How come knowing does not automatically translate into doing? Why do leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs fail to apply information they acquire to their efforts in leading, managing and building their businesses? First, let us understand that this is a huge issue – taking the form of procrastination, negative self-talk, self- sabotage and making excuses – all barriers to success.

The two most common reasons many do not achieve great success while knowing exactly what they need to do are:

1) TOO MUCH CREDIT IS GIVEN FOR SIMPLY “KNOWING” – We place great importance on acquiring knowledge. This is indicated by the major efforts in patent development, research, book development and training programs which are geared to manage knowledge, to collect it, trade it, store it and broker it (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). However, no action actually gets taken to bring about or implement change.

2) TOO MUCH IMPORTANCE IS PLACED ON “PERFECTION” – We tend to want to avoid disorder. We crave efficiency and avoiding risk. Therefore,  we erect programs, and overindulge in extensive plan development, discussion groups, investigative panels – all precursors to taking actual action (Pfeffer & Sutton, 2000). All the preamble related to these activities overshadows the fact that still no real action is being taken.

Now, having greater understanding of the problem, what is our solution? Simply being aware of these tendencies within ourselves and others is a solid first step. Place more emphasis of what has been actually achieved. Hold yourself and the people you work with accountable to results. Ask pointed questions about how information will be applied. Stick to deadlines and use only a few, high-quality sources when it comes to research and information gathering (Gielnik, 2015). Lastly, recognize the advantages in the greater knowledge to be gained through experience. When we set out on an extraordinary journey, we don’t know what we don’t know. Take action and start finding out!!

Reference:

Gielnik, M.M., Frese, M., Kahara-Kawuki, A., Katano, I.W., Kyejjusa, S., Ngoma, M., Nomatovu-Dawa, R., …. Dlugosch, T.J. (2015). Action and Action Regulation in Entrepreneurship: Evaluating a student training for promoting entrepreneurship. Academy of Management Learning and Education. 14(1). pp. 69 – 94.

Pfeffer, J. & Sutton, R. (2000). The Knowing-Doing Gap. Boston: Harvard Business School Press