Last week I called on all of us to take another step on our journey to discover our true path in life.
Here was Step One – Learn By Observing Others.
This week I want us to focus on how we can learn by asking others.
Learn by Asking Others
You can learn by asking others. Meet with people who love what they do in your company. Ask them what excites them about their work. Ask them how they discovered their passion. Ask them what they did to reach this rewarding point in their career. You will learn a lot about yourself as you listen to their stories. As a result, you will also expand and deepen your relationships at work. The colleagues you interview will feel appreciated by your interest.
When I worked at Yahoo!, one of the many people I respected and admired was Kirk Froggatt, former Vice President of Human Resources. Kirk loved any activity that helped inspire and develop Yahoo! employees. One day I asked Kirk to join me for lunch. At the time I was running Yahoo!’s Customer Care Division.
We talked for two hours. I asked Kirk lots of questions. He then gave me a book. I read it over one weekend. And then over the ensuing months I read Kirk’s white papers, plans, and recommended books. I loved everything he sent to me. And along the way I discovered that my true path was in the field of learning and development. One year later I moved into a full-time role heading the training organization at Yahoo!.
It started with a lunch.
Who will you meet with this year? Be humble. Reach out.
As always, when you have time, let me know how you’re doing. And remember to share your stories with me.
Best to you,
David
p.s. Remember to keep sending me your stories about how you are applying The Law of the Garbage Truck™ to your lives, families, and businesses. Email me at [email protected].
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David J. Pollay is the creator of The Law of the Garbage Truck™. He is a syndicated columnist, creator and host of The Happiness Answer™ television program, and an internationally sought after speaker. David’s book, The Law of the Garbage Truck: Take control of your life with one decision and change the world, will be published by Sterling Publishing in September, 2010. You can find out more about The Law of the Garbage Truck™ at www.thelawofthegarbagetruck.com.
David holds a Master’s degree of applied positive psychology (M.A.P.P.) from the
Hi Mike,
Great to hear from you as always. You're doing great work. Your colleagues will appreciate that you're reaching out to them. Keep up the great work!
Sending you best wishes,
David
Posted by: David J. Pollay | November 20, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Thanks to you, David, in the past year I have learned to ask more questions and it has helped my career greatly. As it happens, today I need to ask for yet more help from my colleagues. Thank you for showing through example how easy it can be to ask for help and to learn more everyday. I owe you plenty...
Posted by: mike pollay | November 19, 2009 at 06:28 AM