The two terrains of learning: stay curious to go deeper
I recently opened an account on Reddit and it didn’t take long for me to become obsessed with this new timewaster app.
In my new favorite subreddit, r/consulting, I bumped into this question:
This reminded me of an episode that happened to me when I started my career.
Two decades ago, I embarked on my consulting journey while still a student on the verge of submitting my Master's thesis in Computer Engineering. Back then, and even today, the top consulting firms fiercely sought young talent, leading to an early invitation for an interview at one of the world's most prestigious firms, months ahead of my graduation.
Hello 👋 one quick ask before you keep reading.
If you are new to this newsletter, please subscribe: it’s free… and interesting ✔
If you are already subscribed, please share it: don’t be selfish! 🤗
With excitement in the air, I donned my best attire and entered the first round of selections: the group interview. This was a novel experience for me, and I found it truly entertaining. Convincing perfect strangers to view problems from an alternative perspective was neither easy nor fun, but passing this stage hinted at possessing some unspoken qualities - something that most people my age hadn't yet mastered.
Next came the interview with a principal, an encounter etched in my memory. I met this lady in her office, slightly intimidating yet pleasant to deal with.
As a student, lacking any concrete skills for traditional evaluation, the conversation revolved around my thinking process, communication style and, above all, my ability to ask questions. My energy during the meeting resonated, and she must have liked me.
As years passed, this interviewer would rise to the ranks of Managing Director in the firm and, later on, became the CFO for a global organization - quite an impressive journey.
The pinnacle of the selection process was the meeting with a Partner, whom I'll refer to as Peter. We met in an open space at the firm's national office, where Peter extended a warm and gracious welcome. Something I'll never forget was his neatly ironed white shirt hanging nearby - an essential part of his job as he traversed cities, meeting clients, and conducting interviews, like the one he was having with me for a one hour that day.
I immediately took a liking to Peter. His communication style was impeccable, characterized by clarity and conciseness.
Despite my student status, Peter encouraged me to explain the subject of my Master's thesis, and I did so with immense passion for my work. He appreciated my enthusiasm and even commented on the demands of being an Engineering student at the particular School I attended, famous for being highly selective. Overall, I sensed he was trying to put me at ease and create a comfortable environment.
However, the most enlightening part of our meeting was when Peter shared a perspective that has stayed with me ever since. He openly admitted that he could not know which project I would end up working on but that, in a way, that was irrelevant.
Instead, he emphasized that it would be my attitude that would shape my success at the firm. To illustrate, he offered an example:
Imagine that in your first project as an intern your team is called to redesign the manufacturing processes for a cheese factory.
Your immediate responsibilities might not be the most glamorous, involving supporting experienced team members rather than taking on major tasks. Many might find it dull or uninteresting, but I challenge that notion. I urge you not to lose sight of the bigger picture - to remain curious. Ask yourself questions and look for the answers.
How does the cheese factory operate?
How are budgets allocated across different production units?
What does the organizational chart look like?
In essence, Peter's advice was to excel in the immediate tasks while perpetually seeking opportunities to learn and grow.
This invaluable lesson continues to guide me in my career and serves as a reference point when advising young students aspiring to work in consulting.
Embracing curiosity and a thirst for knowledge can lead to remarkable outcomes, even in seemingly ordinary situations.
Understanding the mechanics of learning is a lot like exploring a vast landscape with two distinct terrains:
One side, the superficial plain, sees learners skimming the surface of knowledge, grasping at facts without much thought. These learners might appear knowledgeable in the moment, but their gains are often short-lived, evaporating like footprints in the sand.
On the other side lies the deeper valley of learning - that’s where true comprehension takes root. Here, knowledge is not simply gathered; it's nurtured, intertwined, and applied. Deep learners delve into the heart of the matter, understanding the intricacies and connections between concepts, much like explorers deciphering ancient maps to reveal hidden treasures. Their understanding becomes a beacon guiding them through ambiguity, offering insights that can withstand the test of time.
Like seasoned guides, leaders can inspire learners to venture into the deeper valleys of knowledge, away from the allure of the superficial plain.
By promoting active learning, discussion, and reflection, they equip students with tools to navigate the landscape of understanding with grace and wisdom.
In the grand journey of learning, one can choose the trajectory they take - whether it's merely skimming the surface or delving deep into the core.