time you start something new, it feels like you can ramp up a bit quicker. All the while I’m patting myself on the back for doing a great job coming up to speed and accelerating my learning curve.
While there’s probably some truth in there, I’m also about to drive off the cliff into the Valley of Despair and quickly realize how little I know, and how much more there is to learn. And that’s going to be frustrating. But that’s natural, and it’s just reality when learning something new, especially in a highly complex/nuanced business and organization.
February 13 Update: I originally wrote this article on February 6, and I can in fact confirm that I’m quickly diving into the Valley of Despair. There’s so much complexity and so much to learn, and if I’m not careful that can be frustrating. So the Dunning-Kruger Effect is in fact holding true to form.
So what can I do about it? Not much. I think being aware of the Dunning-Kruger Effect is a good starting point. Demonstrating humility and recognizing that even though it feels like you’ve figured it all out, there’s WAY more than meets the eye. Don’t proclaim to have all the answers. When you make a suggestion, caveat it with the disclaimer that you’re very likely missing something.
I do think you can accelerate learning by having a good plan and continuing to be inquisitive while asking great questions (like Tweet below says, make sure you’re learning from multiple sources). Also maintain a level of mindfulness so the peak isn’t too high, or the valley too deep from an emotional standpoint. If anything though, I think this just smooths the curve out a bit so the extremes aren’t as pronounced, but it doesn’t eliminate it entirely.
That’s all for today, see below for some of the best things I’ve read, watched, or listened to the past 2 weeks:
Article- "Does My Son Know You" by Jonathan Tjarks - Jonathan passed away 6 months after writing this, but this might be the most powerful thing I’ll read all year. It adds a new dimension to the importance of building relationships and community. I’d encourage you to take a few minutes to read it, just have a tissue nearby
Movie - Devotion - this is about the first Black aviator in naval history and heroics during the Korean War. Really good movie, we streamed it on Paramount+ but not sure where else it might be available
Tweet - Josh Schultz on Experience over Mental Models - this one has had me thinking a lot lately. Mental models are sexy, and I do think they can be helpful. But to Josh’s point, they are a generalization and at the end of the day, no substitue for experience. This supports getting out there and interacting with the world, trying new things, iterating, and building your experience set
Article - "Why Is Gold Valuable" by Nick Maggiulli - if you’re anything like me you’ve probably just taken this as a given, but not thought about it as deeply as Nick lays it out here. Interesting read
Quote - It’s not just words. Action expresses priorities. - Mahatma Gandhi