How Can You Play The Expert?

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How Can You Play The Expert?

 During the 1960's, the famous Milgram Experiments demonstrated that orginary people can be driven to torrue someone if they believe that the person instructing them is an expert. Other than the white lab coat and professional appearance of the expert directing participants in the Milgram Experiments, it was his confidence and the certainty he expressed whilst explaining the situation to the teacher that created the 'expert' role. In this instance, the 'expert' was an actor playing a professor, who was pretending to conduct a study on the psychology of learning.

 If the professor appeared to know his stuff when it comes to the psychology of learning, but showed uncertainty about the specific experiment they were participating at the time, the effect would have been different. The point here is not just to show confidence in your expertise, but to show confidence in the specific expertise that the client wants you to show confidence in.

 The Right Expertise 

 The 'expert effect' can be very powerful, but only if applied correctly. Consider it this way; would you rather an oncologist who knows all about the causes of cancer, or one who knows all about treating cancer? Even then, would you prefer one who knows about treating cancer in general, or one that knows specifically about the treatment you'll be receiving? The answer might sound obvious, but it's a common mistake among tutors and teachers trying to play the role of expert.

 So to play the expert right, you first need to spend a moment asking - what is it that, in each specific circumstance, does the client want to feel comforted in knowing that I have expertise about?

 Imagine what kind of expertise a mother with a 13 year old son struggling to find any interest in his year 8 maths homework, is looking for in a maths tutor. You might be doing a PhD in quantum physics. You might have won a Nobel Prize for developing a new mathematical theory. Guess what; she doesn't care. This mother just wants to know that you have an expert understanding about year 8 maths, how her son learns best, and how to motivate her son to feel more confident in understanding his homework. These are her hurdles, and these are her uncertainties. These are the things she is uncertain about. These are therefore the things that she will be looking towards you for certainty, confidence and expertise.

 Whilst the same is true of all subject areas, maths is actually the most common area where this becomes problematic. The most common feedback we receive about maths teachers in general, is that whilst the teachers have a strong understanding about mathematics, their understanding about how to TEACH maths is the hurdle causing their problems. The specific expertise the client wants you to have is in knowing how to solve their problems. Their problems are not centred around mathematical equations. They're centred around human beings. In fact, feeling like 'just another number' is part of the reason for the family's frustrations to begin with. Maths minded people who are used to thinking about the world quantitatively - please take note!

 As for English and Primary Teachers who are sitting there grinning and nodding your heads as you think about number-minded people, it is still important for you, who ever you are and whatever you teach, to consider the following question; what does the client want to see in my role as an expert? The more you think about that, the more you'll be able to deliver it. The more you can deliver the right expertise, the more positive change you can facilitate in the clients lives.

 How To Demonstrate Your Expertise

 How to demonstrate expertise in these areas will require two three things of you.

 Have you ever been treated by a medical specialist who, despite being confident and expert, looks down their nose at you as if you are just a worthless pleb getting in the way of their next round of golf?

 This is actually very common among people who desire to fit the role of the expert personality. Many people actually seek out careers where they can play an expert role so that they can feel important. Whilst it is all very well to have people look up to you, you have achieved very little unless you can make those people feel that you are looking up to them as well.

 Have the right mindset prepared, know how to show confidence in the specific areas someone wants your expertise in and establish a strong rapport with them, and you can lead just about anyone to do anything. Miss out on one or two of those three criteria (as most people do) and you will never achieve the full effect you were searching for.

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