Suggesting to someone that they ask a person to share their experiences can be met with resistance. I often ask dissertation students to contact an expert about their ideas. Doing so is the best way to learn more or to clarify one’s understanding of what a person is trying to say. I’m not exactly sure why people don’t want to ask for help. Oft responses are that contacting someone may be an intrusion or that the expert is probably too busy. While I appreciate the concern, most people will say if they don’t have time and appreciate being engaged in a topic they’re interested in.
Beyond being helpful in terms of learning more, asking others to share their expertise has a reciprocal effect. So today when I met a younger person for lunch, we talked about consulting and I was able to share what I’ve learned and am continuing to learn about being an independent consultant, orientation towards customers and having a service approach. Afterwards on my way home, I was filled with joy. It was invigorating to talk about something I know a lot about and it was life affirming to be engaged and helpful to someone trying to journey his path. I was filled up, hopeful, and optimistic from having been asked to share.