Sometimes I think back to what I was like as a kid and I can’t help but cringe. I sure was a little know-it-all back then (maybe nothing’s changed?) I loved to soak up information about absolutely anything and then regurgitate it to just about anyone, regardless of the context. I got a kick out of being perceived of as knowledgeable. And like many folks in our culture, I enjoy being right.
I’ve come to look on this as something of a disease. For some, being right is nothing less than an obsession. I know certain folks that have become masters at steering a conversation—any conversation—into a topic and position in which it is not possible for them to be wrong. They’re not really interested in conversing with you so much as exercising some kind of intellectual dominance over you. It’s really annoying.
I believe that, in various times and to varying degrees, we can all fall victim to this disease. Be especially wary of it when you’re in a position of authority, even temporarily. The need to be right is often detrimental, and can be particularly dangerous when it comes to your career.
Anyone in this business needs from time to time to sit down and take a frank look at their assumptions. Upon what information are they based? Is that information reliable?
A mea culpa for your enjoyment:
I recently blurted out “there’s no theatre scene in L.A.†A colleague of mine that has spent extensive time in that city gave me a funny look and said, “that’s not really true.†Needing to be right, I amended my statement. “Well, there’s the 99-seat houses, but there’s no commercial theatre scene.†He politely insisted otherwise.
What was the basis for my assumption? I honestly have no idea. I heard it somewhere and it sounded like sense so I chose to accept it and then, without really bothering to find out for myself it was true or not, I started repeating it like a parrot. I also made a total ass of myself. I’m just grateful I committed this blunder in a friendly presence. I can just imagine myself saying the same thing in an interview with a Los Angeles-based industry professional. Egad!
Beware!