Exposure

When we all have a goal to work towards,we put our efforts in a definite direction and we all become the eopitome of sincerity,perseverance and mostly epitome of smartness also.So, when we know a goal, we are able to decide how to work towards it,but, how do we decide what is our goal?There are many factors that go into deciding a goal,but, I feel that one factor that governs all other factors is "Exposure".

For most software engineers (like me), some of the goals would be like:working on new technologies,climbing up the corporate ladder(or maybe starting something of your own,when you feel you are ready), earning money, interacting with people from varied cultures,etc.,but, how do we decide the benchmark for each of these goals.For example,lets take the game of cricket.If the best guy from your place is the guy who hs played at the district level(and you don't have a TV to influence you), then you might max. think of making it to the county team, but, if you have interacted with a guy who has made it to the county team,then you would like to be better than him and try to play for the national team.

Or maybe, incase , the most respected person in your place is a guy who manages, lets say,50-60 odd people across 2 or 3 projects in some company which is widely respected, then you would also try to be like him,maybe manage more people,get a higher post or something,but,in that situation or environment, you would never think of starting your own thing--> not because, you are incapable, but, because of the fear of the unknown(no one you know has done it before).

Now all of us don't get the best possible exposures at all times,so, we have to go and find out things.Some ways of getting new and better ideas(cos thats what exposure is supposed to do)can be by:

1. Talking to different types of people(as many as possible) .For example,lets say, you are a Java developer,then constantly interact not only with your team-members,but,also with developers working in other languages,testers,people from the QA team,guys who do the project management,people who dot eh HR and resource allocation,etc.
2. Talk to people at all levels ,cos, as a person goes up the heirarchy, he gets a better view and ofcourse, he is more experienced. Also, I ahve observer that in every person's life, a stage comes when he wants to proactively help otehrs and if you gel into the place,then you get a guy who sincerely wants to help/guide/mentor you.
3. Always help others.Helping others not onky gives you satisfaction,but,also a better understanding of the problems that you might face tomorrow.
4. Always be inquisitive,because, if you don't show enthusiasm or if you don't show interest, then no one would really want to help you.
5. Don't see profit and loss in every activity,cos,most of our actions don't have tangible results .
6. and Finally, use the internet for useful purpouses like blogging and reading others blogs(esp. reading the blogs of a guy called Krishnan Subramanian).