8. Mistakes to avoid

Setting up expert statutes solely to satisfy the desire of the company's technical players for recognition can be highly counter-productive. Expert status should enable technical staff to be revalued, and to be directed towards activities where they can make the greatest contribution to the company, and where they can best flourish, but this status also comes with duties such as: communication, representing the company externally, training and supporting other company staff, making an operational contribution to innovation objectives... Expert status is not, nor should it be, immutable, and can be called into question if objectives are not met.