We recently ran across an idea that caused us to think a little bit. The idea was that experts should be on tap, not on top. Experts, the logic goes, are priceless resources for guidance and advice, but tend to make poor administrators and implementers.
Now, we’re not trying to pick any fights with you experts out there, but it does make a little sense. When we read management and leadership books, we consistently see that the most innovative CEOs are open-minded empowerers, not do-it-all individualists. To truly manage effectively, you need to be comfortable delegating to others and letting them shine. Of course any expert can do this, but it seems logical that, as an expert, it would be harder to allow a subordinate that kind of latitude.
There’s a simple message wrapped up in this idea: a lot of times, audience members develop a bit of an inferiority complex when they sit and listen to some expert for an hour or two. It’s easy, when you feel anonymous and someone is enjoying the limelight on stage, to start wondering what you should be doing to be up there instead of in the crowd. But the fact is that learning rather than delivering learning is one of the highest value professional characteristics around. The more we expose ourselves to groundbreaking ideas and new ways of thinking, the more effective we can be as we operate in our organizations.
Likewise, experts could get bogged down and fail to realize their true potential if they were saddled with the responsibilities of managing people. When you’re truly a field or industry leader, you need to focus on building that body of knowledge and sharing it with others.
This is why audience members should be thrilled to be where they are. The more you invest in learning, the more your organization will be able to grow and adapt and innovate. And experts need to know that this is the context and sincerity of purpose that many audience members have when they attend presentations. That’s why we constantly beat the drum about how presenters need to pay attention to the entertainment value of their presentations and the depth and utility of the content. It’s a big opportunity for both parties when we all come together for a presentation. Let’s make the most of it!
Question: What learning opportunities does your organization seek out on a regular basis? How do you identify experts to listen to?
