How to Break Through the "Everybody Knows" Mindset: How to Encourage a Culture of Curiosty
Have you ever been in a situation where you’re trying to learn something new, only to be met with the response, “Oh, everybody knows that”? It’s surprisingly discouraging, and yet it’s an experience many of us share. This phenomenon is especially common when joining a new field or starting fresh—like when I moved to farm life and discovered just how much I didn’t know. The response I got often implied that I was the last person on earth not to know certain things, like how to change a pump on a wood boiler. It’s a moment that can make you feel out of place or even discouraged from asking questions.
Where does this mindset come from?
This mindset stems from a well-known cognitive bias called the Curse of Knowledge. When you’re deeply familiar with a topic, it can be hard to remember what it was like before you knew it. As a result, you assume that others are just as knowledgeable, leading you to skip over details that might be vital for someone just starting out.
In a business or coaching environment, this “curse” can unintentionally shut people down. But the good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. Below are five takeaways to help you break free from the “everybody knows” trap and create a culture of open learning.
What are five things you can do to get beyond the curse of knowledge?
1. Foster an Environment Where Questions Are Expected
Make it a norm in your workplace or team to ask questions. When people know that questions are not just welcome but expected, they’re more likely to reach out when something is unclear. Encourage the idea that asking questions is a strength, not a weakness, and your team will become much more open to learning.
2. Embrace Humility and Don’t Claim All the Answers
Leaders and team members alike benefit from an attitude of humility. Instead of presenting yourself as the expert who can’t be questioned, let others know that you’re still learning, too. Humility creates an inviting environment where others feel comfortable to clarify or contribute.
3. Assume Positive Intent
It’s easy to dismiss a question as “obvious” or to think the person asking it is just not paying attention. But consider that they might be genuinely unclear because the information hasn’t been explained well. Assuming positive intent and keeping a friendly attitude towards questions fosters trust and engagement.
4. Over-communicate, Then Communicate Again
One of the biggest pitfalls for leaders and mentors is assuming that one explanation is enough. But in reality, repetition is the key to mastery. Encourage questions, clarify information, and restate key points often. Over-sharing prevents misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
5. Use a phrase like “what are you taking away from our chat” to Confirm Understanding
After sharing something new, ask the other person to explain it back in their own words. This is a simple but powerful way to uncover gaps in understanding. It helps you see if there are any details you might have missed and gives the other person a chance to actively engage with the material.
Farm Life Lessons: Real-Life “Everybody Knows” Moments
On the farm, I’ve had plenty of moments where “everybody knows” assumptions left me scratching my head. Here are a few of my favorite examples:
Egg Fertilization: Everybody knows that after a rooster mates with a hen, every egg she lays for the next ten days will be fertilized.
Flooded Lots: Everybody knows which lot floods and that you shouldn’t build there—except for the newcomers who weren’t informed and learned the hard way.
Mixed Hardwoods: Everybody knows that “mixed hardwood” can actually include some softwood, rather than just different types of hardwood.
Livestock Trailers: Everybody knows aluminum trailers are better than steel because aluminum doesn’t rust when exposed to animal waste.
These “everybody knows” moments remind me that knowledge is often localized and that welcoming questions from newcomers or teammates can make all the difference.
Conclusion
The “everybody knows” mindset may seem harmless, but it can quickly alienate those who are eager to learn. By cultivating an environment where questions are valued, adopting a posture of humility, and using simple tools like teach-back, we can break free from the curse of knowledge. Remember, what seems obvious to one person may be completely new to another. Embrace curiosity, foster openness, and let’s make “everybody knows” a thing of the past.
What’s something you once thought “everybody knows” until you discovered otherwise?