The question every student needs to have two answers for.

Written on
September 23, 2018
by
Peter Hostrawser

As I was beginning my journey to disrupt education, my wife worked at a prominent university as a consultant in their education division.  She had access to major decision makers in the world of educational research.  I was giddy with excitement to find out more about new initiatives in education.  I asked my wife to check with her connections to see if I could connect with the new CEO of the division.  Within a week, through an acquaintance of my wife, I was connected with the CEO on LinkedIn.  I was introduced through a connection on that platform and then was stifled by a question he asked me.  “Hi Peter, how may I help you?”

I hadn’t thought of that question.  Ever.  I thought I would be connected to this person and he would start asking questions about what I was doing with disrupting education and taking full interest in what I was finding out.  I never thought I would need help.  I had no answer.  THe answer I gave was something like, “No help right now, I wanted to connect with you to see what innovative things your organization is doing.”  I never heard from him again.  I screwed up.  It was a major lesson in networking.  

I have met some major players in education since that time years ago.  I hear the same question from them as well only now I have two answers every time.  I also take a few steps of research before I interact with people.  I look into what the person is about and try to find out part of their journey.  I also look for parallels in what I am doing and what they have done or are currently working on.  When I hear “How can I help you.”  I am no longer silent.  I always make sure I have two answers to that question.  The answer requires me to think in terms of my goals for disrupt education.  It also requires me to think about myself and what I can and can’t accomplish.  Additionally, I have to know my strengths and weaknesses.  Sounds like a lot of self-awareness doesn’t it?  It is.  

In educational systems, we do not do a good job of teaching self-awareness.  I often ask students if their hero in life is in front of them and ask them “How can I help you?” they should have two answers.  Teach your students this.  You will definitely improve the success rate of your class.

Another way to DIsrupt Education!


Peter Hostrawser
Creator of Disrupt Education
My value is to help you show your value. #Blogger | #KeynoteSpeaker | #Teacher | #Designthinker | #disrupteducation
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