Here’s the thing about “experts.” Experts think they know more than most people.
Many of them, do in fact, know more than most people. That’s not the point, though.
The point is the second they start thinking this, they are that much less likely to be willing to learn from others. They’re an expert, all they want to do is teach.
I’m not saying all experts are like this, but here is what I’m trying to get across: even if you are an “expert” (self-proclaimed or nominated), live like you’re not an expert. Don’t get caught up in your book deals or AdAge 150 blog. Don’t consider yourself the ultimate source of knowledge in your area.
In order to even maintain your label as an expert, you must convince yourself you are not an expert. You must constantly have the desire to soak up new information, learn from others, and tell yourself the amount of information you don’t know is far more than how much you do know. If you don’t do this, someone’s going to take over as the expert very quickly.
As for me. I kind of like not being an expert. I love reading articles and listening to others speak and being amazed at the knowledge that is flowing from their brains. I only hope that if I’m ever so fortunate to be deemed an expert by others, that I can maintain that philosophy. If any of you are around me and that doesn’t happen, you have permission to punch me.
So what about you? Are you an “expert?” If so, are you trying to live like you’re not one? If you’re not an expert, what are your thoughts?
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{ 16 comments }
A while back I met with a Indian Jesuit who asked me if I still get nervous before a presentation or a speech. I remarked “every time”. He said something I won’t soon forget that speaks to your point. The person who doesn’t get nervous is just going through the motions. The one who is nervous understands the importance of delivering his message.
I agree with you that humility and an open mind are hallmarks to being a likeable, readable and engaging person – leave alone expert. I am not an expert – partly because I have too many interests and passions to focus on one particular issue.
Who makes your list of ideal experts?
Fareed Zakaria jumped into my mind first.
Jackie,
Thoughful post. A wise man once told me:
“When you are green . . . you are growing. When you are ripe . . . you start to rot”
Stay green and always open to learning.
Best,
Stan
@9inchmarketing
I like the Buddhist notion of “beginners mind”. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few.
Being an expert=Worthless. Realizing you aren’t one? Priceless.
Just learn everyday.
I’m curious to see what the definition of an expert is. Where would the experts have learned their expertise if it weren’t for the experts they used to listen and learn from?
I wouldn’t say they suck. I would say experts need to still listen, grow and learn. There is no possible way, one expert can know it all and be “done.” Work always continues and there is usually an evolving aspect to whatever ‘expertise’ you may be an expert in…
OMG! I love that I found your site Jackie! Great post… title immediately caught my attention and the content lived up to the expectations. Refreshing. Life long learners can make the very best of leaders.
Shannon, so glad you found it and enjoyed it! I guess the trick is turning all of that learning into actions, but I'd hope that for most people, that would be a pretty natural progression. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you around some more!
Funny you should mention that… @MarkFritz and I were just talking about this very thing last night… Mark says: “The challenge is in doing, not knowing” he goes on to say how we should train ourselves to ask a question of ourself each time we learn something new… “how can I put that knowledge to good use?” so that we're consistently focused on the action… and not the knowledge. The continued acquisition of knowledge leads to continued action. Something that differentiates the successful from the not so successful. I think you'd like him…
Definitely a great piece of wisdom (that can definitely be put to use!) Thanks for sharing and I'll be sure to check Mark out on Twitter!
OMG! I love that I found your site Jackie! Great post… title immediately caught my attention and the content lived up to the expectations. Refreshing. Life long learners can make the very best of leaders.
Shannon, so glad you found it and enjoyed it! I guess the trick is turning all of that learning into actions, but I'd hope that for most people, that would be a pretty natural progression. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you around some more!
Funny you should mention that… @MarkFritz and I were just talking about this very thing last night… Mark says: “The challenge is in doing, not knowing” he goes on to say how we should train ourselves to ask a question of ourself each time we learn something new… “how can I put that knowledge to good use?” so that we're consistently focused on the action… and not the knowledge. The continued acquisition of knowledge leads to continued action. Something that differentiates the successful from the not so successful. I think you'd like him…
Definitely a great piece of wisdom (that can definitely be put to use!) Thanks for sharing and I'll be sure to check Mark out on Twitter!
That is indeed a good nugget of wisdom. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Yea, nobody likes a know it all. As far as my ideal experts, I hadn’t thought about that yet, that’s a tough one! I’ll have to put some thought into that.
Great comments Marco!
Some more fantastic words of wisdom. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Stan!
I’d definitely agree experts don’t suck (that was more of a headline to get people to read the post…guilty as charged!) I also think you’re right that most true experts got to where they were by reading some of what experts had to say, unless it’s a “self-nominated” expert who got their expert status simply by telling people they are an expert.
Your second paragraph is right on! Thanks for stopping by Grace!
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