I recently read an article by the Harvard Business Review on the idea of expertise and what intrigued me is the ideas and concepts of what truly makes a genuine expert in a related field.

What really was surprising was when you search this term of what makes an expert there are barely any articles on this topic.

However, I think the HBR did a good job of breaking down the qualities of what it takes to become one and also recognize them.

In fact, the only other person that comes to mind when I think of the idea of expertise and becoming great is Angela Duckworth and Will Smith lol. Angela’s book “Grit” has a lot of similarities of what the article on HBR addresses and gives you a clear idea of what being and becoming an expert is.

As a person who wants to excel and become one of the top performers of my field in web development I am intrigued in the efforts it takes to becoming an expert/top performer.

Therefore, I wanted to study and see who are the ones in culture and society we deem as great and what it took to get to where they are today.

So whenever I’m researching anything new or I discover a new word I like to define what it is by definition.

What Is An Expert?

According to dictionary.com an expert is a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.

When I hear this definition though the question comes to mind “is that really all it takes?”. I ask this question because there are many people who claim to be experts because they may know more than the average person, but does that truly classify you as a genuine expert.

Granted I know in order to teach or become a professional in the field you do need to have an extensible knowledge of a particular field, especially if you were trying to niche down and specialize in a specific market. You need to be seen as authoritative on the subject.

However Tim Ferris idea of being an expert is he states ” ‘expert’ in the context of selling product means that you know more about the topic than the purchaser.” I know he did clarify that he was referring to selling products. Yet I believe many have taken this simple idea and have run full force with it. I’m not saying that knowing a little from the average does not give you an advantage or leverage but where does it stop.

As for teachers I believe it doesn’t take a lot of knowledge to teach on a specific subject because you are teaching someone who doesn’t know, but what do you do to continue to grow in your education of whatever field your in to stay ahead, not only of your competition, but striving to be the best.

I guess when it boils down to becoming an expert, my perspective and idea moves towards mastery. In order to be the best one must consistently improve on ones skills. But how do you do that?

Talent vs Skill

Before we can understand what it takes to improve your expertise, the thought of the famous saying when we encounter someone of greatness is “They are so talented”. But is this true? Is it only their talent that that has brought them this far. In a shocking discover to some the answer is no.

This can be relieving for many. I know it does for me. In the words of Will Smith ” I don’t consider myself as particular talented.” I do know one thing though, I can develop a work ethic that will dramatically enhance my skills.

Which leads to my next point about becoming an expert. Success in becoming an expert results in 3 things

•  Intense practice
•  Grit
•  Studied with coaches and mentors

In order to become an expert practice is required, but not just any old practice–Deliberate Practice. Regular practice is simply going over the things you know. Deliberate practice is broken down into two parts: improving on the known skills and knowledge and the extension of the unknown.

This removes the myth of those deemed as genius because in reality expertise requires struggle, sacrifice, and honest painful self assessment.

There Is No Shortcut To Greatness!

So in order to become great and known as an expert it is the consistent improvement within controlled efforts. In fact real experts pass 3 tests

1.  Consistent superior performance to that of their fields peers
2.  Proven results
3.  It can be replicated and measured

I love these ideas because there are some key points if you really pay attention, one being consistency. If your are consistently improving yourself it is proven through history, and even present like the well known author Gary V and Grant Cardone, that you can surpass anyone in your field.

To push it a little further experts are also able to think, not only differently, but deliberately. One who has trained and practiced many times through their mistakes and harder challenges are preparing themselves for unexpected situations. This results in not relying on intuition but a new mindset that has been developed through sheer grit and determination.

In order to do achieve this mindset you not only have to physically practice but mentally too. The mind is a muscle just as any other body part so the more you use it the stronger it becomes. Genius is no longer a mythical unattainable goal. I believe it is Brian Tracy who says that “you are a potential genius and there is no problem that you cannot solve”.

So for example as front end web developer who is looking to become one of the leading experts in the field. I make it an obligation to practice my skills and gain more insights and knowledge about the industry and what it takes to become a top performer.

One known fact I would like to point out before taking on this attempt. Commitment is a huge factor. One does not achieve mastery or expertise in a matter of months. Now gaining new skills may, but in order to be at a world class level or the best it takes years of commitment and the grit to finish the race. The difference between grit and intensity is the amount of time AND effort you place in this one thing. So DECIDE and COMMIT.

So Should You Hire One?

In short, yes. Those who have dedicated themselves to improving themselves in a particular field should be a valuable asset to you and your business. But don’t be fooled by the many who say they are an expert in a subject. Remember expertise, just like a business, provides results. Whether they are an expert in the making or have many years under their belt the proof is always in the pudding, meaning their is proof behind their work.

My philosophy is that the work should always speak for the skills of the individual, no matter what field your in. I know for me even though I have knowledge on what I do as a developer I continually strive to become one of the leading experts in the field which require me everyday to practice deliberately and produce extensive work.

I believe a man should be known by the work he produces whether it be products he sells, a service, or extensive knowledge. If you are good at something it does not take a fool to figure out whether something is good or not.

So I ask the question again, but from a different approach, do you want to be known for something great?

Then my expert advice is to get the right people around you.

Because in reality the simple answer to becoming an expert is producing work and doing it deliberately.

So get in your dark room, open up that macbook, carve out some time and begin creating your dreams and your goals, or get an expert to help, and most importantly…

Do Work!!!

Resource Article: The Harvard Business Review: what is an expert?