Today it is easy to find experts in any given subject. Yet so many of us hesitate to share our knowledge for fear of not being considered “experts” in that area. We often overlook the fact that “expertise” isn’t the sole prerequisite for effectively sharing knowledge. Sometimes, being just a few steps ahead of someone can make you the perfect teacher.
Imagine this scenario: You’re passionate about a subject, and you’ve spent considerable time learning about it. You might not consider yourself an expert, but you have valuable insights and information to offer. However, the thought of sharing your knowledge with others makes you hesitant because you believe you’re not at an expert level.
Here’s the thing: Having a high level of expertise doesn’t guarantee effective teaching. Sometimes, being too advanced in knowledge can impede the learning journey for others. Immersed in a subject, one may overlook the challenges faced by beginners. What appears simple to an expert might be entirely unfamiliar to a novice.
This is where the concept of being “only 2 or 3 steps ahead” becomes invaluable.
When you’re slightly ahead of the person you’re teaching, you’re better equipped to understand their perspective and anticipate their questions and struggles. You remember what it was like to grasp those foundational concepts, making it easier to explain them in a way that resonates with beginners.
Think about it like climbing a staircase. If you’re at the top (the expert level) and someone is at the bottom (a novice), the gap between you is vast. It’s like trying to leap from one end of a canyon to the other. But if you’re just a few steps ahead on the stairs, the leap becomes much more manageable and you can offer them a helping hand, guiding them through each step until they reach the same level you’re at.
Moreover, being slightly ahead allows you to relate to your audience on a more personal level. Naturally, you are more approachable, more relatable, and less intimidating than an expert — if the expert is even within your reach. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and trust, creating an environment where learning flourishes.
It’s important to acknowledge that expertise is a spectrum, not a binary state.
Even the most seasoned professionals are constantly learning and evolving in their fields. By embracing the idea that you don’t have to be an expert to share knowledge, you open yourself up to endless opportunities for growth and collaboration.
So, the next time you hesitate to share your knowledge because you don’t consider yourself an expert, remember this: your insights, experiences, and perspectives are valuable regardless of your level of expertise.
Embrace your role as a guide, mentor, or teacher, and don’t underestimate the power of being just a few steps ahead. After all, sometimes it’s those small steps that make the biggest difference in someone else’s journey of learning and discovery.
