Because Mastery Matters

Continuous Improvement Is Key…You Know This

As a Scrum Master or Product Owner, you know that constant learning and improvement is key to success in your role. But have you ever stopped to consider the deeper importance of mastery?

Mastery goes beyond just acquiring a certain set of skills or obtaining a certification. It involves a deep understanding and proficiency in your field, and a commitment to continually learning and growing.

Are we talking about the noun or the verb?

You won’t be surprised to know it’s probably both.

There are a couple of places that you may have come across the concept. The person who coined the term was Benjamin Bloom and he was focused on improving the quality of education. He defined mastery more in the context of a state to be attained:

Students reach a mastery level once they are able to represent a concept or skill in different ways and relate it to unfamiliar situations

More recently though, Dan Pink’s famous TED talk covers mastery as one of the three elements of his “Motivation 3.0”. He talks about mastery as a verb:

Mastery: the desire to get better and better at something that matters

While I think aiming for that end state of mastery (the noun) is a good thing, the process of acquiring mastery (the verb) is even more important. We may never achieve the mastery which we originally set out for but the discipline and the benefits of continuously striving for it are hugely valuable regardless.

Why does it matter?

But why is mastery worth striving for, beyond just fulfilling the requirements of your job?

According to a study by the American Society for Training and Development, employees who feel a high level of mastery in their work are more likely to stay with their current employer, resulting in reduced turnover and training costs for the organization. In addition, a meta-analysis of over 300 studies by K. Anders Ericsson and his colleagues * found that expertise is primarily the result of extended practice, rather than innate talent. This suggests that with consistent effort and focus, anyone can achieve mastery in their field.

But the benefits of mastery go beyond just increased effectiveness and efficiency in your work. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel a sense of mastery in their work are also more likely to report higher job satisfaction and a greater sense of accomplishment. This in turn can lead to a more positive and motivated work environment, which can have a ripple effect on the entire team.

But mastery is not just about personal and professional gain. It can also have a wider impact on society as a whole. By striving for excellence in your field, you can make a positive contribution to the world and create meaningful change.

If Mastery matters, why do so many people fail to invest in themselves?

Here are a few common reasons:

• Lack of time: It can be difficult to make time for learning and development, especially when you’re already busy with work and other responsibilities.
• Fear of failure: Some people may be hesitant to take on new challenges or try something new for fear of not being successful.
• Lack of motivation: It’s easy to fall into a comfort zone and not feel motivated to pursue mastery.
• Limited resources: Whether it’s a lack of access to learning materials or financial constraints, some people may feel like they don’t have the resources to invest in their own mastery.

But don’t let these challenges hold you back! Here’s how you can overcome them:

• Make learning and development a priority: Schedule time for it in your calendar and treat it like any other important task.
• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity: Remember that failure is a natural part of the learning process and can actually lead to greater success in the long run.
• Find motivation by setting goals and tracking your progress: Clearly define what you want to achieve in terms of mastery, and create a plan to get there. Regularly track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
• Look for resources and support: Seek out learning opportunities, join a community of like-minded individuals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or resources when you need them.

So don’t just settle for meeting the bare minimum requirements of your job. Invest in your own mastery and watch as it pays off in your personal and professional life.

Take the first step now and commit to continuous learning and improvement. You (and those around you) will be glad you did.

What are you waiting for? Start your journey towards mastery today!

So…Mastery Matters…How Do I Get Started?

If you’ve been convinced that investing in your own mastery is something you want to do, here are a few steps to get started:

• Seek out learning opportunities: Whether it’s taking a course, attending a workshop, or simply reading articles or books or listening to podcasts on your topic of interest, make sure to regularly invest in your own learning and development.
• Practice, practice, practice: It’s one thing to learn new concepts, but it’s another to put them into practice. Make sure to apply what you’ve learned and continue to hone your skills through practice.
• Surround yourself with like-minded individuals: Seek out a community of people who are also committed to mastery and learning. This can provide support, motivation, and a wealth of knowledge and resources.
• Set goals and track your progress: Clearly define what you want to achieve in terms of mastery, and create a plan to get there. Regularly track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

So don’t just settle for meeting the bare minimum requirements of your job. Invest in your own mastery and watch as it pays off in your personal and professional life. Take the first step now and commit to continuous learning and improvement. You (and those around you) will be glad you did.

What are you waiting for? Start your journey towards mastery today!

* Ericsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., & Tesch-Römer, C. (1993). The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance. Psychological Review, 100(3), 363-406.