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Stop Solving Problems So Fast! (And What to Do Instead)
That moment when you leap into solution mode—only to be met with blank stares or defensiveness—is more than awkward; it’s the "expert trap" in action.
If you’ve ever shortcut a client conversation because "you’ve seen it all before," only to realize you missed the heart of their struggle, you’re not alone. True expertise isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions.
Discover why slowing down, embracing curiosity, and prioritizing connection over correction transforms client relationships from transactional to trusted.
Let’s explore how to swap "I know" for "Tell me more," and turn your hard-earned experience into a superpower that builds rapport instead of walls.
Highlights
(Key insights with timestamps)
- (0:00) The Blank-Stare Moment: Why jumping to solutions too fast leaves clients feeling unheard and undervalued.
- (1:00) Expert Trap Defined: How deep knowledge can accidentally sabotage deeper relationships—and why "helpfulness" backfires.
- (2:55) Cost of Overconfidence: When clients whisper, "Does he even get us?"—the trust erosion caused by skipped listening steps.
- (4:07) Active Listening = Secret Weapon: Why shutting up, pausing, and asking "What’s your biggest challenge?" unlocks richer insights than talking ever could.
- (6:14) Think Like a Newbie: How curiosity (not experience) reveals fresh perspectives—and why "not knowing" builds stronger alliances.
- (7:24) Quick Mindset Shifts: Swap "I know" for "Let’s explore together"—and prioritize questions over answers.
- (9:33) Redefine Smart: The real expert makes others feel heard, not outshone.
Resources
(Tools to fuel your growth)
- Active Listening Playbook: KAM Club-exclusive guide with checklists, video tutorials, and meeting scripts
- Expert Trap Quiz: Self-assessment tool to spot blind spots (KAM Club members only)
- "Curiosity Over Correction" Worksheet: Practical exercises to rewire solution-jumping habits (KAM Club members only)
Your Next Steps
(Break the expert cycle)
- Embrace Silence: In your next client call, pause for 30 seconds after asking, "What’s your biggest challenge right now?"
- Question Over Answer: Aim to ask 3x more questions than solutions offered in meetings.
- Take the Quiz: Uncover your expert-trap tendencies with the KAM Club’s self-assessment.
- Debrief Post-Meeting: "Did I fully understand before problem-solving?"
- Unlock the Tools: Join The KAM Club for the Active Listening Playbook, workshops, and live coaching with Warwick.
Ready to Listen Like a Pro?
- Unlock the Tools: Join The KAM Club for the Active Listening Playbook, workshops, and live coaching with Warwick.
- Share Your Shift: Tag Warwick on LinkedIn (@warwickabrown) with a win on how curiosity changed a client conversation!
Remember: Sometimes the strongest solution starts with saying, "I don’t know yet—tell me more."* 🙌
View all episodes
By Warwick BrownThat moment when you leap into solution mode—only to be met with blank stares or defensiveness—is more than awkward; it’s the "expert trap" in action.
If you’ve ever shortcut a client conversation because "you’ve seen it all before," only to realize you missed the heart of their struggle, you’re not alone. True expertise isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking the right questions.
Discover why slowing down, embracing curiosity, and prioritizing connection over correction transforms client relationships from transactional to trusted.
Let’s explore how to swap "I know" for "Tell me more," and turn your hard-earned experience into a superpower that builds rapport instead of walls.
Highlights
(Key insights with timestamps)
- (0:00) The Blank-Stare Moment: Why jumping to solutions too fast leaves clients feeling unheard and undervalued.
- (1:00) Expert Trap Defined: How deep knowledge can accidentally sabotage deeper relationships—and why "helpfulness" backfires.
- (2:55) Cost of Overconfidence: When clients whisper, "Does he even get us?"—the trust erosion caused by skipped listening steps.
- (4:07) Active Listening = Secret Weapon: Why shutting up, pausing, and asking "What’s your biggest challenge?" unlocks richer insights than talking ever could.
- (6:14) Think Like a Newbie: How curiosity (not experience) reveals fresh perspectives—and why "not knowing" builds stronger alliances.
- (7:24) Quick Mindset Shifts: Swap "I know" for "Let’s explore together"—and prioritize questions over answers.
- (9:33) Redefine Smart: The real expert makes others feel heard, not outshone.
Resources
(Tools to fuel your growth)
- Active Listening Playbook: KAM Club-exclusive guide with checklists, video tutorials, and meeting scripts
- Expert Trap Quiz: Self-assessment tool to spot blind spots (KAM Club members only)
- "Curiosity Over Correction" Worksheet: Practical exercises to rewire solution-jumping habits (KAM Club members only)
Your Next Steps
(Break the expert cycle)
- Embrace Silence: In your next client call, pause for 30 seconds after asking, "What’s your biggest challenge right now?"
- Question Over Answer: Aim to ask 3x more questions than solutions offered in meetings.
- Take the Quiz: Uncover your expert-trap tendencies with the KAM Club’s self-assessment.
- Debrief Post-Meeting: "Did I fully understand before problem-solving?"
- Unlock the Tools: Join The KAM Club for the Active Listening Playbook, workshops, and live coaching with Warwick.
Ready to Listen Like a Pro?
- Unlock the Tools: Join The KAM Club for the Active Listening Playbook, workshops, and live coaching with Warwick.
- Share Your Shift: Tag Warwick on LinkedIn (@warwickabrown) with a win on how curiosity changed a client conversation!
Remember: Sometimes the strongest solution starts with saying, "I don’t know yet—tell me more."* 🙌