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You’re not an expert until you can explain what you’re doing in public.

7 years ago
communication, expertise, knowledge, presenting
4 Comments

No matter how good you think you are at something, you’re not really that good until:

  • You can explain it in clear, concise terms
  • Someone else reviews your work and agrees
  • Someone reviews your work, disagrees, and you’re able to explain why you do what you do

I’m not saying everyone will agree with an expert’s work, but an expert is able to hear the reviewer’s point of view, understand it, and explain why the two people are coming to different conclusions.

Public communication isn’t necessarily the first step to becoming an expert, but it’s one of the required steps, and it’s not going away. When you’ve mastered the technical side of what you do, it’s time to start working on the communication side.

communication, expertise, knowledge, presenting
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4 Comments. Leave new

  • buckwoody
    September 22, 2015 8:31 am

    I’m not always allowed in public. But when I am, I agree wholeheartedly. 🙂

    Reply
  • pshore73
    September 22, 2015 8:39 am

    I agree, until you can teach something to someone else you cannot be considered an expert. The key to your last bullet is not being able to explain when questioned, but having the confidence in yourself/you knowledge to not feel attacked by the question(s)

    Reply
  • jgkiraniran
    September 22, 2015 11:57 pm

    Excellent Brent, “you’re able to explain why you do what you do” , this is what I did after my first change rejection in three years at my current company . Thank you for motivating the SQL community with your expert guidance.

    Reply
    • Brent
      September 25, 2015 10:56 am

      You’re welcome, glad I could help!

      Reply

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Hi. I’m Brent.

That's me, Brent.

I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. I'm on an epic life quest to have fun and make a difference.

I co-founded Brent Ozar Unlimited to help make your SQL Server go faster. I also maintain sp_Blitz® and the open source First Responder Kit repo.

My current car collection includes a Jaguar XKR-S, Porsche 944 Turbo, Porsche 356 Speedster replica, and a Ferrari 328 GTS.

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