
I’m going to make a bold statement here: In the field of professional development, I consider myself an expert.
It’s not just because I’ve been writing this blog for over 5 years (any Joe-schmoe off the street can do this, you know!). Rather, it’s because I’ve immersed myself in the field—soaked up knowledge and applied it at a rapid pace. And these days, I really feel it’s paying off with a level of expertise few others possess.
You might be wondering what that actually means, so let me tell you: It means I feel an elevated level of respect. When I speak, my ideas are listened to and considered thoughtfully. I’m sought out by others to weigh-in on topics of debate. I have an entire library of past work I can reference. In short, I feel knowledgeable and empowered.
Pretty cool.
One of the most common things I hear from professionals when discussing reputation in the workplace is that they want to be seen as an expert. Whether you’re an administrative professional, a CEO, or a NASA engineer, expertise is something to strive for.
Experts know their stuff. They have vast pools of knowledge and can be relied on to provide accurate, insightful answers to even the toughest questions within their field of expertise. They have an abundance of wisdom, experience, and capability—and they aren’t afraid to use it. Colleagues at all levels sit up and take notice when an expert enters the room.
In short, regardless of who you are or what you do, your career will benefit from gaining a heightened level of expertise.
Here are just a few ways to become an expert in your chosen field.
1. Practice Makes Perfect
Malcolm Gladwell, the author of Outliers and many other bestselling non-fiction books, suggests that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at any one task. That’s not easy to come by! If you work a 40-hour week, and you spend every moment at work practicing that specific task at which you want to gain expertise, and you work a full 52 weeks per year, it still takes about 5 years to hit the 10,000-hour mark.
This isn’t to be taken lightly. In order to be an expert, there’s no substitute for time. It takes dedication, discipline and focus. Unfortunately, at some point along the way, you will get discouraged. It’s practically unavoidable, and too many people give up when that happens. They move on to the next thing and from there, the process of gaining expertise starts anew.
Becoming an expert requires a sincere, genuine desire to do the work. If you aren’t passionate about something, you won’t become an expert at it. That passion is what drives you forward when things get hard.
2. Network With Leaders In Your Field
Jim Rohn, personal development guru, says, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” Scary isn’t it? Think about who those 5 people are for you.
If you want to “up” your professional game, you need to surround yourself with people who elevate you. Expertise is (almost) contagious. By spending time with people who are themselves experts in your field, you will naturally “catch” some of their wisdom.
Network with leaders and others who have the professional clout you’re seeking. Talk to them. Ask them questions. Listen as they share their insights. Observe them as they work. Find ways to spend more time in their presence. Be a sponge.
3. Mentor Someone In Your Field
Nothing helps engrain knowledge as effectively as sharing it, and there’s no shortage of young professionals looking for mentorship. When you see a rising star in your field, take that person under your wing. Guide them. Share what you know—the hard earned lessons you’ve collected over the years.
At the same time, keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. After all, the best part about mentorship is that—when it’s a strong partnership—both people learn equally. As a mentor, you’ll gain a new perspective about the work you do. Your mentee’s youthful inexperience can actually provide you with a wealth of powerful insight…if you’re open to it.
4. Be a Thought Leader
Experts are never content with the status quo. They’re always looking for the next “evolution” of their profession. They’re constantly trying new techniques, improving on existing concepts, exploring new ideas and adding value. They’re always looking to push the boundaries and expand the limits of their field. Experts are at the forefront, leading the way for the future of their profession.
Don’t simply accept “standard practice”. As an expert, your role is to question, challenge and innovate. Engage your brain. Think differently. Don’t be afraid of uncharted territory—relish it. Expertise requires a daring sense of adventure.
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5. Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Experts take pride in demonstrating and sharing their skills and knowledge. They always want to be of service to their professional community. If you want to be seen as an expert, put your expertise out there for all to benefit from. Let your ideas spark conversation. Be the catalyst that inspires others to think differently about your profession. Be loud and bold and unafraid of drawing attention to yourself and your point-of-view.
How do you do this? The written word is always a great place to start. Consider writing an article for a publication catering to your industry or profession. Or start a blog like this one (as I said, anyone can!). Nothing is more empowering than putting your thoughts out there for the world to see. And, as a published author—whether online or in print—you’re automatically afforded a certain level of authority. It’s not difficult to establish a name and reputation for yourself, but it does require effort.
