Paradox of Expertise
Amy Herman, an art historian and lawyer, created "The Art of Perception" program that tackles a fascinating problem: experts often struggle to see new patterns in their fields. She takes FBI agents, police detectives, and intelligence officials to art museums, challenging them to describe what they see in masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Hopper, and others. Participants can't use words like "obviously" or point at the artwork—they must articulate their observations precisely. "Don't be afraid to change your perspective," Herman urges. This elegant departure from routine helps highly trained professionals overcome what might be called the paradox of expertise: the longer you've looked at something in the same way, the harder it becomes to see new possibilities. Law enforcement officials report that these art-viewing exercises sharpen their observational skills on the job, helping them develop what researchers call "provocative competence"—drawing on expertise without being limited by it.