[ Boxing at Shadows ]

I had a wide-ranging discussion today about competency: from managing scout leaders’ competence (working with children, taking them on bushwalks, camping), to finding safe cycling routes in Brisbane, to the challenges in ordering pipe for projects where the proponents haven’t ordered linepipe before.

The interesting insight was summarised by observing “boxing at shadows”.  When we’re not experienced in something, we’re extra careful, to the point of distrust and wanting reassurance.  We box at shadows.  In contrast, when we’re experienced, we don’t need to box at those shadows, because they aren’t shadows anymore, not when you have the experience, or competence.