Trust me, I’m an Expert

There are plenty of experts within our industry BUT simply calling yourself one doesn't’ make you one.

An expert is someone that is credible, commits to ongoing professional development, networks and shares knowledge with their peers, constantly reviews what they have been taught, exposes themselves to new techniques and principles and has a comprehensive or a commanding knowledge in a particular area.

Unfortunately, there are many self-proclaimed experts that consult in all industries that do not fit the above definition and rely on their years of experience and popularity to consult and provide advice.

The days of sitting in front an educated consumer, regulator or tribunal and simply implying you’re an expert are getting harder and harder.

Even if the expert succeeds, they still need to deliver on their expertise.

Experts frequently complain that their client(s) too often undervalue or dismiss their advice whilst receivers of expert advice have the problem of navigating between what is good, bad or just confusing advice. This repetitive cycle generates uncertainty and mistrust.

So, how can we break the vicious cycle?

Companies that use Experts need to ask themselves the following questions when seeking advice:

• Is the expert qualified to provide advice?

• Is this something the expert has a thorough knowledge of?

• Can the expert substantiate the advice they provide?

• What if I use the experts advice, and its wrong?

• Does the expert have insurance cover such as professional negligence?

Whilst there will always be some people who will never listen to expert advice, it becomes more and more difficult for them to continually and rationally dismiss expert advice when that advice is supported by good consulting principles.

Remember, outside of our own workplace we are also consumers who make decisions about what advice we accept and reject from experts.

We will always live in a world where there will be receivers and givers of expert advice and information. As a whole, receivers of advice need to ask better questions when researching their expert and the givers of advice need to provide credible and practical solutions when selling their services.

Take note, nobody is born an expert; experts become experts because they do not give up on listening, learning and sharing.

Consequently, I work every single day at being a great expert but recognise I have a long way to go in meeting that goal.