Why Don't We Help Each Other Learn?

I recently had the opportunity to speak at a regional conference for long-term care professionals. It was very exciting to be selected to speak and to share what I had learned about employee online and computer based education. Not to mention a little bragging about our new corporate education center.

While I was waiting for my scheduled time to present I couldn't help but notice how many speakers were not practicing administrators or directors of nursing. The session's speakers were mostly consultants, academics or government experts.

The underlining message the speakers were giving was buy my services and I'll give you this information for a fee. Which on its face value is fine if that is the only view you wish to evaluate. We flock to hear these experts pronounce what should be done to solve our problems simply because in most cases it is easy.

It got me wondering why more practitioners aren't sharing their knowledge and experience. After all we are the ones with the hands on experience and practical knowledge that is applied everyday on the job. We constantly solve problems and create new opportunities for success without the help of consultants, academics or government experts. But we don't share our knowledge and experience.

Sharing information, knowledge, experience, or a technique is the best and fastest way to become famous, particularly if your knowledge helps someone solve or prevent a problem. I also believe it is a hallmark of a skilled professional. So why don't we seek out other practitioners, a fellow administrator, director of nursing, department manager or supervisor to learn from, to give presentations with or to write articles with? It is inexpensive, quick, fun and you share similar experiences. It is more practical and does not require any translation from a consultant, academic or government expert who has never done what we do daily to apply the information immediately on the job.

Is it because we are uncomfortable speaking in public, or self-conscious of our writing skills, don't have the time, or don't know where to start? Are we concerned about what others will say about our efforts? No one knows more about the job than those of us who are doing the job. Or are we afraid we will lose a base of power and control that then makes us vulnerable to others taking our positions? Or is it that we are simply more interested in entertainment that learning?

It is time to place that self-consciousness behind you and never look back, creating a legacy for future administrators, director of nurses, department managers and supervisors. It is a gift that will live beyond our tenure in our profession. Don't think about it, do it. Share your knowledge and experience.

Pick up a pen, sit at your keyboard and write an article, a book, a course, give a speech, leave an easier path for the next generation of health care workers. Ask for help from a friend if you're not sure where to start. In fact E-mail me ken@decidingtolead.com and I'll help you get your message out and make you famous!

There is no try, there is only do! And I know you can do it.

Feel free to use this article, in your publications; in its entirety provided you include the following notice: 穢 Copyright 2011, Kenneth E Strong, Jr, Columbus, Ohio.