When the Expert is Just Plain Wrong

We're all taught to trust the experts,

whether they are a doctor, lawyer or Indian chief (I had to do that:)). Seriously, we all look to the experts for sage and sound advice.  In business and our personal lives, we trust them to help us see  more deeply into whatever situation we're facing. 

What happens when the experts are wrong?

We retain business experts to help us learn about new markets and situations. We rely on them to fill in our gaps, to add their in-depth knowledge to our business planning. We seek out those with demonstrated success and longevity in a specific market, who have the hands on experience to help us succeed.

But what if these experts are stuck in their own status quo thinking? What if they can't see the future, the changes, the evolution that's happening in their own field of expertise? What if their expertise is jaded (and diminished) by the 'way they've always done it'? 

We have to take responsibility for our own destiny.

I'm speaking from my own experience here. These past few weeks I have been working with an 'expert' in a particular field of new interest for my own business.  I hired a person whom I thought was the best. Great experience, lots of references from close associates. I was so excited!

Almost from the beginning of our work together I had the strong belief that my expert's recommendations  were out of sync with my focus. Did I listen to my own internal warning system?  Nope. I kept changing my approach, my plan, my thinking to follow his guidance.  I stuffed my own knowing into the closet and followed the experts' advice.

Your intuition can be stronger than the best expert around!

I found myself feeling less and less excited about the work. I started to dread focusing on this aspect of my business. I was grumpy and confused. The more advice I received from my expert, the more lost I felt.

Last week I sat down and took a strong look at what was happening around this project.  Here's what I found:

My core focus had shifted so much I didn't recognize the work anymore. Neither did my friends, who I approached for their thoughts. My audience had shifted as well - suddenly I was focused on a whole different group. The work had been diluted to the point that I cringed as I reviewed it.

I'd been transformed into this 'expert's' version of me. 

I lost myself in the process. Wow. I dug a little deeper and realized that this expert did know his stuff.  Problem is that his experience and focus was in a different niche of his broad market than the one I wanted to address. We were (and are) out of sync. Needless to say - we've gone our separate ways and I'm now digging out to find the original core of my ideas.

I've learned a valuable lesson. Thanks to this experience - the core ideas are returning even stronger.  Not because of what the expert told me to do. His advice sent me off in the wrong direction for what I intended to accomplish. Now I'm taking what I've learned from my friends and mentors about this new area -and filtering what is right for me, my goals and my work.  My ideas and my commitment are stronger than ever - because I'm trusting my intuition and my own expertise to know what's right for me.

Don't dismiss your own knowing, no matter what the experts say.

Comments

[Zhana]

Great article. It is so important to trust our inner wisdom, regardless of what the so-called experts tell us.

Check out this article on working with the Higher Self.
http://www.squidoo.com/The-Higher-Self

[Mike Henry Sr.]

Nice post Reb. Somewhat along the same lines as my post on Unique Difference. We're all better when acting true to our own instincts. And it's difficult to find "experts" that are expert at helping you do your thing rather than helping you do what they think your version of there thing is. Way to go.

[Rebel Brown]

Thanks all for the kind words and additional thoughts!

Jim: As usual we are in sync!

Dr Mani: This was obviously a mismatch in focus. The reason for the experience wasn't exactly the point I was trying to make. My points are 1) Not every expert is the best guide for our personal journey, 2) We have to be responsible for our own journey and 3) Our intuition and knowing is the BEST expert we have.

Laura: I thank you so much for your Tweets and support and spreading the word to coaches. In this case, the expert wasn't a coach, rather a hired 'sales' professional. That said, coaches and other experts (like myself as a consultant) always have to keep in mind that their client's vision is why they are there - not their own preferences.

Bridget: That's my theme - learn from everything and just keep GROWING. Thanks for stopping by my friend!

Have a great week all!!

reb

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=714270567]

Great advice - you are the best arbiter of what feels correct for you. Seek the advice and ideas of others and make the final decision on your own.

[Dr.Mani]

Could it have been more a mis-match in style or expectations?

Maybe typical clients of the 'expert' wanted 'how to' info, while you wanted 'big picture' guidance. Some 'experts' are good at one, not at the other. For instance, some specialists/technical experts lag behind in thought-leadership - but can implement and execute sensationally well.

Horses for courses, y'know :-)

Nice post.

All success
Dr.Mani

[Laura Kennedy]

Excellent info! I hope more coaches are reading this and listening! It's not our job as coaches to create everyone in our own image but rather help them to create their image! Thank you!

[Bridget Haymond]

What is so awesome is that you have taken a negative experience and turned it into some powerful learning. I'm sure that in the end this experience will serve you well and you're already helping others as you grow though it.

Great post Rebel!