Is Expert Status Holding You Back?

Being named an expert is very powerful. It means you’re among the best of the best in your area of expertise.
But are others calling you an expert, or is it self-expressed? Either way there is pressure to back it up.
If we fail as an expert, we risk losing credibility. And if your expertise is the foundation of your business, you may lose the business as well.

According to OxfordDictionaries.com, an expert is “A person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area”.
But that’s the American version. Here’s the English version: “A person who is very knowledgeable about or skilful in a particular area”.
Notice the difference? As Americans we emphasize “comprehensive and authoritative”.
Understand that being an expert doesn’t have to mean you know everything about a topic, just more than most people.
James prefers the English version and says that an expert is simply someone who knows more than you on a particular topic.
That expertise can be transferred, sometimes in a very short period of time.

Develop your own personal definition of expertise. Become comfortable with it and any area in which you wish to declare your expertise (even if others initiated it).
Studies show that people who are willing to ask questions and say “I don’t know” are perceived as more intelligent. That little voice inside our heads is a liar, or at least lacks true perspective.
Continue to develop your expertise. Don’t stop learning in an area because you’re already an expert. Things change and you need to keep up.

Write down your own definition of expertise.
Document areas where you can confidently call yourself an expert.
Review the list with those you know and trust. See what they change, what they add, and what comments they give you.
Name the expertise of others and share it with them. This is a great gift to give them!

010 – Is Expert Status Holding You Back?