How to Become an Expert, Whatever That Means
If you want to see me blush, you need only refer to me in person as an "expert." That's because I always feel I have so much more to learn. And that, it would seem, includes understanding how to become an expert.
You see, I was recently asked what my "secret" was to becoming an expert in one's field. It was a great question, however I didn't know what to say at the time, and I'm sure my answer was most unsatisfactory (and un-expert like).
Now that I've had some time to reflect on the question, I've compiled a few suggestions for anyone seeking to be an "expert," regardless of the topic.
Pick a topic that interests you.
It's easy to devote time to researching and learning more about a subject if you're passionate, or at least curious, about it in the first place. In fact, when you've chosen the right topic, devoting time to learning about it won't feel like work; it will feel like play.
Always say "yes" to learning.
Never turn down the opportunity to learn something new, even if at first it doesn't appear to be relevant. You never know when that seemingly obscure bit of knowledge may come in handy.
Find other "experts" to support and inspire you.
In your day-to-day interactions with other subject matter experts, whether that's in person or online, they will undoubtedly say or do things that you can learn from. If you've chosen them well, you may also find that they will gently (or not so gently!) nudge you to explore new areas, and there may even be a healthy atmosphere of competitive one-upmanship.
"I don't know," is only the beginning.
If a colleague asks you a question that you don't know the answer to, be honest and say "I don't know." There's nothing wrong with that. Then - and this is the key - go find the answer, from somewhere or someone, both for your colleague and yourself.
Being an expert is relative.
You do not need to know everything about a particular topic or subject. Nobody, and I mean nobody, does. You just have to know more than most people, especially your clients, as well as where to go for additional information.
Hmmm, does this now make me an expert on experts? ;+)
