Who You Know

I Don’t Have To Be

“You don’t have to have all the answers as long as you know how to get them.”

In my 30+ years in the technology business, I have learned a great many things and collected a great many tools.  However, I think the most important tool I have in my tool chest is my contact list.  My list is priceless, which is the very reason I back it up often.  I have copies on the iPhone, my portable computer, and on my backup drive.  Technology changes too fast to keep up with every little facet or change in standards, methodologies, etc.  Rather trying to keep up with every detail, I keep up with the headlines and overviews.  If I need specifics on details, I call someone that has expertise on the subject. 

I recall times over my career where I felt I had to have every answer and would feel I let someone down if I could not provide a specific answer.  I also discovered over time that saying in a meeting, “I don’t have the answer right now, but I know how to get it.” to be quite liberating too.  All too often, I see people fumble through meetings attempting to answer a question when they are only showing how much they do not know on a particular subject.  That’s just another case of Mr. Ego running his mouth.

My contact list covers most all industries and career fields out there, but it does not cover every single one.  For those where I do not have direct contacts, I know I can send out a quick email to my list, and someone will have a contact for me.  I do not have to be an expert on everything as long as I know how to get the information. 

It is okay to say I don’t know or to ask for help.  You don’t have to be the expert as long as you surround yourself with good people.  How accurate is your list?

Rodney - On The Good List