Connecting The Dots
Read Time: 3 Minutes
What does the phrase “connecting the dots” mean?
It can mean different things for people and businesses. For me, it is connecting training, people and knowledge. We all know the challenges of working and managing the day-to-day tasks, as well as the quarterly goals. Let's not forget any unexpected challenges that arise. So how do we all work to our best abilities, stay creative and continue to grow with these challenges? By “Connecting The Dots”.
I have had the privilege of doing some traveling recently for business purposes. I was able to attend the Cisco Partner Summit, the first one live in the last few years. I also was able to attend my peer group meeting and the CommunitySolv conference in Orlando. Is it challenging to be away from home and from the office, especially for long periods? Of course it is, but when you step away from your regular schedule, the rewards can outweigh the challenges.
What were the rewards during this time of travel? I was able to work on several projects, do some business planning and write this blog during the flights. Once I arrived at each destination, I was able to sign up for training classes, plan for future sessions, and decide how to maximize business sessions. I was able to connect with business individuals and distribution executives. We were able to sit in person and do some planning sessions. I attended social events and connected with other partners to discuss what is working and what isn’t working.
We all have tasks that are important and need to be completed. But “Connecting the Dots” is an important part of business and promotes creativity. There are times that we all need to “work remote” and give ourselves the ability to think differently. “Connecting the Dots” is healthy for the business and it is healthy for the employees. Some of my best ideas and projects came to me while traveling.
There is another aspect that I would like to unpack a little further. I touched on it a little earlier in this blog: connecting with peers. Peers/co-workers are fantastic, and we should collaborate with them whenever possible. However, being able to connect and collaborate with peers outside of your business, gives you a different perspective. Often times the individuals involved in the business are too close to see situations clearly. Having some trusted confidants outside of your company is invaluable in business. True confidants will tell you the issues they see of the path you are headed down. They can also give insight into ideas you have that might not be the best route. I have these people in my life and I value my time with them in "catch up" meetings and during my travels.
I realize not everyone’s “connecting the dots” looks the same. Maybe travel isn’t feasible in your business, or maybe the challenges outweigh the rewards. That’s okay. But I believe there is something in every business that allows leaders to “connect the dots” in their own way.
Please make sure you are taking the time to “connect the dots” for yourself and for your business.
This post was contributed by Michelle Padilla, our COO/CFO. Michelle has a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and is passionate about creating an encouraging company culture with highly motivated and positive people.
You may also like:
