Truly, impactful leaders know what they bring to the table that’s distinctive. And, according to Proverbs 19.8, often that’s expertise in the form of insight. Thus, impactful leaders have focused expertise.
What’s Focused Expertise?
What are you really good at?
And, as a leader, what sets you apart from others?
Basically, the answer is often in terms of a distinctive competency. Or, the highest point of contribution for a leader.
However, I like the term focused expertise because of how it directs me.
As a leader, I deliberately build expertise in a specific area. Then, I deliberately choose to focus on that expertise.
Why so? Well, as insightful leaders move through their career they develop a breadth of skills because of the different situations the leader faces.
In order to be impactful, leaders cannot be a mile wide and an inch deep!
Additionally, insightful leaders surround themselves with team members who complement the leader and the other team members.
Hence, the concept of “good fit” for the leadership team.
That said, the leader should also be building a distinctive style – a focused expertise – that differentiates him or her from others.
Why? Because focused expertise enhances both the leader’s contribution and his/her credibility.
Thus, to truly add the greatest value possible, leaders must recognize where they should focus if they’re to contribute at their highest level.
Truly, impactful leaders have focused expertise.
Getting Focused Expertise
How do I get there? In other words, what practices help a leader develop focused expertise?
Here are some suggestions from Solomon:
1). Develop a growth mindset by being a continual learner! For examples, read Proverbs 4.5, 3.1-3, 6.20-21, and 7.1-4.
As such, I believe I can grow. Plus, I’m willing to expend the effort to grow because I see the benefits of growth!
As I’m intentional about growth, I’ll develop greater self-awareness, Proverbs 14.8. Then, that self-awareness helps me better understand my area of focused expertise.
2). Be intentional about forming experiential insights. For instance, see Proverbs 2.1-4.
In addition, Proverbs 19.8 speaks of the interplay between a sound character and experiential insight. Apparently, they feed off one another!
A growth mindset fuels a discerning character, which collects experiential insights. In turn, those insights guide a leader’s decision processes.
3). Appreciate the uncontrollable, Ecclesiastes 9.11.
Why? Because no matter how fast, strong, wise, discerning, or knowledgeable I am, some things are simply out of my control!
The fastest, strongest, wisest, most discerning, or most skilled don’t always win because some things are uncontrollable! Ecclesiastes 9.11 paraphrase
So, deal with it!
As it turns out, this observation really attacks our arrogance and overconfidence. Similarly, it forces us to realize that we really cannot control everything all the time!
Please note, I’m not downplaying the value of contingency planning. However, I’m pointing out what should be obvious – at times, you don’t know what you don’t know!
Leadership Insight
Recognizing that some things are uncontrollable drives leaders to the need for balance. Most specifically, a balance between knowing and doing.
Balance is a key concept in the early chapters of Proverbs. For example, see Proverbs 3.1-4 and Proverbs 4.1-4.
You must know what’s required but balance it with a precept-driven character. Proverbs 3.1 paraphrase
In both places we read about the need for a balance between the law – the torah, and the precepts – the mitsvah.
These observations in the Proverbs are about as applied as you’ll get because Proverbs 3.2 and Proverbs 3.4 list benefits from a precept-driven life.
Thus, we must balance knowing what’s required, plus practical and merciful doing. Hence, sacrifice and mercy. See, for example, Matthew 9.13, which quotes Hosea 6.6.
Don’t miss the emphasis on a merciful character.
Apply This Today!
As expected, a balance between knowing and doing is a critical concept for a leader.
Also, focused expertise – the knowing – is of greatly reduced value without the balance of merciful and compassionate doing.
And, that merciful doing is what’s provided by a precept-driven life!
In short, impactful leaders have focused expertise. But, they thoughtfully balance that focused expertise with merciful and compassionate actions.
Be that leader!
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