Stop Being an Expert

You don't hear that very often on LinkedIn.

Conventional wisdom says:

• Be an expert.
• Display your credentials.
• Let everyone know about how smart you are.

?There's wisdom in that -- as far as conventional things go.

?However, what if you are up to something UNconventional?

?Something different? Something new.?Something creative?

In that case, being an "expert" is a contradiction. As the Zen saying goes: "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few."

When you're up to something new, it can help to rediscover the innocent-child quality in you.

That does not mean you are a child. Instead, you can become fresh, curious, and sparkly – like a child.

You become interested in yourself, in others, in the world. Your mind and your heart become open to possibility.

That requires that you also STOP focusing on goals and START focusing on the journey.

STOP planning and START allowing.

STOP forcing and START sourcing.

?As Diane Eshin Rizzetto once said:

"When effort is put forth with our focus solely on the endgame—to win, to be successful, to get to the top of the mountain—then we miss the journey itself. Whereas effort made with the intention only to engage each step of the way fully—each deep breath, each wipe of sweat off the brow, and, yes, each doubt—'Why did I agree to this trip?'—knows no success or failure. Engaging in our life this way is to live for the joy of living. It is the path of hope."

We were frequently encouraged to SPEED UP in our ever-changing world. Often, we were racing from meeting to meeting, taking the next 5-minute phone call, banging out the next email, or responding to a flurry of text messages.

Now is an excellent time to ask: “what kind of relationships am I creating with all of this busyness?” What is the quality of my work?

If you are honest with yourself, I believe your answer will be: “I’m active with lots of folks and getting s**t done, but there is very little depth.” You may be engaging in, as?Stephen Covey?once said, “the thick of thin things.”

One blessing from the Covid-19 pandemic was that some people slowed down. Those that did were getting in touch with the present moment (as well as with each other). They went deep with friends, family, colleagues, clients, and customers. They chose fulfilling work. The crisis provided a great reminder that relationships are built through long, slow conversations over time. Emails and text messages don’t cut it. Relationships blossom when we focus on the other person, and that person comes to know that we are there for them. “Being with” someone is a lost art, and yet, some discovered it during the pandemic, albeit using video and telephone.

I’m fond of another Stephen Covey expression, “With people, slow is fast, and fast is slow.” When we slow down, people and the world come into focus. It is from that place that we can see (and seize) opportunities while being of service to others. Especially during a crisis.

Slowing down, whether a conscious choice or one foisted upon us, can lead to a greater appreciation for life even in the face of significant challenges.

By all means, acquire knowledge that will help you in your professional life. Set goals and review your progress from time to time.

?And, when you're not doing that…enjoy the journey and the people you encounter along the way.

David Langiulli?is an Executive Coach and Leadership Trainer who helps individuals and their organizations flourish and thrive.?He’s also an "expert" in?Positive Intelligence , enabling professionals to rediscover their child-like quality that reduces stress, beats burnout, and lets them feel energized again.