Are you underestimating the power of your expertise?
Answer these three questions:
- What are you an expert at?
- How many people in the world are experts in that same thing?
- And out of that number, how many of those experts are you?
That’s right.
One.
Uno.
A single, unique …YOU.
But when you start to manage a team, your priorities shift to 1) leading and 2) ensuring the team delivers quality products and services.
Which is absolutely the right focus areas.
But you should also have a third priority which is to maintain a high level of expertise in your chosen field.
A Classic Workplace Conundrum.
The push and pull between between leading a team and being an expert is a classic challenge in the workplace.
In fact, many professionals who manage others today were promoted because they were the best or most hardworking specialist at one point in time.
But we know that being the best subject matter expert does not necessarily mean that that you will be a good manager.
And you could feel pressured to choose one or the other.
Is it Better To Build Your Reputation As An Expert, Deliver Excellent Service Or Being A Leader?
Professional women tend to focus on excellence and delivering great service.
Because it is one way of leaning into the desire to help and support others.
But being service-oriented sometimes occurs at the expense of standing in your expertise.
It’s the expertise you hold, not necessarily the service you deliver, that is where your true power and uniqueness lay.
Your expertise – your deep subject matter knowledge– is the key differentiator.
It’s at the core of “what” you have to offer in business.
If leveraged correctly, leaning into your expertise instead of relying solely on delivering excellent service will help you:
- Motivate colleagues, your team, and customers to respect, trust, and listen to you for your skill
- Know your skillset, trade, or business better than most others
- Attract job and business opportunities, rather than needing to seek them out
You can also be known as a great manager or leader too, and learn how to manage other experts effectively.
How To Grow Your Leadership Career When You Lean Into Being An Expert.
Sometimes, leaning in as an expert can feel uncomfortable.
In the workplace, being an expert requires not just having knowledge, but also sharing it in a way that impacts others and the bottom line.
So, how can you continue to build your expertise and grow your career as a leader despite competing priorities.
By doing these 3 things:
Practice Your Craft.
No matter where your role falls in the hierarchy of your organization, continue to practice your craft. You don’t need to be an expert at everything, but you should be an expert at something. And find ways to practice that skill as much as possible.
Tell Others.
Share your knowledge and expertise with co-workers, friends, and your network. Do not keep it to yourself, particularly when you can help others while simultaneously demonstrating how knowledgeable you are.
Never Stop Learning.
Trades and industries are constantly shifting. So in order to stay an expert, you will need to keep up with trends in your field. You can do this by subscribing to trade publications, joining professional organizations, taking refresher courses and certifications, etc.
Final Thoughts.
You are likely good at many different things.
But you can only be a true expert at one or two.
Since your expertise is one of the factors that make you unique, use it to grow your career.
Highlight it whenever possible. Speak up when topics in your field come up. Stay current on all the happenings in your industry.
And as you advance your career, don’t lose touch with the expert within you.