As I was attending a workshop in the Pyrenees, hosted by a friend, surrounded by an eclectic international crowd I met a guy from California, lets call him William.
You know the type; sunny disposition, startup savvy, San Fransisco vibe and that distinctive twang.
Heâs jet-lagged, having flown nine hours back in time.
During the drive from Barcelona airport to the remote workshop site, something caught Williamâs eye: villages perched atop hills. âWhy?â he wondered aloud. âWhat a hassle to build up there!â
After an initial internal giggle (âreally dude?â) It struck me that William was far from dumb, he just missed the historical context we Europeans take for granted: medieval fortifications, knights, sieges. Of course, youâd build on a hill, add a wall, and plop a castle next to it. Youâd stand in armor, scanning for enemies.
For him, it seemed like building a Wi-Fi router in a basement.
This anecdote underscores a critical point: context is key to understanding. When teaching students, remember they might lack the background knowledge that makes your practices seem logical. Why does your company operate this way? How did these traditions start?
Whatâs second nature to you might be alien to them.
By filling them in on your companyâs backstory, youâre not just teaching them procedures; youâre giving them the âwhyâ behind the âwhat.â Explaining the historical context behind your companyâs habits can make the unfamiliar familiar. Conversely, a fresh perspective like Williamâs can illuminate blind spots you never knew existed. Context is vital for understanding but can also narrow your view.
So, share your companyâs backstory with interns. It not only helps them grasp the logic but also enriches their experienceâand who knows, their questions might just reveal insights youâve overlooked.
And overlooking things is precisely what made people build on top of the hill. Not below the hill, which brings us back to the beginning of my story.
Stand on top of the hill and bring your interns there.