The Expert In The Room

I don't know about you, but I have spent a lot of time and effort trying to be the expert at something. I have multiple degrees, various years - decades even - of experience to back up my academic training, and travels across the continent leading groups of people through days of training to help them do what they do more effectively. But I know the truth is that this "expert thing" is highly overrated. And, in this rapidly changing, it seems impossible to achieve. So I was struck the other day as I read an article about James McBrides' new book Song Yet Sung.

McBride is a jazz saxophonist who, to his delight, has a photo of himself with one of his idols, the renowned musician, James Moody. Mc Bride met Mr. Moody when he was 15 at a New York bus stop. McBride had the presence of mind, when he saw him, to ask, "Is that you, Mr. Moody?"

"That's me kid," Moody replied.

McBride then went on to ask Mr. Moody what it felt like to be "master of an instrument." McBride writes: "He looked at me like I was crazy. He tried to explain that he wasn't the master of anything."

This encounter left a profound mark on McBride's life. Today, this accomplished musician, author, and screenplay writer of a soon to be released movie based on his new book (which is being directed by Spike Lee), says he doesn't feel like the master of anything, either. "I'm just a student," he says.

Just a student: These are profound words for people who lead in today's world. If we come together as students we can more easily learn from each other. We can build on one another's strengths. We can lead, knowing we are not alone but, rather, one of many.

I think there is a reason Jesus sent people out to do ministry in twos. You can learn from each other. No one person has to have all the answers.

At A.R.E. we believe in the power of participative processes, knowing that we are never the only experts in the room and trusting that, no matter where we find ourselves, there will be thoughts that we have never envisioned; dreams yet to be dreamt; gifts yet to be put to use; songs yet to be sung.

Dare to be a student. And no matter how much you might already know or how many degrees you have or how much of an "expert" you are, expect to learn something from and with those you are called to lead.

Comments

[Don McClure]

And the teacher always learns more that the student! That's why I LOVE to teach. The best way to become a better "expert" is to teach often, and (by paying attention to those around you, you will thus set yourself up) to learn often.