Connect the Dots

Last week I facilitated a two day Internal Consulting Skills Workshop. As a part of that session we talked about expertise and how most people don't value the expertise they have.

One of the first things we need to do to be more successful in getting our expertise valued and used (a great way to think about consulting) is to value our own expertise.

I've thought about it a lot since the session ended - trying to convince people quickly that they under-estimate what they know.

Then I saw one of my daughter's coloring/activity books. Along with the pictures to color and other simple exercises, I saw a Connect the Dots puzzle.

From the context of the other lines/pictures on the page I had some idea what the picture would be when she connected the dots, but it wouldn't be clear until the pen went from 1, to 2, to 3, etc.

That is what we need to do - connect the dots. Our expertise, knowledge and perspective allows us to connect the dots for others.

As a leader, give people enough context and background to really understand a task or action plan, in other words, connect the dots. (This is equally important as a parent.)

When helping Customers, use your expertise not in a way of talking down to but in a serving and educational way. When the Customer understands your offering better in a more complete way they will value you what you have offered. You have connected the dots.

When teaching or training someone on something, whether as a trainer, coach, leader, parent or what ever, use examples. Give people an idea of the nature of the situation. Give background. Give additional data. Connect the dots.

In so many ways when we begin to value our expertise (recognize that not everyone already knows what you assume to be obvious) we become more confident, productive and valued. Recognize that I am not talking about becoming arrogant or condescending. In every case my suggestions come from a serving, helping perspective.

Your expertise can help others in dramatic ways, if you take the time to help them connect the dots.