Too many experts believe that their impact is determined by their level of proficiency in their field. They equate their effectiveness to their degree of know-how or technical skill. They believe they are experts because they are good at what they do, they have more knowledge than others, and they are better educated, with more degrees or years of study. They also believe they have better credentials and deliver better results than others. These are important aspects of being an expert, but they are incomplete.

All experts, regardless of industry, discipline, country, or culture, will influence others using these three things:

1. Knowledge

2. Skill

3. Attitude

Unfortunately, many experts see themselves on just one of these planes. They achieve success in one dimension and cling to it ever after. Some experts even dismiss the other two dimensions as irrelevant or unimportant. The expert scientist, for example, may see little value in developing an amiable personality, while the expert musician, on the other hand, may find little use for the mathematics that underpins all music. Because of their narrow perspective, both will remain limited in their influence and power.

For experts to maximize their impact, they must be more than just sages of knowledge or highly skilled at what they do. Experts who wield influence, who make a difference, and who cause change engage all three dimensions.