I’m about to retire and REALLY become a beginner (in Spain), but I can tell you that after 17 years in my position at work, I am often called an expert and while I get why people call me that, I can tell you unequivocally that any time I even consider embracing that thought, I almost immediately encounter a situation that just proves that there’s an endless supply of knowledge that I don’t possess. 😆
And I also am constantly surprised when people with years less experience than I have do claim to be the end-all/be-all fonts of knowledge in this or any area. The longer I’m on this planet the only thing I seem to be certain about is that neither I nor anyone else really knows everything they think they do…
How do you see straight into my mind? Oh yeah… ;) I, too, hate the word ‘expert.’ Rightly or wrongly, it implies an arrogance I am really not comfortable with. Sometimes that’s how I’m billed in my little world, but I choose to use a different word: Experienced. Yes, I’m very experienced in my field and have a lot of experience to share, but ‘expert’ implies we have nothing to learn, which is hogwash. We ALL have something to learn, and humility opens us up to that.
When I first arrived in Portugal 10 months ago, I was paralyzed. Almost terrified to leave our apartment by myself because the language barrier seemed overwhelming. Thankfully, my husband was braver and ventured out or we would have starved. In looking back, I realize the issues were as you describe. In my case, it was not just my lack of knowledge or expertise but my loss of control over…well, everything!
Now I have discovered my language attempts are always met with smiles (even behind masks) and gentle instructions and corrections and muito bom! when I finally master a phrase.
1. You can never be too hard on self-proclaimed experts. Or anyone who refers to themselves as a "thought leader." 2. Today I heard a toddler in a stroller proclaiming "barca" to his grandmother and I was very proud that I am almost to his level. Cheers to you.
How true all this is Shanna! I don't think anyone is an expert as such! Some are more knowledgeable than others but it's how they use that knowledge. Whether they use it for the betterment of themselves or others is the main thing. Some so called experts don't want others to know as much as them! Can always tell, they contradict everything you say (Nobody disagrees with everything surely?!) They think they have an answer for everything but really they're just very good at disguising the fact that they basically know nothing!! Just cleverly hiding their inadequacies. They're experts at that and nothing else!! A really good read yet again Shanna! I thought I'd read this one already, not to worry, I've read it now and I really enjoyed it so thank you! Looking forward to the next one! Hugs xx
Uma faca became our go to expression of well… almost everything. My adult daughter and I are aspiring to toddlerhood but are teenaged boys when it comes to uma FACA!! Loved the read- looking forward to more.
I’m not an expert
I’m about to retire and REALLY become a beginner (in Spain), but I can tell you that after 17 years in my position at work, I am often called an expert and while I get why people call me that, I can tell you unequivocally that any time I even consider embracing that thought, I almost immediately encounter a situation that just proves that there’s an endless supply of knowledge that I don’t possess. 😆
And I also am constantly surprised when people with years less experience than I have do claim to be the end-all/be-all fonts of knowledge in this or any area. The longer I’m on this planet the only thing I seem to be certain about is that neither I nor anyone else really knows everything they think they do…
How do you see straight into my mind? Oh yeah… ;) I, too, hate the word ‘expert.’ Rightly or wrongly, it implies an arrogance I am really not comfortable with. Sometimes that’s how I’m billed in my little world, but I choose to use a different word: Experienced. Yes, I’m very experienced in my field and have a lot of experience to share, but ‘expert’ implies we have nothing to learn, which is hogwash. We ALL have something to learn, and humility opens us up to that.
It's worth listening to Frank Zappa's "Cosmic Debris".
Love your work Shanna. Some days I put off going to the hardware shop because I just can't deal with that level of incomprehensibility.
What I used to say when I was introduced as an expert in my field….”You know that an ex is a has been, and that a spurt is a big drip of water”
When I first arrived in Portugal 10 months ago, I was paralyzed. Almost terrified to leave our apartment by myself because the language barrier seemed overwhelming. Thankfully, my husband was braver and ventured out or we would have starved. In looking back, I realize the issues were as you describe. In my case, it was not just my lack of knowledge or expertise but my loss of control over…well, everything!
Now I have discovered my language attempts are always met with smiles (even behind masks) and gentle instructions and corrections and muito bom! when I finally master a phrase.
1. You can never be too hard on self-proclaimed experts. Or anyone who refers to themselves as a "thought leader." 2. Today I heard a toddler in a stroller proclaiming "barca" to his grandmother and I was very proud that I am almost to his level. Cheers to you.
How true all this is Shanna! I don't think anyone is an expert as such! Some are more knowledgeable than others but it's how they use that knowledge. Whether they use it for the betterment of themselves or others is the main thing. Some so called experts don't want others to know as much as them! Can always tell, they contradict everything you say (Nobody disagrees with everything surely?!) They think they have an answer for everything but really they're just very good at disguising the fact that they basically know nothing!! Just cleverly hiding their inadequacies. They're experts at that and nothing else!! A really good read yet again Shanna! I thought I'd read this one already, not to worry, I've read it now and I really enjoyed it so thank you! Looking forward to the next one! Hugs xx
absolutely brilliant, very well written once again..
I absolutely love this:
Embrace the I don't know space. It's a fertile ground where you can deepen your curiosity and humanity.
Yes!! 💙
Uma faca became our go to expression of well… almost everything. My adult daughter and I are aspiring to toddlerhood but are teenaged boys when it comes to uma FACA!! Loved the read- looking forward to more.
Shoshin...one of my favorite words! Enjoyed the read!
Shanna, I love your new favorite word for knife! May I buy you a cup of coffee when I come to Portugal in April?
I am totally going to join you in the Faca club!