We don't know what we don't know

We really don't know what we don't know do we?  One person can be great at software programs and know all sorts of tricks to get things done quickly and another might be excellent at organizing and managing their email account.

I have always been a believer in sharing ideas and have received my best education from other assistants.  Our strength is what we know collectively and we should have some way to share our knowledge with each other. 

Here are some ways I have found can help:

• The web is a wonderful tool for sharing.  I have been on some interactive sites where assistants ask questions and get answers and I learn from them as I have some of the same questions.  Sometimes I even have the answers and by helping someone else it reinforces what I know.  The web also has anonymity and sometimes people receive information better from people they don't know. 
• Lunch n learns are also a good way to learn from each other.  If you are the presenter you have to study and know your subject well which helps you to be more confident in what you know and you also gain experience in making presentations which can help you in your career.
• If you are part of an administrative team you can use your meetings to share knowledge with each other or give tips on something new you have discovered.
• Administrative newsletters or bulletin boards where you can post tips or suggestions is a good way to learn.

This blog is one of the ways that I share my experience with people all over the world and I love when I get feedback that something I have shared has helped someone (or in some cases to be corrected on what I have written), but the main thing is to open the door and communicate knowledge to others.

A roadblock often is we don't share because we don't know what we are doing is special, we just know it works for us. Try sharing your ideas and learning from the experiences of others.  Dofasco Steel has long used the phrase "Our strength is in our people" and how true that is.  Try starting your own information sharing at work.  You will be surprised at how much you learn when you work together and exchange knowledge with one another.