Go-to people

Who are the go-to people in your workplace? The people who if knowledge is sought or help is required then these people are usually the first to be asked? Most workplaces, organisations and family structures have go-to people. These people may be the go-to person because they possess the most knowledge, they may have been around the longest and are considered the wisest or they may just be the type of people who are always happy to help others out. These types of people are invaluable in any setting.

I try really hard to be the go-to person in whichever role I’m in. I enjoy being regarded as reliable to ask and I love the feeling of helping others. It takes a lot of effort to gain the knowledge and demonstrate the competence that people are after but I feel it is well worth it as major benefits of doing so include building knowledge, gaining skills and developing networks along the way. Reciprocity would be another benefit of serving others in this manner. While I feel pretty confident about serving my peers, colleagues and family in this manner now, it wasn’t always the case.

When I was younger, I was definitely not the go-to person. I was once tasked with mowing the backyard but was never asked to again after chopping off each of the sprinkler heads. Another time, I had been asked to wash the car and thought ok, I can do this. I couldn’t find any carwash detergent so improvised and used clothes washing detergent. My efforts had oxidised the red paint leaving a white film across the vehicle which the parents needed to have professionally detailed to restore the paintwork back to normal. I never had to wash the car again either.

Some may say I was fortunate not to have to do chores which I greedily believed at the time but what I failed to see apart from the sprinkler heads was that I wasn’t able to assist the family unit. Now, as a father of six, it is so important to me that the kids are able to help around the house.

I don’t want the kids to destroy the backyard or damage the car when trying to help but I’m mindful that all skills will take time to develop and that for the kids to properly learn they need to be shown how to do it in a simple to understand manner and then be given enough opportunities to practise the skill. At times, most commonly when in a rush, I action whatever the task is myself because I want it done quickly and correctly – this isn’t the best way for them to learn and is me failing to provide opportunities for practise.

I am noticing that the more each child develops their skills, the more their confidence develops too resulting in each being more willing to try more difficult challenges. I hope they each continue on this path into adulthood as the world can use more go-to people.

Have a think about your area of expertise and see what may be holding you back from being a go-to person? Is there a lack of confidence or motivation? The world needs more go-to people so why not you?

PDR