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Expert Without Expertise
Exploring an expert mindset and what a lack of specialism means in my professional career
During my leadership studies, I learned I have an “expert” mindset. I place a high value on my knowledge, taking pride in what I know and wanting to use it to help others. I value learning and the advancement of knowledge.
The expert mindset also has a negative side; I can get offended if others don’t value my knowledge, particularly if my perceived specialisms are ignored. I can obsess about the subject of my knowledge¹, ignoring the bigger picture. I can be condescending and impatient with people who “don’t get it” ² ³.
I don’t consider myself an expert in anything. I will never know everything, and you could fill libraries with what I don’t know about subjects I’m actually passionate about. I’m an autodidact who will always be learning, so it would be crass and obscene to brand myself an expert in anything.
There are some topics I “know a bit about”. If you follow my sustainability writing then you might agree I know more than many. I’m a halfway decent writer and editor, even though I never paid much attention in English class at school⁴. I’m employed as a project manager and civil engineer, so those are probably safe calls too.
