There’s a certain thrill in being recognized for your expertise.
I remember vividly the first time someone asked if they could “pick my brain.”
It was a sunny afternoon, and I felt a mixture of pride and excitement as we sat down with coffees in hand.
These sessions, initially a source of flattery, gradually began to reveal a more complex nature, one that demanded a balance between generosity and self-preservation.
The Enthusiastic Beginning
My career’s dawn was marked by an unbridled enthusiasm to share and guide.
Recalling a time when a simple piece of advice helped a colleague clinch a crucial deal, I reveled in these moments.
My door was always open, my phone constantly buzzing with queries. This period was not just about giving; it was a journey of growth and connection.
The Tide Begins to Turn
The change was subtle at first.
A meeting here, an extended session there, where I started to question the real intent of these interactions.
I vividly recall a day, amid the bustle of a crowded café, where I felt more like a free consultant than a collaborator. Doubts crept in, turning the tide of my perspective.
The Moment of Truth
The pivotal shift came during a session that felt particularly draining.
Here was someone seeking not just guidance but a detailed roadmap, offering little in return. It sparked a period of introspection.
I began to question the sustainability of my open-door policy and the impact it was having on my own goals and time.
Redefining the Rules
This realization led me down a path of redefining my approach.
I began setting clear boundaries and criteria for these interactions. For instance, I started offering structured mentoring sessions instead of impromptu meetings.
This wasn’t about turning people away; it was about respecting my own time and expertise as much as I respected theirs.
The Balanced Path Forward
Today, my approach is more balanced.
I engage in interactions that promise mutual growth and respect.
A recent collaboration, where shared insights led to a successful project, stands as a testament to this new strategy.
It’s a path that values both giving and receiving, creating a more sustainable and rewarding exchange.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
My journey from an ever-available source of advice to a strategic sharer of knowledge has been enlightening.
The key lessons I’ve learned include:
- Value Your Time: Your time is as valuable as your expertise.
- Seek Mutual Benefit: Aim for interactions that are beneficial for all involved.
- Set Boundaries: It’s okay to establish limits to protect your time and energy.
- Stay Open to Genuine Connections: Be available for those who seek true collaboration.
- Reflect and Adapt: Continuously evaluate how your interactions align with your personal and professional growth.
This evolution hasn’t just been a professional necessity; it’s been a personal journey of understanding the true worth of knowledge and time.
In sharing this story, I hope to inspire others to find their own balance in the art of knowledge-sharing.
Dr. Mazlan Abbas 