Better! Results Idea #10: Become a Relevant Expert

It’s limiting to believe we have nothing unique and valuable to offer others through our work. Too many employees think, “Anyone could do this job.”

Agreed. Some job positions are easier to learn and execute than others. But all jobs in our complex business environment require a degree of expertise before mastery is attained. And mastery is the goal in any worthwhile work.

Here’s what we all must do: become an acknowledged expert at something relevant to our work.

Let me drill into that statement a little deeper.

Expert

Experts are not self-declared. They are known by others to be sources of knowledge, effective practices and better results. Experts are the folks we all look to in our work to teach us, show us and counsel us. Could be the person in the next cubicle or the owner of the locker three down from our own. Our job is to become “the one” others seek out as they look for the best.

Why and when do others look to you for knowledge or guidance? If an idea doesn’t immediately pop into your thoughts, time to get to work on developing an answer. Identify something about your job that you really enjoy – and get so good at it that others will know “You are the best!”

Relevant

To state what is most likely obvious: your expertise must be relevant to the organization where you work. Being an expert photographer or public speaker is great, but may not be relevant in the machine shop where you create precision components.

By the way, don’t tell others you’re the best. No one likes people who do that. Just be the best. Offer to help others, coach, give freely of your knowledge and your time. They’ll notice, and you’ll become so valuable to the organization that opportunity will flow your way.

Identify some aspect of your current job and become the expert in this area. Hopefully your annual performance appraisal will positively reflect your expert results.

Better still – become an expert in something relevant to the next job that you want. What better way to impress a potential supervisor or employer than demonstrating your legitimate existing expertise in exactly the area they need

John J. Hall, CPA

John J. Hall, CPA, is an author, speaker and results expert who presents around the world at conventions, corporate meetings and association events. Throughout his 35-year career as a business consultant, corporate executive and professional speaker, John has helped organizations and individuals achieve measurable results. He inspires audience members in corporations, not-for-profit organizations and professional associations to step up, take action and “do what you can.”