Jeff Atwood on the Coding Horror blog recently discussed the phenomenon of being perceived or representing oneself as an expert. He provides examples of the modern “anti-expert” bias, and offers some advice to the New Experts, courtesy of James Bach:

1. Practice, practice, practice!
2. Don’t confuse experience with expertise.
3. Don’t trust folklore — but learn it anyway.
4. Take nothing on faith. Own your methodology.
5. Drive your own education — no one else will.
6. Reputation = Money. Build and protect your reputation.
7. Relentlessly gather resources, materials, and tools.
8. Establish your standards and ethics.
9. Avoid certifications that trivialize the craft.
10. Associate with demanding colleagues.
11. Write, speak, and always tell the truth as you see it.

Read the full article.