Expertise
What is it, that you bring to the table? Is it skills, knowledge, education, background, those intangibles all rolled into what we call “expertise”?
One of my favorite quotable movie scenes is a hilarious moment in Monty Python’s Holy Grail, in which King Arthur must answer a series of questions to cross a particular bridge. Of course, he makes it where others before him have failed, (and the Bridge-keeper has them thrown from the bridge). Here’s a bit of the dialogue:
Bridge-keeper: What… is your quest?
King Arthur: To seek the Holy Grail.
Bridge-keeper: What… is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?
King Arthur: What do you mean? An African or European swallow?
Bridge-keeper: Huh? I… I don’t know that.
[this time the Bridge-keeper is thrown over]
Bridge-keeper: Auuuuuuuugh.
Sir Bedevere: How do you know so much about swallows?
King Arthur: Well, you have to know these things when you’re a King, you know.
And sometimes, it’s that simple: knowing just a little more than the next person. But if you think about excellent Leaders that are admired and followed, they have some distinct and Rare Leader common denominators.
Common Denominators
Rare Leaders know what they are doing and it shines. That’s Expertise…
Rare Leaders understand the business in which they function. That’s Business Acumen…
Rare Leaders have standards and expectations for themselves and team members. That’s Driven to Achieve…
Rare Leaders come prepared. They are able to answer questions, and connect the dots when asked. That’s Working with Ambiguity…
Rare Leaders have the vision, goals and strategies for success, despite the sometimes grim public reality of obstacles. That’s a positive Outlook for the Future…
Expertise is applied.
Good leaders see what is successful and what is not. Great Leaders are quick to problem solve and choose a better path. Rare Leaders instill this expertise into others, delegating the application of smart solutions to areas that are in need of improvement.
Good Leaders are also good at recognizing when they need help, either from outside or within their organizations. Great Leaders seek out the right person for the right job, and assign the work as needed. Rare Leaders provide clarity, make themselves available, and reward accountability.
How does your Expertise shine?
Is it as bright as the Harvest Moon?
Are you Good, Great, or Rare?