I had joined as young management trainee. As normal MT, I had lot of enthusiasm to do lot of things. I wanted to analyse data of entire state, not only our sales but also Industry sales. I approached a very seasoned, experienced Leader in the organisation to help me getting data from one of the very senior Sales employee for his micro market. The counter question to me was “You don’t love him...?” We anyway use these kind of words carefully, but it took me some time to understand the question. I didn’t answer anything, he helped me in getting information by making few calls. I reflected for few days & my learning was that why didn’t I approach the person directly, why I assumed that he will not share, even if he had said no to me for the data I could have explained him the importance of data for overall benefit of organisation & he could have given same to me. Should I write email to him or speak over phone, should I keep senior in Cc while writing email.. I got my answers & I got my learnings. We have to develop our own relations, we can’t always take shorter route of going up for help, we have to develop our own channels. These channels survive long term, these channels will give much more than what you get by bringing influence.