Comments on: The Value of Specialized Knowledge http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-value-of-specialized-knowledge Sat, 23 Jul 2011 08:51:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Steve http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-718 Steve Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:22:17 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-718 Your article is inspiring and very educative. I now realise why it has taken me many years to get the job of my dream. It has kept me thinking of what unique value can I add to my organisation. Thanks Dan. Your article is inspiring and very educative. I now realise why it has taken me many years to get the job of my dream.

It has kept me thinking of what unique value can I add to my organisation.
Thanks Dan.

]]> By: Alen http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-547 Alen Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:15:22 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-547 ...and specialized knowledge doesnt just stop at a career path or trade. Specialized knowledge can also, i believe, revolve around the specialized creative element that supercedes the normal way of doing things. For example, the general mechanic at the regular garage will normally open your hood, most of the time 'guess' what might be wrong with the car and diagnose 'appropriately' depending on what he might think the problem is. But the specialized creative element in a different mechanic at the same garage will tell you, this job cant be done here, try elsewhere! Who do you think will be the first person on this guys mind when his car cranks again? So i believe that specialization in anything is probably not what you do that others cant do, but actually what you do that basically different from how others do that same thing you all do! Creative specialization is what sets apart the wheat from the chaff baba! …and specialized knowledge doesnt just stop at a career path or trade. Specialized knowledge can also, i believe, revolve around the specialized creative element that supercedes the normal way of doing things. For example, the general mechanic at the regular garage will normally open your hood, most of the time ‘guess’ what might be wrong with the car and diagnose ‘appropriately’ depending on what he might think the problem is. But the specialized creative element in a different mechanic at the same garage will tell you, this job cant be done here, try elsewhere! Who do you think will be the first person on this guys mind when his car cranks again?

So i believe that specialization in anything is probably not what you do that others cant do, but actually what you do that basically different from how others do that same thing you all do!

Creative specialization is what sets apart the wheat from the chaff baba!

]]> By: Mwangi http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-545 Mwangi Sun, 01 Mar 2009 11:10:06 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-545 Its interesting how you were able to go from a generic job description to a specialist earning just a bt more with a bit of creativity. Great article and maybe I should do the same thing and start out a flier campsign myself.......... Its interesting how you were able to go from a generic job description to a specialist earning just a bt more with a bit of creativity. Great article and maybe I should do the same thing and start out a flier campsign myself……….

]]> By: Daniel Ngari http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-523 Daniel Ngari Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:16:16 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-523 @ Sublimity - Good to have you back. Getting specialized knowledge alone will not guarantee success. It will just open more doors that would otherwise have remained closed. Specialized knowledge makes us more perceptive as to what areas are worthy investments of our time. Specialized knowledge is not a panacea but it goes a longer way than general knowledge. @ Sublimity – Good to have you back.

Getting specialized knowledge alone will not guarantee success. It will just open more doors that would otherwise have remained closed.

Specialized knowledge makes us more perceptive as to what areas are worthy investments of our time. Specialized knowledge is not a panacea but it goes a longer way than general knowledge.

]]> By: Sublimity http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-522 Sublimity Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:08:15 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-522 Dan - I appreciate your insights on self knowledge, but again question whether it’s as simple as that. I would imagine that there are other factors in play which would determine if knowledge, specialized or general is of any use. Like you, I have specialised knowledge but I refuse to buy the idea that "just having specialized knowledge is the thing". Let me use your story. What if you were not impressed by this guy and you never spoke with him? You saw an opportunity and you utilized it. That makes all the difference. What if the guy was an African with an attitude? Or he was too busy and could not have time for you? Possible, but it never happened. That was chance and circumstances. Do you have control of both? No. Only one. The point am trying to make is, it’s how we react to circumstances and opportunities that are presented to us – that determines our success. I appreciate and applaud your initiative, but I have met qualified software engineers and computer science graduates who could not get jobs despite their specialized knowledge. They may never had the opportunities or lacked the initiative, or both. Does specialized knowledge matter in that case? No. Sometimes when I meet fellow Africans in my business suits – and get to introduce myself (upon prompting), “My name is Sublimity and I work with company XYZ”, I see the amazement (just the same way you were amazed by the Nigerian guy). But a more serious issue is the lack of confidence and self esteem, and a feeling that “It is such a big deal having a professional job in Australia”. A face that tells me that this dude thinks he is destine to meagre immigrant jobs like caring. I do not give them money to buy books, but when I have time we chat – and a pattern has emerged. People have no idea what to do other than go to uni, get specialized knowledge and expect employers to employ them as though they have an obligation to. It is essential to have that knowledge – but that is the beginning of the story. Probably creating opportunities and chances to meet with real employers may help. Conducting yourself in a manner suggesting you are business like may help. Networking with peers and industry professionals may help. Smart job hunting may save the hustle of sending 400 job applications. Just my two cents. Dan –

I appreciate your insights on self knowledge, but again question whether it’s as simple as that. I would imagine that there are other factors in play which would determine if knowledge, specialized or general is of any use. Like you, I have specialised knowledge but I refuse to buy the idea that “just having specialized knowledge is the thing”.

