HBR IdeaCast Avoiding the Expertise Trap
Apr 16, 2019
Sydney Finkelstein, a professor at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, explores the pitfalls of being overly confident in one’s expertise. He argues that such confidence can hinder adaptability and decision-making in a fast-changing world. Finkelstein emphasizes the importance of maintaining curiosity, seeking diverse perspectives, and being open to feedback. He illustrates how effective leaders balance technical knowledge with continuous learning and collaboration, highlighting that even experts must navigate the intricacies of evolving industries.
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Downsides of Expertise
- Expertise can hinder curiosity about new developments.
- Overconfidence can also stem from expertise, limiting professional success.
Expertise Trap
- Expertise can lead to learning the wrong lessons from experience, misapplying knowledge.
- Focusing too much on one area can cause you to miss other important developments.
Recognizing and Addressing Expertise Trap
- Seek feedback from others and look for new information sources.
- Imagine your expertise becoming less valuable and plan accordingly.