Ask for Directions Already!

According to the online Free Mirriam-Webster dictionary, networking is, “the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business”. I would say though that networking is so much more than that. In fact, opportunities to network are everywhere.

Take, for instance, times where you may have been driving in a car and not necessarily know your directions somewhere. Perhaps you are somewhat lost. Totally hypothetical, of course. 😉

What are some of the possible consequences for refusing to ask someone to help you find your way (asking for directions).

Possible Negative Consequences:

– it will take longer to reach your final location

– it will take longer to reach your final location
– there may be some anxiety/tension associated with being lost and not asking for directions (from others in the car and the hypothetical driver)

Possible Positive Consequences:
– sense of satisfaction when you’ve reached your final destination on your own

Some questions come to mind with regard to the personal satisfaction one may feel as a positive consequence of reaching your final destination without asking for assistance:

At what cost is this personal satisfaction realized?

Could this personal satisfaction be reached if one collaborated/networked with others?

Would this personal satisfaction be even greater by reaching said destination sooner, allowing for more relaxation and enjoyment?

Will you ultimately reach your destination? Sure.

Is there a better way? Absolutely!

Connect, network, collaborate.

I would maintain that if you were to network in this situation (and most situations) not only would personal satisfaction be higher, but everyone else in the hypothetical car would be happier as well. This is important.

Yes, it may take a few minutes to ask someone for directions, assistance or help. In the long run though, personal satisfaction will be higher, you’ll reach your destination sooner, and everyone will be happier.

So, just take a few minutes and ask for assistance when needed.

This analogy can also be applied to teaching and learning (by all stakeholders: students, teachers, parents, and administrators).

You will go further, or reach your destination sooner by networking, collaborating, and sharing with others. Without this networking, you may be missing out on interacting with some truly wonderful people on your journey: both personally and professionally.

Reach out.

Ask for assistance.

Ask questions.

Listen.

Collaborate.

Network.

Learn.

I’ve personally learned so much personally and professionally by networking with others.

The benefits are endless.

So, ask for directions, already.

I had to take my own advice today, my first day back to work in my new school.  As you can imagine, I don’t know where anything is, so I kept asking our wonderful head-secretary where I could find things.  She was great, offering assistance without hesitation.  I felt badly though because I kept interrupting the work she was trying to get accomplished.

So, at one point, trying not to interrupt her yet again with a silly request, I just started poking around and searching for what I was looking for on my own.  When she saw me doing this, she said, “Just ask for help, I’ll tell you where things are. It’s just easier that way.”

You know, she’s right!