Have you ever put so much effort into something in hopes of getting something in return? As part of my work, I invested my heart and soul into developing and designing a new interactive education exhibit for children. After the Grand Opening event last weekend, I was invited to present my results. The meeting wasn't a cent short of exciting. (Left: A sneak peek of the exhibit) So, what does my day job have to do with this class or my tree climb? Well, after weeks of building my personal learning network, it wasn't until this week that I realized a fundamental, yet missing, way to expand my professional development. To really advance my network into desired contact groups (and become one of the gang), I need to not only gather, but also produce. In other words, from time to time, I need water my tree.
For this entire class time, I've been reaching out to search for more knowledge, to gain more contacts, to learn more technology applications. The fact is that I've been looking only to others to network with me. This technique alone will not continually grow or sustain my network. I need to also find ways to network with "them."
So what I'm wondering is what if we all took the time to actually develop science education work products (i.e. our plans coming up next week) in a strategic way so that others would be interested... Would we create more opportunities for our students? Would we create positive recognition for our schools? And most significantly, would we engage students in science in a more effective and lasting way?
This networking twist isn't really new, but I had to re-learn it this week; and it was refreshing. It made me consider how many things I learned when I was little about networking. Growing up, thanks to my mother the master gardener, my sister and I spent the summer watering, weeding and growing the most beautiful vegetables and flowers. (Proof: we have 4-H Best of Show ribbons in both categories.) What's the network translation to now? We need to tend our network like a garden. Plant strategically. Water diligently. Tend often. Share the fruits of our labor. Connect with master gardeners. Bottom line, it is better to give than receive. And it is when we give of ourselves with creativity and ingenuity that our tree will shoot up to new heights.
And so, I must re-fill my water can.
I agree and appreciate your analogy. I have someone helping set up a moodle/wiki/blog and I hope to give back to this mentor over time as much as she is helping me get started.
ReplyDeleteYou'll need to share the scoop on your exhibit. It looks colorful and inviting.
This is so consistent with just about any social environment, especially careers. I've done computer support for different companies for about 12 years. So many times I have met coworkers who do things like try to hide their contact info, scoot off after fixing something without offering additional assistance, keep things strictly business with their customers, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to network though and offer yourself up in any way you can. People see this and respond positively. You need to optimize the chances to have positive experiences with people. Give them your cell number, tell them to call any time, for any reason. Help them with anything, including answering questions about personal stuff. Give them advice, be courteous and responsive. Commiserate with them when they are frustrated with technology. Never back down, and always follow up.
Soon they will be singing your praise, and they will bump into other people who are also singing your praise, and then they will all be singing together. All of this gets back to your boss and suddenly you are their most valuable asset. And all of this for some polite attitude and dumping contact info everywhere you go.
This, to me, is not "something to make sure you do" during your day to day work. This is WHAT YOU MUST DO, above all else! Promotions, recognition, raises, all of this happens because of other people. These other people are the single most important thing to your job. You can wow people with the skills for your specific job but if they don't think "Wow, I want this person to help me ALL the time" then you simply must improve your "customer experience".
This article reminds me of this in so many ways. You looked outside the "info gathering" stage and stepped into the "affecting people" stage.
Very important! Break it down to its core elements and keep doing it!
I agree with what you wrote Jacquelyn, and Patti and Steve's comments (though I don't know if I would give everyone my cell phone and tell them to call any time... maybe my email). I also feel like I have to give more because I'm taking so much from my network.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, that looks like a really fun job, designing interactive museum exhibits. What museum is that for? How did you score that job? Sometimes I've been really disappointed with the museum exhibits for kids because they often don't work or are lame, yours looks pretty cool. What does it do? You should do a video voicethread on it!
dito!
ReplyDeleteand I really would love to hear more about your education exhibit as well...
Thanks! I'll have to put these great ideas on my final project list. I'm looking at other projects for my job (responsible for an energy education program) too! I'm hoping my professional development opportunity will help in developing this strategy.
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate the feedback...