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Gwendolyn Washington
star-svg
74
CEO in Kansas City, MO
10/19/20 at 6:28PM UTC
in
Career

The 'Hidden" Employer Benefit

You've landed your dream job and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of HR. Its Onboarding time. The moment you get to hear all about the perks and extras that make the lack of zeros on your paycheck worth getting up and getting dressed for! But is there more to your benefits than healthcare, paid time off, 401 k and education assistance? I am here to tell you a secret.... Yes, there is another hidden employer benefit that only a few will take advantage of: employee knowledge! Learning from others is one of the best kept secrets in every profession at any level and it’s a freebie. HR won't tell you about this benefit because they aren't paying those seasoned employees to share their knowledge. No, instead they remind you that the online training software is very user friendly and can be accessed anytime. You should take advantage of it. Sounds great, right! But let's talk about the benefit that's right under your nose, or better yet, in the next office. There are employees in every organization who spend years learning their craft, successfully and without fanfare. No, they are not mentors or leads, yet they know everything and more about the job they do. They are a google search in human form. Ask, go to them and ask if you can observe. Be respectful of their time and job responsibilities. Come prepared with thoughtful questions about processes and ask them to fill in the blank. Take notes, don't expect them to teach you and send you a follow up email.... Say thank you! Don't be afraid to use a little ingenuity to obtain information, no, don't stalk your co-worker, but observe what they do and identify another employee who does the same job who may teach you. Be a sponge! And never, ever, ever, say "that's not my job" To Learn is to Stay Relevant!

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Join the conversation...
Loretta W
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24
10/22/20 at 5:46PM UTC
Yes, I remember working at my previous employer. That was one of the things I did first. Build relationships and then learn what I can learn from those that are willing to share what they know. Knowledge is Power! In my opinion you make yourself a more valuable employee by becoming an expert in your role and learning about other positions (just in case).
Gwendolyn Washington
star-svg
74
CEO in Kansas City, MO
10/21/20 at 4:33PM UTC
Great share Kara! I am sure your mentor is missed each day.
Anonymous
11/05/20 at 4:42PM UTC
Both the company and the boss was the BEST in my life.
Anonymous
10/21/20 at 4:01PM UTC
This is so true! Learn from others around you and managers should NOT be the gatekeepers of everything. I had an amazing manager a few years ago who put me under her wing and gave me some valuable advice to maneuvering my climb up the Corporate ladder. A few weeks after her 50th birthday she was diagnosed with liver cancer and began chemotherapy and radiation therapy immediately. Unfortunately 7 months later she passed away and all of the information she gained from 20 plus years. Our team, our company, even the industry we are in lost a valuable amount of information when she became ill. Learning from others should be encouraged in the workplace!
Ariella Goldman
star-svg
85
Magic is just statistics I don't yet understand
10/20/20 at 8:21PM UTC
I spoke with a recruiter today about wanting a job where I can continue learning new things to expand my skill set. He liked what I said to him - "In technology these days, if you're not learning new things, you're 5 years behind in 2 years."
Tammy Wever
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178
10/20/20 at 1:07PM UTC
Love the last line of your article, "To learn is to stay relevant." There is something to be said about a fresh perspective and new ideas instead of "that's the way we've always done it."
Gwendolyn Washington
star-svg
74
CEO in Kansas City, MO
10/20/20 at 12:33AM UTC
And when we all share we raise the level of knowledge for the entire organization!
yvette finley PHR
star-svg
375
Whatever you do-do it well!
10/19/20 at 11:11PM UTC
There is soo much to gain from spending time with those you work with.. This is great advice!
Gwendolyn Washington
star-svg
74
CEO in Kansas City, MO
10/19/20 at 10:08PM UTC
agreed Tamsen
Tamsen Kopp
star-svg
34
Application Development Manager
10/19/20 at 10:06PM UTC (Edited)
Historical, "hidden," knowledge is both a bane and a boon to companies- the latter if still employed, the former the day the resource moves on to greener pastures. Seeking these leaders out should be encouraged by any reputable company. To help avoid some of these pitfalls as a manager, I assign new team members a 'buddy' to shadow as soon as they are onboarded. This gives them a warm avenue to obtain help, fosters team integration, and helps train up back-ups for key areas. No downside!
Joanna Giordano
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347
HBO HR experience. Resume/Job & Health coach.
10/22/20 at 4:30AM UTC
Love a buddy! It helps to have someone to ask the silly questions to. Where’s the supply closet, how do I print? Do I log my time If I get coffee? Lol. Also ppl love to talk about themselves and being the new person, you have a reason to ask ppl questions. If you wait years, it would seem weird to suddenly ask someone what they do, but when you’re new everyone is cool with it. Use that new hire shine to make some inroads right away! Also I consider them first year as still pretty new, so no need to clam up as if you know everything after a month.
yvette finley PHR
star-svg
375
Whatever you do-do it well!
10/19/20 at 11:16PM UTC
love the bane and boon analogy- really brings clarity to the situation of how some companies let immeasurable knowledge walk away without accessing the true value
Aly Brine
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1.59k
Helping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
10/19/20 at 6:43PM UTC
This is a great perspective shift on taking charge of your own career. I'm previous HR and had to do plenty of these onboarding sessions. I'd always remind folks, especially our interns, that your career is what you make of it. Yes, the company will provide you support but you also have a role in your own experience and outcome. Internal networking and learning from those around you can skyrocket your career!
Gwendolyn Washington
star-svg
74
CEO in Kansas City, MO
10/19/20 at 7PM UTC
Thanks Aly!

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