Known Knowns vs. Unknown Unknowns

Attribute	Known Knowns	Unknown Unknowns
Definition	Information or knowledge that is known and understood	Information or knowledge that is not known and not understood
Examples	Facts, data, experiences	Unforeseen events, surprises, mysteries
Impact	Can be managed and planned for	Can be disruptive and challenging
Response	Can be addressed with existing knowledge and resources	May require new strategies and approaches

Introduction

Known Knowns and Unknown Unknowns are two concepts that have been popularized by former United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. These concepts refer to different types of knowledge and understanding, and they play a crucial role in decision-making and problem-solving. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Known Knowns and Unknown Unknowns, highlighting their differences and implications.

Known Knowns

Known Knowns are pieces of information or knowledge that are readily available and well understood. These are facts or data points that are familiar to us and can be easily accessed through research, experience, or observation. Known Knowns provide a solid foundation for decision-making and planning, as they offer a sense of certainty and predictability. For example, the laws of physics, historical events, and scientific principles are all examples of Known Knowns.

One key attribute of Known Knowns is their reliability. Since these pieces of information are well-established and widely accepted, they are considered to be trustworthy and accurate. This makes Known Knowns valuable assets in problem-solving and decision-making processes, as they can serve as a basis for analysis and evaluation. Additionally, Known Knowns are often used as benchmarks for measuring progress and success, as they provide a clear reference point for comparison.

Another important attribute of Known Knowns is their accessibility. Unlike Unknown Unknowns, which are inherently mysterious and elusive, Known Knowns are within reach and can be easily verified or validated. This accessibility allows individuals and organizations to leverage Known Knowns for strategic planning, risk assessment, and performance evaluation. By relying on established facts and data points, decision-makers can make informed choices and minimize uncertainty.

Known Knowns also play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and communication. When individuals share a common understanding of certain facts or principles, they can engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and work towards common goals. Known Knowns serve as a common language that facilitates effective communication and cooperation, enabling teams and organizations to achieve synergy and alignment. By building on a foundation of Known Knowns, individuals can collaborate more efficiently and achieve better outcomes.

In summary, Known Knowns are reliable, accessible, and conducive to collaboration. These pieces of information provide a solid foundation for decision-making and planning, offering certainty and predictability. By leveraging Known Knowns, individuals and organizations can make informed choices, minimize uncertainty, and foster collaboration.

Unknown Unknowns

Unknown Unknowns, on the other hand, are aspects of reality that are not only unknown but also unknowable. These are phenomena, events, or variables that are beyond our awareness and comprehension, making them inherently unpredictable and mysterious. Unknown Unknowns pose a significant challenge to decision-makers and problem-solvers, as they introduce a level of uncertainty and ambiguity that cannot be easily resolved or mitigated.

One key attribute of Unknown Unknowns is their unpredictability. Since these aspects of reality are outside the realm of our knowledge and understanding, they cannot be anticipated or prepared for in advance. This unpredictability makes Unknown Unknowns particularly dangerous and disruptive, as they have the potential to derail plans, strategies, and projects without warning. For example, a sudden market crash, a natural disaster, or a technological breakthrough are all examples of Unknown Unknowns.

Another important attribute of Unknown Unknowns is their hidden nature. Unlike Known Knowns, which are visible and accessible, Unknown Unknowns lurk in the shadows, waiting to surprise and confound us. This hidden nature makes it difficult for decision-makers to identify, analyze, and address Unknown Unknowns, as they operate outside the boundaries of our awareness and understanding. This lack of visibility and transparency can lead to blind spots and vulnerabilities in decision-making processes.

Unknown Unknowns also challenge our assumptions and beliefs. When faced with phenomena that are beyond our comprehension, we are forced to question our existing knowledge and perspectives. This process of cognitive dissonance can be uncomfortable and unsettling, as it requires us to confront the limits of our understanding and embrace uncertainty. However, by acknowledging the existence of Unknown Unknowns, we can cultivate a mindset of humility and curiosity, which can lead to new insights and discoveries.

In summary, Unknown Unknowns are unpredictable, hidden, and challenging. These aspects of reality introduce a level of uncertainty and ambiguity that can disrupt plans and strategies. By acknowledging the existence of Unknown Unknowns and embracing uncertainty, individuals and organizations can cultivate a mindset of humility and curiosity, which can lead to new insights and discoveries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Known Knowns and Unknown Unknowns are two distinct concepts that have important implications for decision-making and problem-solving. Known Knowns provide a solid foundation for decision-making, offering reliability, accessibility, and collaboration. On the other hand, Unknown Unknowns introduce a level of unpredictability, hiddenness, and challenge that can disrupt plans and strategies. By understanding the attributes of Known Knowns and Unknown Unknowns, individuals and organizations can navigate uncertainty more effectively and make better-informed choices.