How to Build Expert Power

Transcript

Presenter: Welcome to Mind Tools' video learning series.

Who do you really admire in your industry? Chances are, you'll pick someone who really knows what they're talking about.

These people gain our respect because they have what's called "expert power."

Building expertise takes time. But experience alone doesn't always equal expertise.

In fact, anyone can have expert power. The key is having knowledge that other people want or need – and being known for it!

So, how do you go about building expert power?

First of all, promote an image of expertise.

Your actions speak louder than words, so back up your accomplishments and education by demonstrating your knowledge. For example, you could offer to mentor a co-worker or publish a blog on social media.

Do this well, and you'll build a reputation for yourself as an expert – just be careful not to brag.

Secondly, maintain your credibility.

Remember, reputations are easy to lose. So avoid making careless comments about topics you don't understand, for example, or getting involved in risky projects.

The third step is to act with confidence and decisiveness.

When a crisis hits, your peers will look for a strong, steady and confident leader who can offer expert knowledge.

So, even if you're unsure of the best way forward, try to act decisively and diligently, and avoid giving in to anxiety or stress. Planning ahead for a crisis can also help here.

Next, preserve your expertise by staying informed.

Build a professional network, attend conferences, and read industry news to keep up-to-date with the latest thinking.

It's also important to recognize other people's contributions and concerns. They might have something new to offer which could help you to expand your knowledge.

Try holding informal brainstorming sessions or arrange discussion groups with your team to explore new ideas or theories.

Finally, avoid threatening other people's self-esteem.

Instead of showing off your knowledge, use it tactfully to help your team members' development. The more knowledge you share, the more your professional value will grow.

To learn more about building expert power, read the article that accompanies this video.