Experience is Overrated

Americans value experience too much.

There - I said it.

I was raised to believe that America is “the Land of the Free,” and our “ American Dream” that we all must share affords absolutely anyone the opportunity for success, regardless of their family lineage. Now keep in mind, I’m operating here under the assumption that most of us were spoon fed these ideas, but that’s purely speculative, since the quality of our public education system is largely dependent upon where you were born.

You’d think that a country that values so highly (or at least loves to say it values to anyone who will listen) equality, innovation and opportunity, we might not have - I don’t know - national riots over systematic racism in tax funded positions? If that’s too optimistic for you or you find it hard to relate to, how about this: 91% of employers want candidates with prior work experience. And that was from 2017 when we were in a more stable economic position and unemployment rates weren’t the highest they’ve been in decades. Basically there are fewer positions, fewer opportunities to advance in those positions, and the competition has skyrocketed.

During my morning ritual, I listen to NPR while I shower. This morning there was a story that I found particularly interesting. Four of the major tech players sat for six hours while lawmakers grilled them with questions focused on their disruption to the fair market. The tone implied that this was not the American way.

Our Founders would not bow before kings, nor should we bow before the emperors of the online economy… -David Cicilline . Now, I have a lot of thoughts about this, but first it’s important I share something about myself.

Those who know me personally hear me say over and over again a mantra I try to live by: Adapt or die. If those three words put you on edge, ask yourself why. Take a moment.

I have a theory. I would speculate that because there’s a fairly common mindset among older generations that once you’ve put in the work early, you get to enjoy the rewards later - that it’s unfair to expect someone who has already paid their dues to put in that work again. The generation before them didn’t pay twice, so why should they? I believe this is a totally fair argument. I also would say its fair to think I might share the mindset if I were in those shoes, too.

But I’m not.

The contrast between that mindset and the one I hold is striking. Black and white. I am, and have always been, growing up with the knowledge that I will never be able to “coast.” I’m putting in the work now, and I’ll be putting in the work 20 years from now. I was not raised to believe that the goal was to climb to the top of industry and that my spot was secure once I made it there. I grew up watching that idea crumble. Blackberry. Myspace. Ask Jeeves. Kodak. Blockbuster.

Anywho - back to my podcast.

So this idea that these tech giants are the villains robbing us of our American Dream and that they are “too competitive” and “copy others” reminded me of my favorite late American hustler, Steve Jobs. The man behind “great artists steal.” Now, I’m not defending the tech giants - what I’m getting at here is that the concept of innovation is not the enemy.

When I started my career in real estate, the agent who sat at the desk next to me (who made a LOT more money than me, by the way) ofen scolded me for giving my clients too much information. According to that agent, our power as salespeople and value to our clients lies in withholding information and releasing it strategically.

I fundamentally disagree.

I believe that sometimes I’d see a larger payoff and more immediate rewards if I tried following in the footsteps of the successful agents before me left behind them; I would be comfortable financially, but I’d never be truly exceptional. I believe the highest value we can provide, regardless of industry, is to look at the situation before us, think strategically “how can we solve this in the most mutually beneficial way in this climate,” despite what historically has been done. The ability to see and think in this way is something that experience hinders. This is what people who value it so highly over innovation or strategic problem solving skills miss out on.

Now, more than ever, adaptability is crucial for business survival. “The way it’s always been done,” is not only antiquated, it’s nearly useless.