A contribution mindset enables us to recognize our special skills as well as the unique expertise of those around us. It’s an understanding that our collective strengths and attributes can significantly impact our communities and workplaces.
When you think about the word expertise, what comes to mind? Can you easily list your areas of knowledge and expertise?
The Collins Dictionary defines expertise as the special skills acquired through training, study, or practice. It is crucial to remember however, that expertise should not be confined to academic credentials, formal training or professional titles. Expertise includes the knowledge gained through lived experiences, oral traditions, and cultural narratives. So when you think about your knowledge areas – think bigger. And when you think about the expertise of people in your community or at work – think bigger.
Utilizing a broader definition of expertise is becoming more common, the Canadian Council on Learning, the Canadian Journal of Education and Statistics Canada have all noted the importance of recognizing knowledge and skills acquired outside formal education, and encourages that value be placed on experiential learning, traditional practices, oral histories and insights gained through life experiences, volunteer work, and community engagement.
The need for diverse knowledge and perspectives is more critical than ever. As we navigate various challenges— social, economic and environmental —we must draw on a wide array of people to analyze, interpret, and innovate solutions. This is where leaning into your expertise becomes a powerful tool for promoting equity and inclusion. Equity and inclusion require participatory approaches that honour all voices. Leaning into your expertise, using your own power and privilege to challenge the status quo, and creating space for a diversity of voices to engage helps to dismantle longstanding barriers.
Chanel Grenaway & Associates Inc. is committed to helping leaders, staff teams and boards align with their anti-racism and inclusion goals through continuous learning and practice change. Do you need support to start or accelerate your equity practice and outcomes? Happy to hop on a call with you to see how I might help. Let’s chat.