September 4, 2009

“I think I knew more before I talked to him than I do now.”

Have you ever been sent to confer with an “expert” on a particular subject?  Of course you have.  We have all had the experience.  Most experts are exactly that:  masters, gurus, virtuosos.  Others, however, have managed to build a reputation as authorities but have mostly mastered the art of wizardry. 

Talking to experts can be painful.  Many use technical language that loses us in an instant.  Others may have a tendency to talk down to their audience.  Still others are expert in everything but the ability to communicate their expertise.  Such was the case when we sorely needed a bit of “know how” to help us through a technical conundrum we faced on a proposal many years ago.  We knew who might have the proficiency in this particular area but were hesitant to approach him on the subject.  Time was critical.  This expert had no concept of time.  A colleague drew the short straw and made an appointment to visit with our resident ace.

The designated time arrived.  Our small group was anxious to get the answer to our problem.  A series of activities were dependent on the answer.  What we thought would be a very short question and answer session turned into hours.  Finally, our man with the answer returned from his visit with the sage.  We gathered and waited.

The frustration was apparent as we heard these words, “I think I knew more before I talked to him than I do now.”  Frustration turned to laughter as the conversation with the savant was recounted.  Apparently, not one of our questions was answered but all other questions in the known universe were addressed.

Practical problems rarely are solved with theoretical approaches.  While consultations with wizards have a certain entertainment value, the greatest wisdom is most often gained through personal experience.      

Craig Halsey

They Said It

September 4, 2009