Where are the Experts?

After being a member of this "Community" for a number of months and adding a good number of friends (49 !!!.... I didn't know I was so well liked !?!?), I am surprised by the popular response to the profile question: Areas of Expertise.

Some members will respond with such creative answers such as: "Under Construction", "Underway", "Still learning" or "I am no expert" ! Still other members will just leave it blank.

I believe some of these members are selling themselves short, as a matter of fact.....I know they are.

Now, I don't want anyone to think I am so naive that I don't know this is due to the extreme level of modesty that runs rampant through our profession, "I'm no hero ma'am......just doin' my job. Here's your babies, I found them under the bed, above the fire room just before the floor caved in."

Should we even call it a "profession" for fear of being called a "pro"?

I don't think so.....

I'm sure there is a slight fear of retribution which has been programmed into our psyche since rookie school, knowing full well that just when we think we are beginning to get a grasp on this job and what is expected of us, someone comes along with a question we just can't answer on the spot. "You're no EXPERT!!"

I'm not, in any way, advocating tooting ones own horn. However, I don't think anyone should have a bio on their page that is longer than a baby's arm, provide training on every topic under the sun and still maintain they are "no expert on any subject". Not being an expert, yet providing training is somewhat counterintuitive.


Definition,

Expertise:
[ek-sper-teez]
–noun

1.	expert skill or knowledge; expertness; know-how: business expertise.

Thesaurus entry,

Ability: Natural or acquired facility in a specific activity.




In the completion of your day to day duties, do you inform the citizens that you are "no expert" at extinguishing fires, pre-hospital emergency care, detecting carbon monoxide, delivering fire prevention messages, etc......?

Do you tell the rookie that you are no expert at washing dishes or vehicles, moping floors and breaking windows?

NO........Why?

Because these people will, sooner or later, look to you for your "EXPERTISE"!!

Many of the people that are members on this site are experts, that's why we're here; to share expert knowledge and expert skills. I can tell you that if I have a question about my profession, I'll most likely consult the experts here.

So if you are still uncomfortable claiming expertise, therefore ability, in your chosen profession....... find something else to claim. Become an expert at eating or wearing tight old shirts.

I, for one, am an expert at socializing with other Firefighters (my wife has pointed this out on numerous occasions) and I'm pretty good with a television remote control. (for the humor challenged, I was joking.)

I am proud of the abilities and skills that I have acquired over the years, and I am confident in yours.

Don't sell yourself short