# Unveiling the Value of Hidden Expertise in Business
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Chapter 1: The Untapped Potential of Internal Experts
Every day, the U.S. Coast Guard rescues approximately 10 individuals lost at sea while tragically losing three, achieving a survival rate of about 77%. This percentage significantly improved due to the groundbreaking work of Arthur Allen, who began his journey as an oceanographer in the Coast Guard's search and rescue division in the 1970s. Initially, the organization lacked understanding of how various objects drifted in the ocean, a key element in enhancing rescue missions.
To gain insight into this dilemma, Arthur dedicated years to experimenting with objects of different sizes in Long Island Sound to study their drift patterns.
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Section 1.1: Misunderstanding the Nature of Experts
Contrary to popular belief, experts are not always the charismatic figures we might envision, like Jeff Goldblum's character in Jurassic Park, flaunting their knowledge. Instead, they tend to be introverted and focused on the essence of their work rather than its presentation. Ironically, these individuals often undervalue their own expertise.
A prime example of such an expert is Bill James, the mastermind behind the revolutionary approach to player evaluation in baseball, known as Moneyball. Despite changing the landscape of the sport, James believed that few cared about his contributions, often viewing himself merely as an ordinary employee at a canned goods factory.
Section 1.2: The Journey of an Expert
After years of experimentation, Arthur Allen successfully translated his observations into mathematical formulas, which he integrated into the Coast Guard's rescue operations. His efforts have saved countless lives. However, the recognition he received was minimal; during an award ceremony for a particularly dramatic rescue, he found himself standing in the background while others received accolades.