Don't be the expert no one knows about

I was reading an article in the Harvard Business Review and one of the phrases got me thinking on a tangent - “You don’t want to be the expert whom nobody knows”. It was used in a different context but retains relevance across multiple situations. I was sufficiently motivated by this phrase alone, to write this piece.

If you are adept at what you do - whether as a hobby or as something that pays your bills - there is great merit in sharing and showcasing that knowledge to others outside your inner circle of stake holders. Make sure that the ‘specialist’ tag with that skill goes with your profile. Why? Here are a couple of reasons:

It builds your eminence - you are identified as someone who others will seek out when they need expertise in this area. This opens up professional opportunities both internal to your work place (by way of promotions) as well as outside. It is a great motivator to keep developing yourself and growing.

It empowers others - this is especially true for your team within your organisation. By keeping a skill to yourself, you are inadvertently stopping your team from growing - whether that’s because of a fear of not getting the same results while delegating your responsibilities to others, or an insecurity that another colleague with those skills will end up getting ahead of you professionally. When you share you skills and expertise you are seen as a leader who looks beyond personal goals, as a well as a mentor whom others look up to for advice.

Conversely, by retaining anonymity, you risk stagnating - growth does not happen because by being the sole possessor of this skillset you are never challenged. This is particularly dangerous in the knowledge economy of this day and age - there is every likely hood you will find yourself replaced by someone who has advertised themselves as being an expert in your area, something you are as well but no one ever knew about it.

Some ways of sharing your expertise, being recognised and creating your own brand are:

• Teach your colleagues at work
• Share your expertise externally (within confidentiality and conflict of interest parameters)
• Social media
• Webinars
• Volunteering (local academia)
• Blog about different things within your area of expertise

The world is a connected place - let others benefit from your expertise and experience, and vice-versa - it is a win-win - don’t be the expert no one knows about.