The Curse of Knowledge

Elizabeth Newton was a student at Stanford University in 1990 where she ran a fascinating experiment.

A group of subjects were asked to "tap" out well known songs with their fingers, while another group tried to name the melodies.

Next the "tappers" were asked to predict how many of the "tapped" songs would be recognized by the listeners. Their estimates were high. They felt confident the listeners would “get it”.

Compering the “tappers” estimates with the listeners actual scores was as illuminating as it was dismal. The “tappers” massively overestimated how successful their communication would be.

This experiment highlights the problems that arise when you unknowingly assume that people have the background required to understand what you’re saying. It’s a cognitive bias called The Curse of Knowledge.

Elizabeth’s experiment showed that the "tappers" were so familiar with what they were tapping that they assumed listeners would easily recognize the tune.

You should try this with a friend. You’ll notice how much of the musical detail you are hearing in your head while tapping. Now remind yourself your friend only hears the taps. No detail. Only a beat.

Great leaders cultivate awareness of these gaps and help people, teams and companies build bridges across them.