Shibboleths of mastery

I came to a realisation this Father's Day weekend, as I reflected on the significance of the day to me. And while I initially thought that this post was going to be about fatherhood, it is actually about something far more important.

It is about a discovery I made, an insight on my path. It is one of the many milestones on the journey to mastery, which, once you realise it, makes learning and gaining skilfulness all the easier.

Think of any one thing you want to be 'good at'. Whatever it is, there is a skill, a technique, a philosophy or mindset that will make that activity easier. It is true in all things in life... well, in any activity that require skill.

And yet, those that are considered 'masters at their craft' are not always good at teaching it. Some have been practicing for decades, and when, and how they learned the lessons, gained their insights, and delineated the steps of this… well this may be lost in their memories of years gone. Yet regardless of whether the craftsman is aware of them, they can be seen in how s/he does the craft.

These methods, philosophies, intentions, tricks, and ways of doing the skill that put the likelihood of you being successful, more in your favour (in short, the difference between the way a 'master' at their craft does something as opposed to a novice) are important to draw our attention to.

Some of these things can be taught. Some, I've found, can only be learned... and it is to these, that I give the name the 'shibboleths of mastery'.

Shibboleth is a term used to categorise an identifying, almost unconscious sign, of belonging to a particular group. It is the thing one does, without knowing it, such as pronouncing a word a specific way (as opposed to another), or holding up your middle, ring, and small finger to indicate the number 3, as opposed to your thumb, pointer, and middle finger.

It is a way to identify someone as a part of a particular group... And if you can observe masters at their craft... you too will start to see some of these signs of mastery - like salting meat well ahead of roasting it, and letting it come to room temperature before cooking it, or having multiple clamps in the wood shop, or consciously and transparently setting your intention prior to difficult conversations.

This weekend, I spent a good many hours in my studio - practicing at my art of sculpture, and carving. Being Father's Day, I thought of my own Dad, and my Grandfather, and how they taught me through example, and during poignant moments, specific lessons. I thought of my own children - and what parts of my legacy will be of use to their development of mastery in their life.

The more you can bring our awareness to the 'way' those you admire do their tasks, you too will find more of these 'shibboleths of mastery'.

#Insightfulpath; #ShibbolethOfMastery; #InsightfulProfessionalCoaching; #InnovativeLeadershipDevelopment