People need time to learn. You and I are constantly in the role of a teacher, and in the role of a student.

A teacher might go over a set of facts, an example, or a standard operating process once. That isn’t enough. Knowledge transfer happens over time, with application and practice. 

If you’re in the role of a student (e.g., starting a new job), this time can be a luxury. You may need to buy time. You buy time by demonstrating that you’re learning, and showing your teachers your progress.

Your goal might be to prioritize and remember important things as clearly as possible. You might do this by writing things down and reviewing your notes. You also want to practice as often as possible, in a real setting.

Forgetting is the natural state. When you remember, your teacher trusts you more. When you apply what you learn, and get the outcome you expected, you set the foundation for confidence.

In terms of what you need to remember in the age of AI, consider this: you expect your chartered accountant to use a calculator and a spreadsheet, but probably not to be searching for how to use a ledger. Or, you expect your doctor to be able to do diagnostic tests to generally know how serious your condition is, not for them to be completely confused. 

Memory helps speed. Speed matters because it is a signal for familiarity, clarity, and expertise.

As you practice and get feedback, you develop your sense of taste. When people trust your taste and judgment more than their own, they will have confidence in you to do the right thing.