When ocean going ships enter closer to ports they normally take onboard a pilot.
The pilot has expert knowledge of the area where they will be directing the quartermaster, Officer of the watch and even the ship’s Captain on courses and speeds in various areas of a channel or seaway.
The pilot may have never steered this type of ship – ever.
The pilot may have never climbed aboard this type of ship – ever.
With a few quick orders to the helmsman and adjustments to the speed at early stages of their entry to the wheelhouse they are able to determine how the ship will handle.
This is from their vast experience in their area of expertise.
How to navigate this specific area safely. This all takes place in the wheelhouse. Where the pilot is now giving the headings to steer and the engine control orders necessary for anywhere from a few hours to many hours.
If you ever said this phrase or heard it before can I have an AMEN!
For instance in one case: The head of IT speaking to one of the top experts in cybersecurity in the USA as they met to discuss the needs of their large public company. “Well we really want someone to come in here that knows our business.” Really?
Let me ask you this question – it’s not a stumper, in fact it’s more of an IQ test.
If you needed some expert carpentry done in your home… Some custom work… Do you need the carpenter to know all about your house? Do you ask to see the toolbox and go through each of the tools? OR do you call the person who has been highly recommended by people you trust and you may have even seen some of the work done in the past.
Why is there this view that a contracted consultant has to have either your industry knowledge or your specific company knowledge?
Especially if you are bringing in an expert in Executive Coaching, as an example. It would seem to be much more valuable to have a person with a wide range of experience. Through the engagement process a wider range of thinking will take place. This might be the start of testing new ideas and breaking out of old habits of doing things because that’s how we’ve always done them.
What do you think?
Does an expert in a field you need guidance and assistance in, have to have knowledge of your specific industry?
Mitch Tublin is the CEO and Founder of Wenkroy International LLC a boutique consulting company with a main focus on adding value to people. Through Speaking, Training and Coaching we change lives. Our passion is to take people to the next level in their life and in their career or business.
