The Secret Behind Interviewing

When was the last time that you put a spotlight on one of your competitors? 

If this seems counterintuitive, it probably is.  On the other hand, if you think that the internet now affords a “culture of sharing” (as Charlene Li puts it), praising a competitor might be a good idea after all.

Earlier today I participated in a podcast with another school’s administrator.  Sure, Jim and I compete for some of the same students and sure, it might seem like we were giving Jim praise for the work that he’s done at his school. Still, it just seemed like the right thing to do.

That’s one of the great things about the internet- it gives you a platform to share your knowledge with anyone, even a competitor.  It levels the playing field in order to serve a higher good.  In our case, as school leaders, our higher good is the cause of furthering digital education among teens.  

The bottom line: there’s plenty of attention to go around.

Someone who does this very well is Michael Sliwinski of Nozbe.  At no cost to anyone but himself, Michael offers Productive Magazine to anyone who wants it.  He interviews some of the smartest people on the planet in an effort to shine a spotlight on their talents.  The counterintuitive result- Michael actually takes the lead as a facilitator of productive people.  Not a bad role to play!

Myke Hurley of the 70 Decibels Podcast Network also does this well.  He interviews noteworthy bloggers and authors on various topics and this results in a series of listen-worthy shows.  You should seriously check him out.

The good news is that you can do this too.  Are you a realtor who can interview others in your field?  Are you a musician who can highlight the musical skills of a fellow instrumentalist?  Are you a chef who can host dinner parties that feature the recipes of noteworthy cooks?  The ideas are endless and as they say, the potential is huge.

The point is that you become more by giving away information, ideas and even your network. What you get in return is a bigger audience, a more robust platform and a generous heart.  We give in order to get.  Very simple.

For follow up: With whom can you share your expertise this week?  

Photo courtesy of JR