Let me use your story. What if you were not impressed by this guy and you never spoke with him? You saw an opportunity and you utilized it. That makes all the difference. What if the guy was an African with an attitude? Or he was too busy and could not have time for you? Possible, but it never happened. That was chance and circumstances. Do you have control of both? No. Only one. The point am trying to make is, it’s how we react to circumstances and opportunities that are presented to us – that determines our success. I appreciate and applaud your initiative, but I have met qualified software engineers and computer science graduates who could not get jobs despite their specialized knowledge. They may never had the opportunities or lacked the initiative, or both. Does specialized knowledge matter in that case? No.

Sometimes when I meet fellow Africans in my business suits – and get to introduce myself (upon prompting), “My name is Sublimity and I work with company XYZ”, I see the amazement (just the same way you were amazed by the Nigerian guy). But a more serious issue is the lack of confidence and self esteem, and a feeling that “It is such a big deal having a professional job in Australia”. A face that tells me that this dude thinks he is destine to meagre immigrant jobs like caring. I do not give them money to buy books, but when I have time we chat – and a pattern has emerged. People have no idea what to do other than go to uni, get specialized knowledge and expect employers to employ them as though they have an obligation to. It is essential to have that knowledge – but that is the beginning of the story.

Probably creating opportunities and chances to meet with real employers may help. Conducting yourself in a manner suggesting you are business like may help. Networking with peers and industry professionals may help. Smart job hunting may save the hustle of sending 400 job applications.

Just my two cents.

]]> By: Paula http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-510 Paula Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:34:13 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-510 Knowledge cannot be bought... it is to be highly valued by all.. Be wiser than other people if you can, but do not tell them so'... Thank you for your very story Dan Knowledge cannot be bought… it is to be highly valued by all.. Be wiser than other people if you can, but do not tell them so’…
Thank you for your very story Dan

]]> By: m. mwangi http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-500 m. mwangi Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:20:00 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-500 yeah i agree too, i know must think of what it is that i could specialize in to make myself more marketable.....i love writing and i've been wondering what it is i need inorder to break into the mainstream media a sonly some of my articles have been published and frankly id send articles if only i knew where too( thats sounds really bad but i honestly don't know where to start, nay suggestions?).....this has definately given me something to think about though. thanx dann yeah i agree too, i know must think of what it is that i could specialize in to make myself more marketable…..i love writing and i’ve been wondering what it is i need inorder to break into the mainstream media a sonly some of my articles have been published and frankly id send articles if only i knew where too( thats sounds really bad but i honestly don’t know where to start, nay suggestions?)…..this has definately given me something to think about though. thanx dann

]]> By: Muthoka http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-498 Muthoka Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:50:48 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-498 Two years ago i met a computer programmer, who had set up a new company's IT systems. He designed in-house programmes and sourced for relevant software to increase the company's efficiency and cut down on costs. Come end of year, appraisals were done and he scooped a mark he greatly deserved. His hopes were shattered on receiving his payslip for that month, considering all the efforts and sacrifices he had put in for the company. He raised the issue with the management but they were reluctant in listening to his plea. He chose to resign, and to emphasize on the seriousness of the issue, he din't show up for a week. Meanwhile word got round in the industry and within no time he was given two lucrative offers. Two weeks later, his previous employer's IT system developed some complications. He was the only one who understood the codes for that programme. A time came when the pressure was unbearable, forcing the management not only to double his salary, but also increase his benefits. Being a good negotiator he asked for a week to consider their offer, mentioning he had received an offer from their main competitor. Their final offer was 2.5 times his previous salary. On reporting, there was a staff party to celebrate his come back.(What!) Talk about an MVP(most valued player). It kept me thinking, can my employer do without me, and how long would it take her to find a replacement? . . . . . The answer: Special skills. Two years ago i met a computer programmer, who had set up a new company’s IT systems. He designed in-house programmes and sourced for relevant software to increase the company’s efficiency and cut down on costs. Come end of year, appraisals were done and he scooped a mark he greatly deserved. His hopes were shattered on receiving his payslip for that month, considering all the efforts and sacrifices he had put in for the company. He raised the issue with the management but they were reluctant in listening to his plea. He chose to resign, and to emphasize on the seriousness of the issue, he din’t show up for a week. Meanwhile word got round in the industry and within no time he was given two lucrative offers. Two weeks later, his previous employer’s IT system developed some complications. He was the only one who understood the codes for that programme.

A time came when the pressure was unbearable, forcing the management not only to double his salary, but also increase his benefits. Being a good negotiator he asked for a week to consider their offer, mentioning he had received an offer from their main competitor. Their final offer was 2.5 times his previous salary. On reporting, there was a staff party to celebrate his come back.(What!)

Talk about an MVP(most valued player). It kept me thinking, can my employer do without me, and how long would it take her to find a replacement?
.
.
.
.
.
The answer: Special skills.

]]> By: Brenda Njeru http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-495 Brenda Njeru Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:01:44 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-495 It is important to also have an idea of where you are heading and who you want to meet. Last year, at the Kenyan ball,my friends did not understand why I desperately needed to meet Casta Tungaraza.For those who do not know her, she represents immigrants in WA.Just this week she had to meet with Kevin Rudd in Canberra as she is on the advisory board. Anyway, I did meet her and told her what I want to do. This year she was holding a fund raising event for street kids in Tanzania. She remembered me and I ended participating. You see I want to get into Philanthropy. Not only was I there for the event but I also met a very influencial lady named Ros Worthington who is a philanthropist and inspirational speaker. This lady had founded her own organisations too! Keep an open mind and always sell yourself.It is never about knowing all the steps to a dance,its about having the courage to join the dance even when you do not know the steps:) It is important to also have an idea of where you are heading and who you want to meet.

Last year, at the Kenyan ball,my friends did not understand why I desperately needed to meet Casta Tungaraza.For those who do not know her, she represents immigrants in WA.Just this week she had to meet with Kevin Rudd in Canberra as she is on the advisory board.

Anyway, I did meet her and told her what I want to do. This year she was holding a fund raising event for street kids in Tanzania. She remembered me and I ended participating. You see I want to get into Philanthropy.
Not only was I there for the event but I also met a very influencial lady named Ros Worthington who is a philanthropist and inspirational speaker.
This lady had founded her own organisations too!

Keep an open mind and always sell yourself.It is never about knowing all the steps to a dance,its about having the courage to join the dance even when you do not know the steps:)

]]> By: Joy http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-493 Joy Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:29:23 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-493 I now know what route to take. Thanks Dan. I now know what route to take. Thanks Dan.

]]> By: Job kungu http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-492 Job kungu Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:53:36 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-492 The magic of special skill is wonderful.I'm trained as production engineer but landing a job was a nightmare. Life became hard ad it reach a time i was ready to take any job .By God grace I got a sales job of which I went on job traning ad also specialize by reading wide. I bear a true witness so dont be contentend by want you are trained go for extra mile by specialisation. The magic of special skill is wonderful.I’m trained as production engineer but landing a job was a nightmare. Life became hard ad it reach a time i was ready to take any job .By God grace I got a sales job of which I went on job traning ad also specialize by reading wide. I bear a true witness so dont be contentend by want you are trained go for extra mile by specialisation.

]]> By: Paul Gitonga http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-491 Paul Gitonga Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:12:26 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-491 Thats very true,I was one day trying to think of the specialized skill that could sell me,and I realized that I did not have any, though I am a graduate in Accountancy and management.I have the general knowledge but a specialized skill no.This is an eye opener and and an inspiration. Thats very true,I was one day trying to think of the specialized skill that could sell me,and I realized that I did not have any, though I am a graduate in Accountancy and management.I have the general knowledge but a specialized skill no.This is an eye opener and and an inspiration.

]]> By: carol http://www.danielngari.com/blog/2009/02/the-value-of-specialized-knowledge/comment-page-1/#comment-490 carol Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:10:05 +0000 http://www.danielngari.com/?p=1553#comment-490 wow!this piece is not only informative but therapeautic...I can see the error in my ways and You've now equipped me with knwolegdge on how to set myself apart form the rest....thank you for helping us improve ourselves daily! wow!this piece is not only informative but therapeautic…I can see the error in my ways and You’ve now equipped me with knwolegdge on how to set myself apart form the rest….thank you for helping us improve ourselves daily!

]]>