The Creativity of Not Knowing

At the @100 Coaches Agency, Jacquelyn Lane and I have experienced the positive impact of working as a pair. And we believe that partnerships are one of the great strengths of our company. Perhaps this happened because Jacquelyn and I started working together during the pandemic, and we had the time and space to do things together and came to appreciate the richness of our collaboration. Perhaps it happened after Jacquelyn moved to NY, and we discovered that the collaboration between two people (especially in person) had become something of a novelty. We've found that having two people collaborating as a creative team leads to a more expansive and enjoyable approach to work. This is especially true when the two people have different life experiences and yet still hold the same values of mutual respect, curiosity, and strong sense of self. We learn from one another. What might be lost in efficiency is more than made up for because our solutions are more creative and more effective. This week, while discussing our model with Claire Diaz-Ortiz, I stumbled upon a phrase that encapsulates this idea perfectly: "The Creativity of Not Knowing."

The Creativity of Not Knowing refers to the concept that when someone is asked to do something they don't have experience in, they must figure out a way to accomplish it. This process of experimentation and learning often leads to innovative solutions that can be even better than the conventional approach. By embracing the uncertainty that comes with not knowing, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and creative potential. In our agency, we've seen firsthand how this approach can lead to groundbreaking ideas and strategies that might have never emerged had we relied solely on our existing expertise.

Moreover, the Creativity of Not Knowing highlights the importance of collaboration and trust within a team. When working in pairs, each person brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. By trusting in each other's abilities and creating a space for open communication and experimentation, team members can push each other to think outside the box and develop solutions that neither could have reached on their own. The partnership creates a sense of safety that gives us permission to ask bigger questions, to look at things in a new way. A team of two may test boundaries in a way that individuals do not. This collaborative approach enhances creativity and strengthens the bond between team members, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

In a business context, the Creativity of Not Knowing encourages a balance between experience and fresh perspectives. It suggests that those with more experience should not always provide the answer but instead create an environment where less experienced team members can develop their own innovative solutions. As our friend Ruth Gotian, Ed.D., M.S. reminds us, mentoring is a two-way relationship with both people learning from one another. This approach fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and personal growth within the team, ultimately leading to more diverse and effective outcomes. By valuing the contributions of all team members, regardless of their level of expertise, we create a culture that embraces learning, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

As the 100 Coaches Agency continues to grow and evolve, Jacquelyn and I remain committed to the power of working in pairs and embracing the Creativity of Not Knowing (and we’re seeing these patterns emerge in our work group pairs of Patrick Steichen and Lisa Broderick and with Grace O'Hara and Janice Gallen). We believe that by creating a culture that values collaboration, trust, and innovation, we can unlock the full potential of our team and tap into the collective creativity of those we love and lead. As leaders, we have the opportunity to learn from each other, challenge our assumptions, and discover new ways of approaching obstacles. In life and leadership, we can unlock and embrace the Creativity of Not Knowing. In doing so, we will enhance our personal and professional growth and inspire those around us to do the same.

With love, gratitude and wonder.

Scott