As we embark on a new year I decided to take a look back at my career within I.T. trying to figure out what was the turning point.  When did it go from a job to a career?  What advice could I give to others?  After thinking about this for a couple days I realized that everything changed when I started to care more about what I learned than the paycheck, and that moment for me was about 15 years ago. 

I was working at the time for what could be called an I.T. sweatshop with 70+ hour weeks and all I cared about was getting the next paycheck and paying my bills.  Days were long and I wasn’t learning anything new just plugging along, writing code and it was time to start looking for a new job.  About two weeks later I had a new job offer, but it was a decrease in pay, and with a young family at home I had a lot to think about.  Time to make the tough decision of money or the opportunity to learn more, and I chose to learn more.  At the time it seemed like a small step but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made and would also make the same decision again about 10 years later.

Right now also happens to be the time at I.Predictus when we are setting the goals for a new year and this years theme is appropriately, Play It Up.  As a leader of an organization there are many things your constantly worrying about,  but the most important to me is how do I set a good example for my team and how do I keep my team focused and energized.

So how does all of this have anything to do with being an Expert? and what the heck is an Ehhpert?

An ehhpert is the person that is always every questions with:

• Ehhh let me think about it.
• Ehhh I’m not sure
• Ehhh I don’t know

If this is you then stop doing it immediately and make today be the day that you become an expert.

Becoming an Expert and Playing It Up go hand in hand and this is what I am challenging my entire team to do this year. Additionally, I encourage everyone to also challenge themselves or your teams to do the same.  Surrounding yourself with intelligent people raises everyone up another level and causes a greater accountability with peers and a little healthy competition.

How do you become an expert?

• Find a lane and don’t stop learning
• Don’t spread yourself thin in multiple areas
• Be confident and come across with conviction
• Help your team and teach them what you know
• Let everyone know you’re an expert
  • Blog
  • Present
  • Speak