Photo by Vishal Modak
Hey there, Mamas on the Move!
As a career mom, I’m constantly thinking about how we navigate the professional world while also teaching our little ones big life lessons. One of those foundational lessons? Sharing is caring! We chant it to our toddlers in the sandbox, but somehow, when we put on our power suits, that beautiful principle often gets left behind.
The Knowledge Hoard: A Workplace Habit We Need to Ditch
It’s a tough truth, but I see it all the time: when it comes to the workplace, many of us—especially when we know a cool trick, a tech shortcut, or a smarter way to get a job done—just don’t share. There’s a persistent, old-school belief that knowledge is power, and sharing it somehow threatens our own growth or job security.
Friends, I couldn’t disagree more! This mindset is actually holding us back.
Why Sharing Always Equals Growth (For You!)
Let’s break down the beautiful, reciprocal magic that happens when you step up to teach a colleague:
1. Sharpen Your Own Saw
Think of your brain like a muscle! The teacher always wins in the long run. When someone else is listening, asking questions, and trying to grasp a concept (let’s be real, they might only absorb about 40-60% initially!), your own understanding solidifies. You’re forced to articulate, simplify, and prove the concept—and that process takes you from knowing something to mastering it.
2. Get Unstuck and Level Up
If you don’t share your tips and tricks, you become the bottleneck. You’ll be stuck doing the same basic tasks forever because you’re the only one who knows how! When you teach a colleague to take that task on, you’ve just freed up your most precious resource: your time. Now, you can take on more complex, challenging projects that will truly propel your personal and professional growth.
3. Competition is a Myth
Let’s stop viewing everyone as a threat. Honestly, if the person you’re teaching were truly a direct competitorfor your role, they’d likely have figured the technique out on their own. The very fact that you are the one sharing signals a clear difference in skill or experience. Helping someone else is about leadership, not creating a rival. Focus on being your best self; you are your only true competition.
Build Your Village and Let Your Light Shine
Remember how we rely on our ‘village’ as moms? The professional world is no different. At their core, most people are good and genuinely value someone taking time to help them. You are building an invaluable ally—a relationship that might pay dividends in support, help, and kindness down the road.
Now, I’m not naive. Yes, you will encounter the occasional person who tries to take advantage. But they are few and far between, and trust your mom-gut—you’ll usually spot a taker miles away. Just avoid them and keep spreading your light!
And a little secret tip from this working mama: make sure your good deeds are known! You don’t have to shout it from the rooftops, but a quick update to your manager about how you mentored a colleague on a new process shows them that you are a leader, a mentor, and a great culture fit.
What do you think, mama? Have you experienced the power of sharing your knowledge? Drop a comment below!