We can all get set in our “narrow-minded” ways professionally. As he describes this month, columnist Howard McKew has employed a somewhat unusual strategy for avoiding this problem throughout his career: keep changing jobs and/or areas of the industry every seven years or so. It certainly builds the foundation for a well-rounded knowledge base, and yet that degree of transition as an intentional career plan may not be for everyone.
So, other remedies for avoiding or getting out of a rut without pursuing the, uh, Full Howie? As the folks who have returned from another blustery AHR/ASHRAE gathering can attest, even a brief venture into the larger pool of colleagues and ideas can generate dividends and renew enthusiasm.