Your Work Ethic Lineage

So often, I hear solid performers, who go “above and beyond”, described as having a strong work ethic. I’ve written previous articles on what it takes to have a strong work ethic and the importance of having role models who inspire us to reach deep within ourselves to reach our full, untapped potential. All are key elements to achieving major success milestones in our chosen professions. I recently had a shift in my thinking with regard to the true genesis of a strong work ethic.

Like many who have a desire to understand their past, I immersed myself in studying my family history. I spoke with several family members to ascertain their memories and understanding our lineage. I also joined the genealogy site, Ancestry.com. Ancestry.com not only opened the door to some amazing stories and outlined the true facts of my ancestry, but put me in touch with family members I didn’t even know I had. There’s something exciting about being able to touch the past. We understand our present by knowing where we came from, and, as such, have a deeper awareness of where we are headed.

My maternal ancestry is strongly rooted in Blackburn, England. The motherland as we affectionately refer to it. In reading story after story of my ancestors, I noticed a common thread in their occupations. They all worked tremendously hard at what would be considered menial labor jobs. My bloodline consists of weavers, cotton spinners, machinists, umbrella makers, ice-block deliverers, and sweat shop workers. All labored long, arduous hours (upwards of 12-16 hours a day) for substandard wages. They would retire to their humble homes each evening exhausted and worn out from the punishing day’s work; yet they gave their required duties their all. Day in and day out they showed up for work and literally gave their blood, sweat and tears, and in some cases, life and limb. Keep in mind; they did not have several of the modern conveniences we have. Public transportation was not an amenity, thus leaving them to walk several miles to and from work, only adding to the extreme fatigue. My ancestors tackled with pride and enthusiasm jobs most would snub their noses at. They didn’t have an annual review where their supervisor told them what a great job they were doing, mapped out their career path, and discussed potential opportunities for advancement. They didn’t receive paid sick leave and vacation time, or a 401K to invest in. They didn’t have a cubicle or office with ergonomically correct equipment so their backs wouldn’t cramp up and to stave off carpel tunnel from all of the spinning and weaving. They worked in dingy, cold, depressing work-houses and mills, with little to no sunlight, and conditions that would bring major lawsuits to today’s corporations. Yet, they persisted and gave it their all, always thankful for the opportunity to make a little money to put food on the table and subsist.

My great, great, great grandfather, John Whittaker, died at the age of 78 while on the job in a workhouse as a cotton spinner. Talk about giving it your all. Many of us couldn’t fathom working such a job all the while, pushing into our 80’s. What drive and dedication he had! I consider it an honor that that’s the stock I’m borne from.

Coming to the sobering realization of what my ancestors endured throughout their work lives has put me in awe of them and, for that; they have my eternal round of applause. Each day, I’m surrounded by the example of my ancestors whose work ethic is the greatest example and role model one could ever desire. I can read every book on what it takes to be successful, and they wouldn’t come close to the lessons I’ve learned through the example my ancestors. I take pride in where I come from and can only hope that in generations to come, my grandchildren and their children’s children will feel the same when examining my life.

Where does your work ethic lineage come from? Do you have a long line of hard working examples to draw from or, are you the first generation to be the model for those who will come behind you? My work ethic certainly comes from within, but it’s also baked into my DNA. I come from a long line of incredibly diligent, hard workers, who suffered much for very little, but paved a road of honor and integrity in doing so.

Most people when researching their family history search to see if they have royalty and wealth in their bloodline. To date, I’ve not found a royal bloodline, but I have found a wealth far greater and valuable, and that, my friends, is… NOBILITY!

OVERCOMPENSATING

Two weeks ago, I sustained a hangnail injury on my right thumb that became deeply infected. The hangnail caught on an article of clothing which, in turn, ripped the skin causing a deep cut to the cuticle and a nasty flow of blood. Within hours, my finger became swollen to twice its size, was extremely tender to the touch, throbbed incessantly, and an infection set in. As a result, my thumb was rendered unusable and I had to conduct my daily activities without its use. Not as easy as one thinks. Simple tasks, such as putting the key in the lock, brushing my teeth or hair, typing, etc., became either painful, more time consuming, difficult to accomplish, or all of the above. I found myself having to overcompensate for the temporary loss of my thumb. It was incredibly frustrating and I couldn’t wait to have the full use of my hand back.

This got me to thinking about our ever dwindling job market and the temporary loss of talented employees.

Over the past 18 months, I’ve conducted countless interviews where candidates candidly spoke about how overworked they were due to having to take on the extra duties for the work of two, three or, in some instances, more people. Mind you, almost all did so without a salary increase. Due to the severe budget cuts that so many companies have had to undergo, those fortunate enough to keep their jobs, have been required to take on additional responsibilities that have mandated they go way above and beyond the call of their duties, or, like their fellow former co-workers, they too could be out of a job. