# The Power of Knowing One's Mind By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2023-02-26 Part of our collective confusion persists as distinct elements are routinely conflated. One such conflation is between education and intelligence. Whereas these two are potentially correlated they are not the same. One can be educated but lack intelligence; one can be intelligent and lack education. And of course, one can have both or neither. In American business, the know-how of pragmatic intelligence is often valorized over education. In fact, stories of smart, savvy, successful, non-college-educated business leaders could form their own genre of literature. Within this space exists another form of knowledge worthy of examination. There is a power associated with knowing one’s mind. Reflection is potentially spurred through education. Intelligence likely beckons contemplation. Understanding one’s own mind provides a vantage point for assessing new information and situations. To be clear, this is not simply knowing one’s opinions. The goal is to be informed, not simply opinionated. Knowing what one thinks and why one thinks what one thinks can be a source of power. In meetings, one will be able to articulate a position based on a thorough understanding of the position being staked. Education and intelligence are important. So too is knowing one’s mind, as it is the foundation for authenticity. As organizations struggle with the complexities of modern business, reflection is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Success comes to those who actually know what they are doing. #### Related Items [[Knowledge]] [[Education]] [[Intelligence]] [[Mindfulness]] [[Organization]] [[Business]]