Sharing

We are all somewhere in our lives. We have all had positives in our lives. We have all had negatives in our lives. And because of these experiences, we have all learned. And part of that learning is sharing your knowledge with others. We all need to share the knowledge we have with those who are coming up the ladder of life behind us.

Just as the Master Sergeant helps the new troops making sure that they learn the customs and courtesies of military service, we all have a duty to look after and advise those growing in our industry, our culture, and our society. This is important. I could talk about those ignoring history forgetting it. I could talk about the sharing of accumulated knowledge as setting a base for each generation to go farther. However you look at it, when you do, you realize this is the right thing to do.

Just as those with knowledge reach out to help our younger novices who need the assistance, it is important for those young novices to pay heed. Those learning need to pay attention and when necessary ask. Again, it is the onus of the mentors to ensure a positive interaction which makes asking easier.

When you think about climbing a ladder, I have heard it said that we are all linked together. Imagine everyone on a ladder, some a little higher and some a little lower, yet as a group, the highest person on the letter cannot move up rung until the lowliest person on that ladder can also move up a rung. So, helping the people who are new to our areas of expertise actually helps us to be able to climb higher. It is imperative that we support them and each other.

I remember once when I was about four and a half, I help my younger brother by teaching him how to crawl up the stairs to the second floor. This gave him a new skill, and he could do new things. I did what I saw as a need and helped someone learn a new skill. I was there and ready to help those who were coming up behind me.

Everyone needs help, and everyone needs to give the help that they can. Each positive act allows another, and another.

Thank you for being with me today. I hope to be with you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof