Experience: Friend or Foe?

Some of the people that I work with have little experience in certain areas, while other that I work with have much experience in those areas. As a result, those with experience tend to be much more confident in these areas. Based on this summary, it would seem that experience is a good thing.

However, there are also time when experience can be limiting. For example, if someone has a bad experience with something, they may be hesitant to try it again. Or, if people are used to doing things a certain way, they tend to think (consciously or subconsciously), "This is the only way or the best way to do it."

When a team you're working with is about to tackle a new thing, it's helpful to ask the group members, "What is your experience with this type of thing?" If they have no experience with it, watch for signs of hesitation and help them feel more comfortable. If they have a lot of experience, look for ways to capitalize on it without letting them drive the project in a direction that is different than what you have in mind. The balance that I usually strive for is to say, "That is definitely a good option for how we can do it. Now let's consider whether that's the best in this situation."

Finally, be aware of how your own experience plays into your thinking. Be willing to consider new ways of doing things and determine to improve upon past mistakes you may have made.