Becoming expert (adjective) is different than becoming an expert (noun).
The former implies a willingness to embrace a developmental journey focused on enhancing one’s experience, knowledge, skill, adroitness. The latter evokes a desire to seek a position or standing among others. Becoming an expert is an end result in which one is viewed as a master, an authority, one with all the answers.
Becoming expert is a noble quest that never ends. And more advancement professionals should focus themselves here.
Becoming an expert is a more self-centered ambition. And too many advancement professionals strive for this fool’s gold.
If you want to have more influence – with donors, with colleagues, with team members – far better to work on becoming expert than striving to be one.
