Surface Ripples

Mastery: The Ultimate Status?

I recently came across a quote ascribed to Derek Sivers: “Mastery is the best goal because rich can’t buy it, the impatient can’t rush it, the privileged can’t inherit it, and nobody can steal it.  You can only earn it through hard work.  Mastery is the ultimate status.”

In our modern world of instant gratification through the internet, how true is this?  In the past, young people used to study as “apprentices” of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, stonemasons and other trades people.  After a number of years and showing that they had truly learnt their skill, they in turn became “masters”.

Many now complain that it’s very difficult to find a “good” electrician or plumber.  The concept of apprenticeships is disappearing, although in some professions one can still see this process.  I’m thinking of engineering, medicine, accountancy, law where aspiring practitioners still need to gain hands on experience.  These professions, usually, are well-remunerated.

Is there a “social” problem as well in that “tradespeople” are somehow seen as “lower” in the pecking order?  No one thinks that when they need a new gas boiler installed urgently!  The plumber then assumes the status of a saviour in the middle of winter. 

What you realise is that (certainly in Europe), masters, artisans and similar can be equally well remunerated.  I remember the story of a university professor who retrained as a plumber (and presumably underwent some kind of apprenticeship) to find he was not only earning more than he used to as a professor but also could set his own work hours and was not beholden to the arcane rules and regulations that govern many large institutions (although he probably swapped university rules and regulations for government ones).

Back to the point: do apprenticeships still have a place in modern society?  Answer is an unqualified yes.  Despite the advances of technology, artificial intelligence and other tools of instant gratification, you can’t replace a plumber with a smart phone when a pipe bursts in the middle of winter and needs to be fixed.

I’ve spent more than half my life delivering change in different world markets from the most developed to “emerging” economies. With a wealth of international experience in international financial services around the world running different operations and lending businesses, I started my own Consultancy to provide solutions for improving performance, productivity and risk management.  I work with individuals, small businesses, charities, quoted companies and academic institutions across the world. An international speaker, trainer, author and fund-raiser, I can be contacted by email. 

posted by William Martin @ 08:04