The concept of aukat, or status, is an important one in many cultures and industries. In my Pictor days, I had many encounters with executives turned investors, and it always amazed me how they operated from a presumption of expertise and success because of their past. The skills and knowledge gained in one domain can often be transferred to another, and can be valuable assets in building credibility and reputation in a new industry. But in most cases, aukat is tied to a specific domain or industry, and changing domains/roles necessitates rebuilding credibility and reputation. Some instances where the automatic transfer is assumed:
- Players vs Coaches
- Founders vs Investors and vice versa
- Engineers vs Managers
- Academics vs Practitioners
- Musicians vs Producers
- Chefs vs Restaurateurs
- Writers vs Editors
You get the gist.
Handling this can be particularly challenging for those who have achieved a high level of success in their previous domain/role. Having a beginner’s mindset can be especially important when switching domains as it can help you avoid the trap of assuming that your past accomplishments will guarantee success in the new domain. Instead, it allows you to approach the new domain with a fresh perspective, a willingness to learn, and an openness to feedback and new ideas. Networking and seeking out mentors and sponsors can also help to speed up adaptation to a new domain.
GL HF;