Discovering a web of sharers

As discussed, learning requires you to build and nurture a healthy array of connections, friends and resources. This rarely can be done alone; you need fellow travellers to help you.

To do this we need the right spirit of generosity and reciprocity. We also need to share our time and energy as well as helping others to do the same. Obviously we will find people who do not want to help, and that is to be expected. We also need to accept that some people will need proof of our intentions and desires before they decide to help, particularly given how busy people are in modern-day living.

To develop a network of sharers, we need to take the lead to show that exchange can be a winning formula. In business, people often make the mistake of approaching a senior manager or industry expert but often the best sources of knowledge may not hold any formal or acknowledged high-status position.

So, if you wish to build a good network of wisdom in business, you can begin by building a knowledge map and this involves you constantly asking these five questions:

Where do you go to find out answers to a process, procedure or way of doing a task base?
What information exists in my business and where is it located?
What relevant expertise resides outside my business, where does this expertise exist and how do I gain access to it?
What are the best sources of relevant internal and external information?
What expertise resides in my business or industry “ who knows what?

From experience, creating a knowledge map can help you quickly to develop a listing of sharers and resources that can help you to explore problems or fill gaps in your learning. In doing so you will also soon discover who are real sharers in business. Then, if you are really smart, you will make it your business to bring these sharers and opinion leaders together and put them to work on a hot business issue. It is then you really see workplace or industry innovation at its best.