HOW TO BE A LEGEND. (EP. 1)
FROM KNOWLEDGE TO SKILL TO EXPERTISE TO MASTERY TO LEGEND
IT TAKES TIMES TO BE A LEGEND, BUT HOW TOWARDS THE RIGHT DIRECTION
First, Go through & Learn the steps & stages.
Images are: "Miyamoto Musashi" from "The Samurai Trilogy" & "The Age of Samurai" (Netflix)
KNOWLEDGE
Basic awareness or understanding of facts, concepts, and ideas. Typically theoretical, acquired through reading, lectures, or observation. Jadi baru pemahaman konsep gagasan. Lebih ke Teori.
EXAMPLE OF KNOWLEDGE
NOVICE AT AWARENESS STAGE
Take the world of coffee and coffee shops as an example – for instance, knowing the difference between Arabica and Robusta and how tools like a French press and V60 are used.
SKILL
Skill is the practical use of knowledge in a specific field, built through practice and repetition, shown by doing tasks smoothly and consistently.
EXAMPLE OF SKILL
SKILLED AT APPLICATION STAGE
A barista who is skilled at preparing espresso and cappuccino, and creating simple latte art such as a heart (or other basic designs), while keeping the taste consistently good.
EXPERTISE
Expertise is advanced proficiency gained from years of using skills, adding knowledge, and deep understanding, leading to consistently superior results.
EXAMPLE OF EXPERTISE
EXPERT AT PROFICIENCY STAGE
In the coffee world, a barista develops deep understanding of the coffee industry, mentors junior baristas, and regularly competes in regional professional barista championships.
SPECIALIZATION
A specialist deliberately focuses on one or a few aspects of their field, deepening expertise to reach a high level of specialization.
EXAMPLE OF SPECIALIZATION
SPECIALIST AT DEEPENING STAGE
A barista who specifically deepens their expertise in roasting single-origin beans, sensory evaluation, or a particular brewing technique, for example specializing in manual brewing methods.
MASTERY
Outstanding capability built over years, combining deep intuitive understanding with exceptional skill, enabling consistently extraordinary performance.
EXAMPLE OF MASTERY
MASTER AT EXCELLENCE STAGE
Becoming a judge at national or international barista competitions, recognized as an authority in coffee taste. Similarly, sushi chefs in Japan train for years to reach mastery.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Actively sharing, influencing through teaching, mentoring, publishing influential works, shaping industry-wide practices." At this level, they educate and share new perspectives
EXAMPLE OF THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
THOUGHT LEADER AT INFLUENCE STAGE
Writing popular books about coffee, actively delivering international trainings and workshops, and serving as a key speaker at major global coffee events.
INNOVATION
Transcending mastery to create new methods, original ideas, or paradigm shifts; involves inventing, innovating, & fundamentally advancing the field.
EXAMPLE OF INNOVATION
INNOVATOR AT INNOVATION STAGE
Creating new brewing methods like the Aeropress or Origami Dripper, offering fresh perspectives on coffee extraction and connecting them to sustainability, technology, and new business models.
LEGACY
Leaving a lasting Positive impact, becoming synonymous with the field itself, and influencing multiple generations beyond your lifetime. They give back contribution to the industry
EXAMPLE OF LEGACY
LEGEND AT VISION & LEGACY STAGE
Achmad “Adhi” Taroepratjeka (Indonesia), James Hoffmann (England), and Tetsu Kasuya (Japan), whose names and influence continue to inspire new generations of baristas all around the world. What else?
SUMMARY
FROM KNOWLEDGE TO LEGACY
Knowledge → Skill → Expertise → Mastery → Thought Leadership → Innovation → Legacy. This framework illustrates a person’s journey from basic knowledge to creating real impact in their field.
TAKE A HARD LOOK AT YOURSELF., WHAT LEVEL ARE YOU IN YOUR INDUSTRY?
Nothing is instant.
But you can start now and keep growing from here.