Today's Question: Are You a KIA?

Just for the record, I’m not referring to the Korean car manufacturer, but instead to a Know-It-All (KIA). Before you start yelling “no” at your computer screen, take a step back and think about how your approach situations with colleagues, friends and family. Are you open-minded, or do you have a tendency to feel that you already have the knowledge about nearly any subject—especially when it comes to your career field.

I think we all have a little KIA in us. It’s very easy to have the “been there, done that” type of attitude. I mean, how many different ways can I write a press release, conduct blogger outreach or set-up media interviews? Haven’t I already developed countless public relations plans, presented new business proposals and executed creative campaigns? And that’s when my inner KIA needs to stop taking over.

Instead of allowing your ego to get in the way—you must maintain a desire to learn. Younger colleagues know more about online research than I ever will. They don’t know what it’s like to use a card catalog and review books at the library to find information, or sort through microfilm for archived news articles! More experienced colleagues can provide guidance and mentorship during tough situations when dealing with difficult co-workers, clients and vendors.

The same is true for personal relationships. You can always continue to learn, as long as you don’t get in the way!

Now, if I could just get my dad to read this and believe in it…he is one of the founding KIA fathers.