Experts!

There will always be someone who is more talented than you, more skilled, more, more, more.  Some people find this intimidating or they get nervous in front of those that they perceive are so much more than they are.  There is also an opportunity to build your relationship with the expert and be so much more yourself.  Look through these thoughts.

Thought 1:  Experts.  Most experts I know don’t perceive themselves as extra special.  I’ve found that I put that label on these people.  They are usually doing what comes naturally and easily to them – which they are very good at.  Experts are usually more than happy to show you what they do, how they do it and are flattered with your attention.

Thought 2:  Observe.  You may not have the opportunity to meet with the person you admire.  Watch how that person conducts themselves, in meetings, on projects, going through their daily work life.  Pick up those traits that you’d like to emulate.

Thought 3:  Ask questions.  Ready to make a career move, want to learn a new skill, have a desire to strengthen one of your strengths?  Pick those that are already doing what you want and ask them how they got there.  Be as specific as possible and ask as many questions as you can think of.  During your probing questions, ask what advice they might have for you – and then listen carefully.

Thought 4:  Comparison.  We’re human and often compare our talents with others.  Often we end up comparing our weaknesses with other peoples strengths.  Accept you won’t be great at everything – and neither is everyone else.  Also, understand there will always be someone better at something than we are, when you look hard enough.    Observing is a positive that you’re learning from, comparison is a negative that puts you down.  When the comparison game creeps in – look at it, laugh a little and let it go.

Thought 5:  Emulate.  When faced with a challenging situation or when you’re under stress to perform or get something done, think about the person you admire most.  When you have that person firmly in your mind, ask yourself how that person would handle the situation you’re facing.  Be the expert that you admire.  Acting is a great way of practicing what you have learned.

Thought 6:  Arrogance.  Some people think that experts are arrogant.  I’m not sure how they put those two concepts together.  I’ve found that arrogance stems from insecurity – the person is over compensating for feelings of inadequacy.  If you encounter an expert who comes across as arrogant and isn’t helpful, feel sorry for that person.  They don’t feel comfortable and confident with who they are and probably won’t be able to teach you much at all.  Move on and find another expert.

What have you found dealing with experts?  Any tips or thoughts you’d like to share?  Leave your comment below.

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