Bringing in Non-Experts

Seeking out experts is invaluable when you need something built correctly or help in troubleshooting why something isn’t working. However, the expertise that makes them valuable can also be limiting; they know what is possible and how things “should” work. This focus on established methods can hinder new solutions and out-of-the-box ideas. As the saying goes, “when your only tool is a hammer, all problems look like nails.”

This is why it can be beneficial to bring in non-experts from time to time. Imagine getting marketing insights from someone with an accounting background; their unique perspective might spark innovative approaches. Likewise, a marketer’s perspective on accounting could challenge traditional methods. Fresh hires often bring new ideas because they aren’t yet conditioned by the company’s norms. Over time, though, they may adopt the same outlook as everyone else.

As illustrated by the Invisible Gorilla example, when focused intently on one task, it’s easy to miss other possibilities. Non-experts, unburdened by complex knowledge or perceived limitations, often view challenges with refreshing simplicity, pushing for intuitive solutions. While experts bring knowledge, non-experts bring the power of a new perspective.