Opinion: Beware those calling themselves experts

In today’s era of digital self-promotion and personal branding, the term “expert” is thrown around like confetti at a wedding.

As we step into 2024, a year guaranteed to be full of complexities and uncertainties, the heightened demand for genuine expertise to guide us through our challenges will become even more important.

The dilemma we face is that too many people are in a rush to claim their expertise, making it increasingly difficult to discern genuine or real experts from those who are still learning the ropes. In today’s era of digital self-promotion and personal branding, the term “expert” is thrown around like confetti at a wedding celebration.

So-called experts are everywhere. Individuals self-assign this once prestigious title along with others like coach, consultant and specialist to impress others, attract fresh business prospects, gain speaking opportunities or boost their book sales.

A novice cook who decides to share a few recipes on a blog declares they are a culinary expert.

A traveller who describes his/her own limited experiences on a social media platform promotes himself/herself as a world travel consultant. A person who successfully quits smoking for a few months positions as a “quit smoking coach”.

There’s also the individual who completes a coding boot camp and subsequently calls herself/himself a software development guru, the parent who has raised four children who markets himself/herself as a parenting expert and the former manager who proudly identifies as a management specialist.

Put simply, being an expert has become a trendy label, applied to anyone with a hint of knowledge.

Becoming an expert requires substantial education or training, thousands of hours of practice, a deep understanding of the subject and a desire to continue learning to stay up-to-date.

Some also regard experts to be effective communicators who can explain complex concepts to others, making their knowledge accessible and understandable.

You can’t claim the expert title yourself.

Only when others label you an expert does it become a reality. As we start a brand new year, if you are finding yourself in need of guidance or expertise, look out for those who embody the principles of unwavering dedication, continuous learning and a proven track record.

In a world awash with self-proclaimed experts, let’s champion those who have truly earned their stripes and, in doing so, let us collectively raise the standard in 2024.

Professor Gary Martin is an (actual) workplace and social affairs expert