what advise would you give to someone who wants to become an expert but doesn't think their an expert
Based on the insights from Ed Batista, becoming an expert is a journey that involves multiple stages and a deep understanding of oneself and one's relationship with work and others. Here is some advice for someone who wants to become an expert but doesn't currently see themselves as one:
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Embrace Learning and Development: Recognize that expertise is developed over time. Referencing Simon Wardley's "three stages of expertise," understand that becoming an expert is a process that involves moving from a novice, through a practitioner stage, to an expert level. This transition requires continuous learning and adaptation.
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Assess and Develop Judgment: Trust in one's judgment is crucial. If you doubt your judgment, work on providing clearer guidance, offering more support, and striving to avoid miscommunication. This will help you determine whether your perceived lack of expertise is due to a fixable problem or an illusion based on inaccurate data.
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Transition from Doing to Leading: As you grow in your career, it's important to transition from being a hands-on leader who gets things done to someone who leads in a different way. This is particularly relevant as organizations scale and complexity increases. Recognize that your role may evolve from being the expert to enabling other experts within your organization.
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Seek Feedback and Embrace Ignorance: Be open to negative feedback and recognize it as a precious gift that can guide your growth. Also, access your ignorance and be open to the possibility that you may be wrong. This humility allows for continuous improvement and learning, which are essential for developing expertise.
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Manage Emotions in Decision-Making: Understand and regulate the emotions that underlie your decision-making process. A desire for control and certainty can hinder the delegation of decisions, which is necessary for personal growth and organizational effectiveness.
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Build Relationships Across the Organization: Connect with others beyond your immediate role and function. These relationships can provide support and opportunities for learning and development, which are essential for becoming an expert.
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Invest in Soft Skills: Recognize that technical skills may help you rise to leadership positions, but soft skills, such as managing and motivating people, become increasingly important as you progress in your career.
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Be Patient and Persistent: Developing expertise takes time, and there will be setbacks along the way. Maintain resilience by managing both distress and excitement, and be prepared to invest the time and effort required to achieve expert status.
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Reflect on Your Practices: Regularly take time to reflect on your work practices, your learning, and the feedback you receive. This can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress toward becoming an expert.
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Lean into Supportive Relationships: Surround yourself with people who support your journey toward expertise. As Batista notes, being a good cheerleader for others can also encourage them to support you in return, creating a positive cycle of growth and development.
Remember, the path to expertise is not linear and requires a blend of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to evolve both personally and professionally.