Another way to demonstrate and share your expertise is to train others—offer to present on a topic of interest at a local industry conference or meeting of your professional association. Host a lunch and learn event at your company, or simply share tips and resources with your colleagues. Don’t be afraid of lifting others up and helping them shine—experts are eager to raise the bar for their profession, not just for themselves.
6. Stay Up-To-Date On Trends
Every field is changing, some more rapidly than others. Experts always stay at the forefront. They explore new trends and understand where their industry is headed. They have foresight and aren’t afraid of the latest and greatest technology and innovations that create upheaval to the tried and true methods of the past. While others fight the shifting waves of progress, experts absorb the knowledge and, when appropriate, ride those waves to success.
Reading is perhaps your best tool for doing this. Professional publications often discuss emerging trends and how they’re shaping the future. Get to know the names of the people making a splash in your industry (perhaps, as a thought leader, you’ll be one of them!).
Your professional network is also a great resource to tap. Discuss the trends taking place in the field and share your thoughts. Don’t jump on every bandwagon that comes along, but, when a trend seems to really be taking hold, embrace it and share your experiences.
7. Never Stop Learning
This one almost goes without saying and is, in fact, embedded in each of the above strategies. Your absolute best bet for expertise is to always keep an open mind and absorb new information. Read books and blogs, take classes online and in-person, let your expertise spawn from the expertise of others. The more you learn, the more you fill your professional toolbox.
Remember: Experts proudly claim their expertise; they don’t shy away from it.
So let me ask you: Are you an expert? How did you get there? Please share in the comments!
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Photo Credit: Business image created by Katemangostar – Freepik.com
Christy you made my day after reading your posting this morning I felt inspired. At first I thought to myself it must be the Starbucks breakfast my chocolate chip Frappuccino and oatmeal blueberries.
The more I read your posting I said to myself this email post is good. I consider myself to be an expert in many things. Your words were encourag
Christy,
When I think of an expert I actually only think of one thing and that is the person who gets results. It’s the person(s) who can get the desired results who are the experts. This rules out all other qualifiers such as degree, title, age, etc. The expert is simply the person who can get results. These are the people I seek out, do business with and refer to others in any activity or endeavor I’m interested in and its proven to be very beneficial.
Christy I would firstly like to thank you for such an uplifting blog. It is always nice to read and understand motivations in life and this is a big one.
I have been in the construction industry for 7 years , started out as a carpenters apprentice and have now led my way to assistant site manager. I am constantly brought down by others on my construction sites as they think I’m too young and inexperienced in my field as I am only 23. The nut cruncher is that I always strive to be better and to do better but sometimes there words get to me and I loose my motivation. I take evening courses on all things construction and never stop reading which has got me where I am now. Your post and others like yours really help me to understand that expertise is not something you can catch its a lifestyle and a constantly evolving progress. It also helps me to believe that my limits are endless, so thank you.
Regards
John
London
England
Hi! I need help it’s really my fiance he’s very smart and he can be whoever he wants to be and do whatever he wants he goes from job to job and is never satisfied with what he does we’ve been going through this battle for 2 almost 3 years he was set on doing welding and now he has his welding job he’s still not happy I feel like whenever someone says something to him he doesn’t like he runs and is ready to go to the next we have a family and I’m worried he will never be happy wit whatever he does….what do I do help please anything
Hello….
I am a student just started to study in a professional fields. I am only thinking and finding a way to be an expert. I really inspired by your post, & from this moment i had deicide to follow the step all the steps given by you…………….
You made my life………….
A heartly appreciation to you to write more…………
and thank you for this
This post has really motivated me a lot, thanks for putting this piece together… I can’t say I’m an expert yet but I think you should add that one needs to choose at least 5 people to listen and look up to in the case where they don’t have any smart people around.
For instance, I live in a compound where I only go out to buy food when I’m hungry. My neighbors are just like me (always indoors). So I don’t even get to know the average people to relate with.
So what do I do? I go on social media and follow experts in my field, listen to their podcast, read their blogs and implement what I read. So far, so good.. I have seen a lot improvement in my job.
Oh! less I forget… I’m a blogger.
I am a professional in oracle database. I am only thinking and finding a way to be an expert. I really inspired by your post. As from now i will follow the steps given by you to make myself an expert. This post has really motivated me a lot.
Thanks.
hi
this is very good article inspired by me
thanks