Philip Glass once said (and I’m paraphrasing)…You have to learn the technique so you can choose to go against it or approach the issue differently than the particular technique. He said we start from one point – the technique – to find another way.
Learn the body of knowledge and best practice. Learn the techniques. Then you can adjust or go against that technique. That’s when you can have a professional opinion that matters.
Glass’ comment helps me better articulate my frustration with opinions that are not based on sufficient knowledge or experience or expertise. Just think about those board members or bosses who know their own work but don’t know your work – and still demand the right to direct you and stop you from doing what’s best.
And this applies to all work – from fundraising to marketing/communications, from governance to management, and to your core program.
