Isn’t That Special?

Well Isn’t That Special?

Back in my racing days I rode a bike with the brand name ‘Specialized’. It was a great bike and I felt like it gave me something of an edge. It was custom fitted to me and was a joy to ride. The notion of ‘specialized’ being a virtue didn’t occur to me. I never gave much thought to why the company was called Specialized.

I guess because they dealt mostly with the triathlon community or maybe you were somehow supposed to feel special riding it. But the company sure did specialize in making a good quality bike.

This past week for my Franklin makeover I chose the virtue of ‘Specialized Knowledge’. As has been the case with all of the other elements of this exercise; this virtue is a very real and relevant part of day to day life. Quantifying it is profound. Even in small ways that when not paying attention to it can get lost in the sauce.

A perfect example of this became evident in my work with a student group called the Student Health Advisory Committee where I serve as the academic advisor. Generally speaking when dealing with students, they look to me as the source of specialized knowledge and that makes sense.

However in a situation like with this student group; there is no way that we could accomplish what we do and have the level of impact that we do without the specialized knowledge of the kids in the group.

An example of this is how they have been able to develop a digital presence strategy that reaches the student body in an impactful way and increases interest in the club and the mission. I am no more capable of doing what they did than the man in the moon!

Another example is at a recent tabling event to promote the club. Historically at such events I would man the table with a couple of students and engage passers by in conversation in order to increase awareness and interest in the club.

At this particular event one of the students started break dancing which drew a huge crowd. After he finished he directed people to the table and as a result the size of the club doubled. I was amazed.

I am observing specialized knowledge as I sit here writing this blog. I have an electrician installing some lights. This is an area where I learned the hard way to rely on the professionals to do certain jobs. Years ago I wanted to replace a light fixture in my house and being the cheap person that I am said to myself; “how hard can it be”.

That was before the days of Youtube so I was on my own to figure it out. I did think to turn off the power to the light however I quickly learned as I was taking down the old fixture that I had turned off the wrong breaker.

The jolt knocked me off the ladder and I landed on my shoulder which resulted in a torn labrum. That was when I became painfully aware of the importance of tapping into the specialized knowledge of others in certain situations.

The more I pay attention to the amount of specialized knowledge of others in my life; the longer the endless list becomes. For that; I am hugely grateful and will continue to pay attention as it enhances the quality of my life.

See more about what I have learned in my Master Key Experience by clicking here.