Are you settling for “competence” when you can be a “master”?
A recent comment from someone wanting “more specific information” reminded me of a similar comment I had made several years ago. It reminded me of the difference between competence and mastery:
My coach had given me a practice to build my network.
And I remember being really disappointed, and saying to her, “But I do all of this already! Can’t you give me something more advanced?”
And my coach said, “Sri, there’s a difference between competence and mastery.”
I stopped in my tracks.
I realized then that I was doing all the “right” things to build and cultivate my network. I was competent.
But I wasn’t a “master” at it, because I was just going through the motions. My actions lacked heart and soul.
When you listen to a “master” musician and a “competent” musician perform, you hear a difference.
What’s the difference? There’s emotion in one and not the other.
What’s my point?
If you’re a beginner (in business networking or anything else), specific and directed information is useful. Step-by-step “how-to” instructions help you get started.
You learn specific skills, and you become competent.
In order to master these skills, you use the same information.
The information doesn’t change; you do.
The difference is that instead of following specific instructions verbatim, you now begin to interpret the information and adapt it to your situation. You make it your own.
So what about you?
When it comes to networking and building relationships, are you striving for mastery? Or settling for competence?
