Monitor: The Situation (or Who Can Help?) [#3 of 10]

The next time you visit my office,  you’ll see all you need to know about me pretty quickly plastered all over my shelves and walls: books, retro ads, Chicago sports paraphernalia, comic book covers, and of course motivational posters, magnets, and plaques.

I’m so motivated it’s a wonder I get anything done.

Since I’m working from home more often these days, my walls aren’t covered with motivating material, but my computer is.

And so our screen scene moves to an important questions: Who can help?

I have an amazing team

I’m surrounded by people who are great at their jobs. Some in my department, some across campus, some in other parts of the country.

Some are across the suite from me, literally just a shout away. Others are at universities across the country and across the world.

Nobody works for me directly. I’m nobody’s boss or supervisor (other than my wonderful grad assistant, paid by the university).

Even if I’m listed as the instructor for my class, or a solo author on a research paper, nothing happens without help. Colleagues have to find students to sit in my classroom. Editors have to find reviewers to improve my writing.

I’ve never been good at delegating and I’ve never really had to.

Call it collaborating.

Sharing credit and rewards.

I couldn’t do it without you.

When you feel stuck, or helpless, or alone… there is someone who can help you.

Maybe it’s me… or at least, I can point you in the right direction.

How about you? Any words of wisdom to share that keep you going?

More of your tour tomorrow.