PERCEIVED OMNIPOTENCE

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Author Message Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1170 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Wednesday, April 07, 2010 - 07:12 am:    100407 PERCEIVED OMNIPOTENCE by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Cincinnati, OH Too slightly update one of the more prevalent definitions [original by Will Rodgers] an “expert” is “someone who is at least 50 miles from home, with a laptop”-- as if pure distance removed provides one with all-knowing information on a topic! In the classic dictionary definition, an “expert” is, “one with the special skill or knowledge representing mastery of a particular subject.” While mastery here alludes to a high level of accomplishment, it is notable that it does not mention omnipotence! But, evidently, one can achieve mastery but fall short of omnipotence! A victory for us all-- especially as specifications writers. In a more slang version, we can know an awful lot, but not everything-- and if we are smart we can and should act just that way! So if we “got it”, we are best advised to use it well-- judiciously, in helpful ways and not in a flaunting manner. It is an achievement not an award or honor, much less any sort of license! The problem is, though, that perhaps by our own hand, demeanor and approach there is a rather widely held perception that we are, indeed, omnipotent-- all-knowing in all things related to specifications. This extends to all types, all contexts, all project circumstances, all intricate legalities, and all possible situations addressable by specifications. In other words, if “it” has anything to do with specifications, we know all about it [or should!]. Hold on! Time out!!! All of our moccasins do not tread the same trail; we do not all follow the exact same professional route; we all are not involved in the same array of projects and their slew of nuances, quirks, unique problems and other divergent “happenings”. I would think it difficult and most errant for any one of us to think otherwise, despite years of doing the work and in creating new, innovative and pertinent approaches, programs and solutions. Yet, the aura of omnipotence lingers! Do we tend to ignore that as irrelevant and merely go about our business; or do we make any effort to provide better definitions, understanding, insight, and flexibility in ourselves and our work habits? Or do we “feed” the perception by use of cantankerousness and absolutism? Are we too aloof, remote, haughty and mysterious? Are we afraid of being found wanting due to our lack of omnipotence? To paraphrase the Great Mind, Pogo, ‘We has sought the enemy, and we is them!”. Do we do ourselves in or diminish the impression we make on our colleagues by being too close to default omnipotence in demeanor and in working relationships? Do we tend to solve things “our way” [i.e., the only way], or do we allow for such relatively minor and temporary deviations to address project requirements that are not easy fits? In fact, do we quibble and diss each other for utilizing such insight and skill seated in established standards, when we address the peculiarities of our projects, operating procedures, or practice? Are we so emphatic and strident in expression that we suppress any response, question or contradiction? Do we decry “other ways” in resolving issues? Is there a way for us all to test out to a single, creditable level despite our varied backgrounds? And perhaps most importantly, have we allowed our organizations to take on the same public face-- that of omnipotence? Have we held back, become cloistered, narrowed our purview, ignored viable opportunities, failed to reach out to assist others and to attract still others to our membership and related programs like certification, education, etc.? Have we “settled in” and not tapped the very expertise we have that is of distinct and true value to others, in our industry overall? Can we-- more importantly, should we-- be better; open ourselves to new ventures; become a remade organization with re-directed members whose changed attitudes open the doors to new and perhaps startling results for everyone involved? First, we need to give up any semblance of perceived omnipotence and re-fashion ourselves as open, approachable, willing, cooperative, flexible, masterful [not omnipotent] and helpful within every ounce of our expertise. Quiet mastery, well used and offered begets its own many rewards of satisfaction, job well done, and pride in self! To say nothing of what others may see in this effort [and unfortunately leave unspoken]