Can being a novice in the climate solutions field benefit you?

Yes. Being a novice gives you a free pass to ask “dumb” questions.

I get it, we’re all afraid to look stupid at times, but let’s question what “dumb” is for a second…

What’s more dumb?

Stop and think back to the last time someone asked a ‘dumb’ question, maybe in a meeting or during Q&A.

Was it you? If not, what prevented you from raising your hand? Fear? Insecurity? Or maybe you didn’t want to admit you didn’t already know the answer (which, btw, is the whole purpose of questions in the first place).

As you squirmed, someone else beat you to the punch. How did you feel about the person who actually did raise their hand? Did you think they were dumb? or did you think they were really brave? Were you grateful they spoke up because you wanted to know the answer as well?

asking dumb — or any — questions is brave.

As founders, we’re expected to be experts in our area of focus – and basically everything else for that matter. But admitting you don’t yet know lets you get really curious and gives you permission to question EVERYTHING.

Sure your unique perspective may just lead to a billion-dollar innovation that saves the world, but even more immediate than that, the act of asking the question alone may unlock a new perspective or key insight or answer to the expert who’s actually answering it.

Ryan Holdeman, a close friend and fellow founder once said, the true power of questions is asking really good follow up questions. Follow up questions allow you add instant value to a conversation, even as a novice, by gifting the person you’re talking to time to pause, reflect and perhaps discover something new about themselves or their area of expertise. You asking a question may in fact tech THEM something.

Together, it will take experts paired with really brave novices to save the world.