[interview "we are the competent people"] Clive Shepherd

This is the first in a series of interviews 'we are the competent people!'. Here are the questions Clive Shepherd chose to answer. Clive is a learning consultant and is known for his excellent blog Clive on learning where he shares his mind on ... well... learning. I've met Clive a few years back as he was in the panel of the battle of the bloggers at Online Educa. And breaking news: Clive has just announced his book on the new learning architect! (I will buy one.)

I’m Clive Shepherd. I’m a consultant specialising in learning and development and business communications, all with a technology angle. In my spare time I’m also chair of the eLearning Network.

 

Bert: At what competence domain(s) would you consider yourself ‘competent’?

Clive: Communicating in person and in writing about learning and communications.

Bert: Describe moment(s) where you grew the most in a particular competence domain.

Clive: I attained the underlying skills of effective communication as a child, from family and schooling. At the same time I gained a lot of confidence through early successes academically, musically, in sports and in friendships. However, the breakthrough in this particular competence domain came when I became a freelance consultant and honed my writing and presentation skills through regular practice.

Bert: How did you become good at what you do? How do you stay good?

Clive: I am very goal-orientated and a finisher. I set myself realistic yet challenging targets and expect to achieve them. I am also very open to improving what I do as a result of others’ feedback or because others have better ideas than I do.

Bert: Do you care to share any tips for those who want to follow in your footsteps? What went well? What would have been even better if only...?

Clive: You will not build competence without lots of practice and being very open to new ideas.

Bert: How do you recognize competent people?

Clive: Quite easily, because competent people get things done effortlessly.

Bert : Do you see yourself doing something completely different five or ten years from now?

Clive: No, even as I start to retire, I will be using the same skills in non-work activities.

Bert: How would you categorize your professional network? Is it large, or do you keep it small? Is it composed primarily of people you meet regularly face to face, or is it very virtual, or any degree in between?

Clive: My network is fairly large I suppose and extends way beyond the face-to-face. Some of my best contacts I rarely see.

Bert: Describe your ideal environment to thrive in.

Clive: Complete autonomy.

Bert: Are you involved in any ‘sharing’ activities? Do you think sharing helps you grow? Did you experience people taking advantage of the things you shared?

Much of my life is sharing through blogging, presenting, writing, facilitating.

Thanks for the interview, Clive! Looking forward to read your book, and wishing you a splendid 2011. (A year where I hope you do make it to Berlin :-) )