Mark A Kern, DBA

People-Centered Leader Transforming Teams Through Strategic Leadership & Mentoring

Menu
  • Career
  • Faith
  • Training
  • Finance
  • Investing
  • Leadership
  • Mentoring
Menu

Breaking the Curse of Knowledge in Leadership 

Posted on 18 June 202518 June 2025 by Mark Kern

Ever explained something and gotten blank stares? You might be facing the Curse of Knowledge—a cognitive bias where expertise makes it hard to communicate with beginners.

🔹 You assume knowledge is obvious when it’s not.
🔹 You use jargon that confuses instead of clarifies.
🔹 You forget what it’s like to be in the learner’s shoes.

How do great leaders overcome this?
✅ Speak in simple, clear terms—complexity isn’t a sign of intelligence, clarity is.
✅ Test understanding—ask, “How would you explain this?”
✅ Make learning engaging—use analogies and stories to connect ideas.

Being an expert is great, but being a mentor is better. The best leaders teach, not just tell.

Share this:

  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

About

Dr. Mark Kern, is a seasoned business administration professional with extensive experience bridging the worlds of federal revenue management and academia.

With a Doctorate of Business Administration from Liberty University, an MBA with a Marketing Concentration, and a BS in Business Administration with an Economics Concentration—both from the University of Kansas—Mark has built a distinguished career that combines practical leadership in large organizations with a passion for teaching and mentoring.

Currently serving in senior roles at the Internal Revenue Service, Mark leads teams dedicated to securing delinquent returns and implementing vital tax enforcement strategies. His expertise spans managing complex projects, mentoring emerging leaders through specialized programs, and driving strategic initiatives that enhance operational efficiency. His leadership experience is further bolstered by previous roles in revenue assurance and security, underscoring a career-long commitment to excellence in public service.

Mark’s multifaceted expertise, rigorous academic background, and real-world leadership make him a unique asset in both industry and higher education. He is continually pursuing innovative research, most recently exploring the dynamics of community engagement and financial stewardship within church organizations.

Whether in the classroom or at the helm of critical projects at the IRS, Mark's career is marked by a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and a strategic vision for the future.

Academic Experience

In addition to his federal service, Mark is a dedicated educator. As an Adjunct Instructor at Highland Community College, he has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of business professionals by teaching courses in business fundamentals, accounting, human resources, and personal finance.

His hands-on approach to teaching—characterized by engaging curriculum design, interactive course materials, and individualized support—reflects his belief in empowering students through knowledge.

  • Career
  • Faith
  • Finance
  • Investing
  • Leadership
  • Mentoring
  • Training

“I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me" (Philippians 4:13)
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • X

  • Small Shifts, Big Impact: How Nudge Theory Shapes Smarter Decisions
  • Letting Go to Lead Forward: The Sunk Cost Fallacy in Leadership
  • Dressing Professionally: More Than Just Clothes – It’s Leadership in Action
  • New Managers: How to Avoid Bias in Performance Evaluations
  • Eliminating Bias in Hiring: A Guide
©2025 Mark A Kern, DBA
%d