9th March 2023: In tough economic times it is our company experts who feel the strain the most. Married to their jobs with a deep understanding and technical knowledge of their discipline, they have been an ever-presence in the story of every company.
While economies boom or bust, and companies rise or fall, it is our subject matter experts that are the common denominator in every big business win. Literally and philosophically their fortunes are aligned with the fortunes of the business.
Within today’s complex business landscape, it’s not uncommon for experts to be undervalued and underappreciated in their respective positions, leading to a reduction in their capacity to make a significant impact on their organization. However, experts are not limited to a particular type of role or industry and can be found across a diverse range of businesses, depending on the organization’s size, focus, and requirements. While industries such as software development, medicine, and consulting may readily recognize and utilize subject matter experts, those experts outside of traditional definitions are often the most overlooked and underutilized. As such, it’s crucial for companies to recognize the value that experts can bring to the table and to ensure that they are given ample opportunities to utilize their unique skill sets to achieve meaningful results.
With their contribution often minimized with a turn of phrase like part-of-the-furniture or permanent-fixture, it is easy to understand why our company experts might be feeling unappreciated or disengaged with limited career mobility.
The Great Resignation has been characterized by employees voluntarily leaving their jobs en masse, a trend that began in early 2021 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons behind the mass exodus of workers are varied, ranging from stagnant wages in the face of rising living costs to an absence of opportunities for career progression, and from unwelcoming work environments to a lack of benefits, inflexible remote work policies, and job dissatisfaction. In truth, experts want to make an impact and they can feel held back when it comes to using their full arsenal of skills and talents.
Recognizing and leveraging the expertise of employees can have a profound impact on a company’s success. By acknowledging the pivotal role that experts play in creating value for the organization, a company can revamp its strategic vision and gain a competitive advantage. Experts possess a unique set of skills and knowledge that can be harnessed to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. Fostering a culture that values and utilizes the expertise of employees can create a more dynamic and resilient organization that is better equipped to navigate the challenges of today’s business landscape.
Ultimately, recognizing and leveraging experts is an essential component of any organization’s long-term success.
