Are you talking to an expert?
Here are some signs to help you tell if someone truly is an expert:
- They ask questions to better understand your level of expertise so they can meet you where you are
- They can demonstrate depth of experience, including being familiar with failure
- They can translate their expertise into clear, concise, and plain language
- They use evidence and are transparent about its sources
- They assert the limits of their expertise and acknowledge when they don’t have or are unsure about an answer
- They introduce nuance to the conversation (hint: they use phrases like, “it depends”)
- They might, at times, respond to your question with another question
- They view mastery as a journey, not a destination, and are actively continuing forward on that journey
- They encourage you to be curious and point you to avenues to learn more or get another expert opinion if you’re interested
- They might be reluctant to give you a specific formula, but instead offer a framework you can adapt and experiment with in your own context
What other signs do you look for to help you tell if someone is truly an expert—and more importantly an expert you can trust?
