“Throw out your conceited opinions, for it is impossible for a person to begin to learn what he thinks he already knows.” – Epictetus
“We are confused by what it means to admit our ignorance. It is not a mark of weakness, but of wisdom. It is not something to hide, but to display. It is not something to feel embarrassed by, but excited by.” – The Daily Stoic
If you feel like you have nothing left to learn, you will hinder your growth. Even if you are an expert in your field, there is always more to understand in our ever changing world. Approach each day, each situation, as if you were an eager amateur, trying to soak up all of the knowledge available to you. If you don’t understand something, or if something doesn’t make sense, ask a question. Have the other person clarify what they said. This will do several things…
First, it will help you improve your knowledge (of a product, an idea, or of how the other individual thinks).
Second, it will show that you’re interested in what the other person is saying, which will encourage them to talk more.
Third, it will show that you are willing to admit that you don’t know everything, which is endearing.
And fourth, it can help the other person become a better communicator, so that next time they discuss a subject they might be able to explain it more clearly. (Now you’re both growing as individuals!)
Do not let your ego get in the way (whether it is you not asking a question for fear of looking foolish OR whether you cut the person off by talking over them/inputting your ideas, making them feel as if their ideas don’t matter). I used to let my ego get in the way all the time at school. That was when I had a “fixed” mindset. People told me I was “smart” and my thoughts were telling me that smart people don’t ask questions. I couldn’t be further from the truth.
If you don’t ask questions, you stunt your growth. Don’t be a know-it-all. Once you make the active decision to ask better questions (not something that can be easily looked up, but thought-provoking questions), you will gain more respect from others while you increase your knowledge.