Expertise is gained when you show a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular discipline. Having expertise in a certain area will help get you noticed, allowing you to build your own personal brand, increase your influence and reputation. Expertise will not just benefit you - others will look to you for direction and they will learn from your experience and skills.
Building expertise is not easy. It can be very time consuming with years of academic study and practical experience required. Maintaining your expertise is a long term commitment as you continuously need to update your knowledge if you wish to remain the go-to expert. .
However, remember that it's not enough just to build expertise. People have to recognise your skills and acknowledge that they need what you have. You can achieve this by following these six key steps:
Promote your image
Consider publishing a blog, writing in a newsletter or mentoring a colleague. This can clearly demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Ensure that those around you are aware of your education, work experience and accomplishments. You could display licenses, commendations and awards in your office, but be careful not to be seen to boast.
Maintain credibility
Protect your position. It is easier to lose credibility and a strong reputation than it is to build them. Refrain from commenting on subjects you are poorly informed about and be careful not to get too bogged down with projects that may have a low level of success.
Confident and assertive
Be decisive and confident. Colleagues will associate your expertise with strong, firm and confident leadership abilities - they will look up to you. Even if you find yourself indecisive, try to plan ahead and be diligent to avoid stress or anxiety.
Keep informed
Build a professional network with high quality connections rather than lots of weaker connections. Attend conferences, and read industry news to keep up-to-date with the latest developments. This is essential to build and maintain your expertise.
Tactfully aware
Being an expert can sometimes create competition or conflict. Do not show off, others may become upset if you act superior and flaunt your expertise. You will need to demonstrate your expertise tactfully and without arrogance.
Share your expertise
Be generous with your knowledge, and look for opportunities to help colleagues to grow. Your expertise can help to enable team members to develop their own skills, so that they can progress their own careers, as you have in yours. Using your expertise in this way should not affect your position. The more you invest in helping those around you, the more your professional value will grow and the more powerful your position can become. You can use this ‘sharing of expertise’ to test your own skills and identify gaps in your own knowledge.
Do this well, and you will build and maintain a reputation for yourself - Your actions speak louder than words!
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