Our world is brimming with advice and advice givers. From the best books to read, the hottest stocks to buy, to the most effective weight loss strategies, everyone seems to have a suggestion. But here’s the catch – the question of credibility is paramount. It’s not just about what is being recommended, but who is doing the recommending.
Expertise matters. In an age where information is as abundant as it is accessible, the real challenge lies not in finding advice, but in finding advice worth following. “Though leadership” has become an overused bromide, and rather than bestowed by others (as it should be), it is often made by the supposed “thought leader” as a self-aggrandizing claim.
Consider the difference between a friend recommending a stock based on a hunch and a seasoned financial analyst with years of successful investing under their belt. Or the difference between a celebrity-endorsed diet plan and one created by a registered dietitian. The weight of their expertise—or lack thereof—significantly affects the value of their advice.
Beware the enticing invite from an unknown source. Learn to discern the credible from the questionable. Look for evidence of their expertise: certifications, publications and actual successes. Nassim Taleb said the best way to find a financial advisor is to learn if they’ve invested in what they’re recommending, i.e. they have skin in the game.
Good advice comes from good advisors. Anyone can offer information, but only the credible can offer information that is relevant, applicable and beneficial.
Seek out those who really know, not those who think they know In a world eager to offer advice, the expertise of the advice giver is essential.
Mark Sanborn is motivational keynote speaker and Leadership Expert in Residence at High Point University, the Premier Life Skills University. His presentations help the best leaders get better and inspire listeners to choose to be extraordinary. For more information about his work, visit www.marksanborn.com.
