quantmleap

When I started my professional life in the mid 80′s it seemed to be relatively easy to distinguish between those who knew what they are talking about and those who did not. Given that the world was much smaller than (metaphorically speaking), the sphere of influence of most professionals was very much localised and therefore one’s credentials were very much dependent on one’s ability to demonstrate actual capabilities and tangible experience.

While information was far less distributed than it is today the road to professional proficiency was made easier through apprentice like process. I have gained substantial level of knowledge and experience through the support and guide of people far more experienced than me, either through the opportunities I had to observe and follow their conduct or through direct feedback and advice.

As we moved into the new millenia obvious changes have started taking place. Globalization, and more importantly – global certification has meant that professional credibility has become a global commodity.  The popularization of global certifications like the PMP and PRINCE2 has meant that the perception of professional proficiency has turned into somewhat a virtual reality.

Clearly we all look at substance when evaluating people’s capability. This has always been and always will be the case. But with the global certification comes the ability to introduce superficiality not previously possible. We all know of work colleagues with a respectable certification who have little or no supporting experience. The certification provides an ability to project authority where one does not necessarily exist and with it the perception that the one holding it has the experience to back it up.

And then came blogger, WordPress and twitter and the ability to inflate perceptions increased exponentially. The propulsion of Social Media coupled with the 21st century’s disposition for attention disorder deficit leaves the knowledge seeker with a real predicament. How do you know whether or not the piece of advice given in that blog or referenced to in that twitt are of any value? Giving advice is cheap and its value is diminishing the more ‘experts’ are out there selling their wisdom to the unsuspecting reader.

This is a genuine and serious predicament. I’ve been swimming in this pond for a while now and have come, through experimentation and experience, to recognize the good the bad and the ugly. Superficiality is prevalent and shallow discourse (my writing notwithstanding) is rather the norm and not the exception.

So as a reader looking for substance and serious discussions you’ll have to do your own home work. I’ve got my favourite list and when time permits I will outline them here. Look for serious, practical and actionable advice. If you are the contemplative and thinking type, look for writers who challenge the conventional wisdom, outlining new ways of looking at reality and suggesting unorthodox, unique and inspiring ideas.

But most importantly – make your own contribution by commenting, suggesting and promoting your own ideas and life experiences.

Think about it.

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