November 24, 2015
An Issue of Collegiality
Difference Makers,
Please forgive the longer than usual post. It is important.
I was having a discussion with two of our fellow Extension professionals. They brought up a concern. It is one we all have had done unto us. It is one we have all done to others. It was and is about an issue of collegiality.
Collegiality is something we try to emphasize here at K-State Research and Extension, and we do a good job of it - most of the time. We can always improve, especially in this particular context.
Collegiality is about respecting each other as people and as fellow professionals. Professionals generally have things they hold dear. For some Extension professionals, it may be the geographical territory of their local unit and the education and research that happens in it. Others may hold dear all the knowledge they have in their specialized area of expertise, and how that knowledge is disseminated throughout the state.
How can we ensure we show even more respect for our fellow Extension professionals? If you are going to be in another Extension professional's local unit for a meeting, workshop, research project or whatever - let the local Extension professionals know. If you are planning a meeting and are planning to bring in outside expertise to cover a topic normally covered by one of your specialized agent or specialist colleagues, let that Extension professional know.
Simply communicating your intentions not only earns you collegiality points, it also has practical merit. The local unit Extension professional may be able to provide you with critical local input that will greatly facilitate your work in their area. Similarly, the specialized agent or specialist may be able to provide you with content considerations that may greatly enhance your meeting and the outside speaker's presentation. In both situations, there are more Extension professionals informed and ready to provide the much needed follow up once the Extension activity is over.
We are busy professionals, and we will fail at this from time to time. The point is we need to strive to do better, including me. If you forget to notify a local unit agent about being involved in a local function, or if you forget to call a specialist about an external speaker you invited, just contact them, apologize, and provide them with the necessary information about the Extension activity. If someone forgot to contact you about a local activity or external speaker, just contact that person, explain yourself, and ask for the necessary information about the activity.
These are just some simple steps we all can do to make K-State Research and Extension an even more collegial place to be an Extension professional.
What are your thoughts?
HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Have a safe and thankful time over this long weekend. Travel safe, enjoy family and friends, and remember those who are less fortunate.