With all the talk lately about experts and gurus I thought this was worth a chuckle.
It’s an overlooked and understated point, but the above graphic is completely true. If you walk into a room of 4th graders and you’re an adult, you have instant credibility. They don’t know enough to challenge what you say. So if you say that babies come from the stork, it’s gospel.
However, if you were to present that statement to a group of OB/GYN doctors they’d kick you out on your head. They know better. In fact, they know more than you do.
So, when I hear that someone attended a keynote or panel and was blown away by the presenter, I ask:
- Who was the presenter?
- What was he presenting?
- Who was he presenting to?
Those 3 pieces of information help me figure out if the presenter was really an expert. Remember it’s all about context. Don’t be afraid to question someone that’s being positioned as a expert. Frankly, it’s your responsibility. Your questioning keeps them honest and helps provide context for others.
Head of Social Media at Walgreens. Interactive marketer, innovator, boat rocker, continuous learner, movie lover, risk taker, dad and all around good guy. I'm always up for a spirited conversation. These are my thoughts and ramblings, not those of my employer.
