Experience makes us wiser. Over time, we learn to read situations faster, spot patterns others miss, and avoid rookie mistakes. That’s the gift of experience—it sharpens judgment.

But that same strength can turn into a weakness. Experience can harden into “We’ve tried that before and “That’s not how we do things here.” 

Paradoxically, our experience can shut down the very curiosity that made us wise in the first place

Consider This

Before he became Mark Twain, Samuel Clemens trained as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi—a job that demanded sharp observation and real-time judgment. The river was always changing, and it was imperative to stay awake and aware, to see clearly in the present. 

One day, navigating a treacherous stretch of water, Clemens received instructions from an older, more senior pilot. But something felt off. Based on the current, the light, the shape of the waves—he knew in his gut the advice was wrong. 

He made the call to disobey. He steered his own course. And it turned out he was right. 

That wasn’t just a test of skill—it was a contest between the power of experience and the power of awareness. Clemens didn’t reject experience—he respected it. But he also recognized that following outdated wisdom blindly could get you killed. 

Putting it into Play 

In organizations, experience often holds sway. And for good reason—those who’ve been through the fire have valuable perspectives. But when seasoned leaders dismiss questions or new voices because “they don’t get how it works,” that’s not wisdom—it’s defensiveness.  

If you’re the experienced one: remember that the river changes. The facts on the ground shift. Stay humble, curious, and open to being wrong. 

If you’re the new voice: don’t assume experience equals infallibility. Ask questions. Share your observations. If the current looks dangerous, speak up—even if the old hands say you’re overreacting. 

Because real wisdom isn’t just about relying on past experience, it’s about staying awake to the present.