In the book Mastery, Robert Green identifies Humility as an important step to gaining Mastery in any field.
Expertise has traditionally been associated with Knowledge. But in the world where education is democratised, traditional structures are being broken down and people are learning new things on their own pace — the term Knowledge needs a re-definition.
With everyone having access to the same thing — new tech, new processes, new Knowledge — just “knowing” is not useful anymore.
What then makes a difference?
Outcomes. Outcomes make a difference. A person cannot be an expert unless she is consistently able to deliver outcomes in her “area of expertise”. Everything else is not important in the scheme of things. Not anymore.
Then why do people still try to establish themselves as experts by showing themselves as more “knowledgeable”?
Just because I read the latest books, attended the “happening” conferences or work deep on something, does not make me an expert. I will need to deliver results for people involved, with the knowledge I have. I need to produce tangible value for the people I work for, with my knowledge.
So how do you evaluate an expert?
Look at results they have driven and not the companies and educational institutions they were part of. Look at how they are able to “act” or get “actions performed” that takes you on a path of progress.
The moment we define expertise as knowledge that provides tangible value, we will immediately choose the path of humility, because we all know how difficult it is to deliver consistent outcomes.
And that, is the most important step to becoming an expert.
Harish is a product story-teller obsessed with human behavior, technology, and future. Connects products to the minds of people @ www.productstory.io
