Who decides who is an ‘Expert’ ?

Although I have immersed myself in powerful presenting for over 30 years, I recently completed my master’s research which dug deeper into leadership communication and storytelling in a business context. There was much discussion and debate about what defines an expert and who I could reference during my research. It really got me thinking about the term expert and who decides who is an expert?

What defines an Expert?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary and expert is ‘a person with a high level of knowledge or skill relating to a particular subject or activity’

And Wikipedia says, ‘An expert is someone who has a prolonged or intense experience through practice and education in a particular field.’ I do like that one.

Many professionals, like speakers and educators, learn deep, very deep; they become recognised industry experts.
You may have noticed the word ‘expert’ being loosely thrown about these days.

Some argue that expertise comes from lived experience, and not by getting a ‘piece of paper’. Others argue that years of study or a qualification proves you’re an expert. I am a solid believer it’s lots of both. I like to think of it as a beautiful dance between both worlds. Lived experience is essential but also studying the insights from others in your field opens your mind to different perspectives and views. It gives you the opportunity to critically analyse past and current theories and practices and to conduct your own research in your area of expertise.

There is also the concept of the 10,000-hour rule. This is derived from the work of psychologist K. Anders Ericsson, who studied the way people become experts in their fields. Author Malcolm Gladwell popularised the concept in his book “Outliers”. Many have criticised or debunked this theory like Brad Stulberg,  the co-author of the book Peak Performance. He suggested that expertise is really developed based on the way you practice, rather than the time you devote. This makes much more sense to me. Even so, the 10,000-hour rule is a great ‘check in’ on how much time you have devoted to honing your skills.

I have found my clients don’t like paying for speakers or trainers who only share what anyone can quickly find on google; clients pay for the extra insights or gold nuggets experts share. They also pay for the way this gold is communicated and contexualised, saving individuals and organisations time and money.

Experts spend their lives (or a large proportion of it) researching and exploring their area of expertise so you don’t have to, and they love nothing more than to share their findings with others.

Are you an Expert?

What have you been studying or exploring lately to better serve your clients?
Have you been having a ‘prolonged and intense experience’ and wish to share it with others?

Next time you hear the word ‘expert’ what will you think? Are they really an expert? Are they a fake expert? Or are they an expert on a lifelong journey mastering their expertise along the way?