Diplomatically Sharing What Else You Know

When hired for a particular role, it can discouraging to make additional skills, abilities and experiences, beyond a current role known. Social media can be a great equalizer.  Effective users of social media, regardless of age or experience, can become known as subject matter experts, to those at all levels of their current or asprirational organizations.

Mentoring, sponsoring, volunteering, speaking, blogging, continuous learning and sharing are incremental ways to demonstrate additional aptitudes.

And, creating an independent agenda for 1:1 meetings with a manager allows the subordinate to adequately prepare to positively portray not only accomplishments, but also skills and abilities.

The Rest of the Story

I had the opportunity last evening to attend a special preview screening of a PBS documentary that will air nationally on January 17 - After the Wall - A World United.  Eric Stange, the writer/director gave introductory comments and answered questions after we'd viewed the film.  President Bush and Barbara were expected, but a severe cold prevented their appearance.  Secretary James A. Baker,  who was prominently featured in the film, was present and provided illuminating commentary. 

The world watched, in fascination, as the Berlin Wall fell.  However, we discovered last night that many of us had failed to follow the story after this historic moment.  The film allows us to grasp the significance of the remarkable diplomacy demonstrated during the following 10 months,  that led to an incredibly speedy reunification of Germany.

This vividly reminded me that we need to listen attentively and observe carefully after any significant personal, corporate, community or world event so that we don't miss the important rest of the story.