There Are No 'Experts'

This one bothers me – people are afraid to try something different or challenge themselves to do something new because they have made up their minds that they are not an 'expert' in that space.

What we fail to realise is that the people we have dubbed as experts were once in the same place as the rest of us. They didn’t know exactly what they were doing when they decided to try something new or move outside their comfort zone – but that didn’t stop them. During those moments of doubt, concern and lingering questions may have crept into their minds, but that didn’t stop them either.

Instead of letting those feelings stop them, what did they do? They pushed through, they dug in and they didn’t let their own mind play tricks on them. On some level, they probably realised that becoming really good (or an 'expert') in any area requires a learning curve and hitting a couple of bumps in the road – and someone along the way probably told them the hardest part of acquiring any new skill is simply getting started.

They took it upon themselves to learn, to surround themselves with people who were valuable sources of information and didn’t get discouraged when they stumbled. That’s really all an expert is – someone who was determined and willing to do whatever it took to become really damn good at something.

This realisation is incredibly powerful for both employees and organisations. It helps minimise the barrier between 'novice' and 'expert', while making the path to individual growth very clear.

It won’t be easy. But it is simple. Just think about it this way – if you’re willing to do whatever it takes to be great, you’re an expert in the making.

Scott Gelber is president of Merkley+Partners