The “I Know Better” Trap—and Why an Open Mind Matters

At SKC, we often talk about something we call IKB—‘I Know Better’ syndrome. It shows up in small moments: skipping a podcast because we think we’ve heard it before, glazing over a team member’s suggestion, or dismissing a new approach because it’s not “how we do things.”

Being an IKB is a habit – being certain about everything is the fastest way to stop learning,

In today’s world, what worked last year—sometimes last quarter—may no longer hold. Strategies evolve. People change. Expectations shift. The leaders who thrive are not the ones who know it all, but the ones who stay open, curious, and willing to question their own assumptions.

Having an open mind doesn’t mean agreeing with everything. It means making space between hearing and reacting. It means letting a new idea sit with you long enough to challenge yourself with your old one.

I’ve seen entrepreneurs completely transform their businesses simply by letting go of IKB. I’ve seen entrepreneurs find breakthrough ideas just by listening a little longer.

IKB is just a mindset. And like any mindset, it can shift—with curiosity, humility, and the willingness to be wrong.

So here’s the question: When was the last time you thought, “Maybe I don’t know better—and that’s okay”?