(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Experience is what you have as a result of spending time doing an activity. Experience comes from observation, hours logged, or practice doing something.

Expertise is the skills or knowledge that you apply as a result of your experience. To have expertise means you have learned something.

If you’ve just experienced something, you haven’t necessarily developed the expertise to handle it more effectively in the future. Experience combined with growth and awareness results in expertise.

 

(This distinction was created by Isabel Parlett, coach.)

 

Copyright 1997 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.