How To Get Comfortable Being The Expert

One of Those Meetings

I have a meeting swiftly approaching.

It’s one of those small but essential meetings where the what’s, why’s, and how’s of a thing need to be discussed and understood by decision-makers across organizations.

More importantly, it’s one of those meetings where I’m aware that my knowledge and expertise will be relied on to help guide decision-making. Succinctly, a meeting in which I serve as an “expert.”

Now, I’m no stranger to these types of get-togethers, but I’d be a bald-faced lie if I said that they did not often stir up emotions I’m not too fond of, like, self-doubt, impostor syndrome, and the sneaking suspicion that I’ll say something that makes me look like a freaking idiot.

For better or worse. The meeting is happening, and I have to be there in my best form–as an “expert.”

So, what to do about these feelings?

Well, I’d like to share a few thoughts and strategies I have going into these types of situations. These strategies help me to be confident and comfortable serving as an expert.

It’s Not About You

In business, like most things in social life, it’s easy to become absorbed in how our peers perceive us. We all want to be respected and admired. It’s human nature.

At times, this desire to satisfy others makes us hesitant or overzealous in expressing our thoughts and concerns.

Fearful of saying something that could compromise our appearance as an expert, we restrain ourselves, but in doing so, we risk losing valuable insights that could’ve come about in discussion. Fearful of not adding any value to the conversation, we may state the obvious or the irrelevant and waste time.

That’s why this is one of the most critical points. Get your ego out of the way.

If you have a question, ask it. Others probably have the same question. If you have a relevant idea, share it, it could help guide the discussion. If you don’t know something, that’s okay–own it. And most importantly remember this.

At the end of the day, we’re all human, we’re all professionals, and we’re all just doing our best to get the job done–don’t be too hard on yourself.

Prepare Yourself

If you are an expert in your domain and lending your expertise to something related, but ultimately that is new to you, don’t shy away from research.

The research will give you a better understanding of the subject matter. And at the very least, it will provide you the ability to ask thoughtful questions that can add value to the conversation.

Proper preparation makes proper performance.

Be Present

The meeting has started and it’s in full gear now.

Ideas are flowing, objectives are being established, and someone’s sharing their great idea: “…Yeah and I think that will be a great strategy going into Q4, we could really deliver value to our end users by doing womp wa-womp wa-wah womp wa-womp wa-wah…”

We’ve all been there. You’re physically or conference-video-ally present, but mentally your drifting like a Tokyo street racer.

Now this isn’t that big of a deal if you’re a passive observer in the meeting. However, when you’re assigned the role of an expert, it is vital to stay focused.

In situations like this, people are relying on your thoughtful consideration of different strategies and approaches and if you are not fully engaged you risk placing yourself and everyone involved at a disadvantage.

There are few things more disturbing than a question like: “So, what are your thoughts on how long this will take to implement [ your name ]..?” when you’re in the middle of thinking about how long it’s going to take Elon Musk to get to Mars.

Keep your head in the game, be present. Meetings aren’t that long ( usually ).

Lastly…

You Are Were Chosen As An Expert For A Reason

You are not in the position you’re in by chance.

You have demonstrated your ability to think quickly, communicate effectively, and solve problems. People have recognized that and trust you to be you! So have confidence in yourself and your abilities, show up and do you.

In Closing

These are just a few thoughts I have going into a meeting where my knowledge and experience will help guide decision making. Leave your ego at the door, be present, and be confident.

But hey, I’m pretty early on in my career and I know I have a lot to learn. I would love to hear some of your experiences or advice regarding serving as an expert below!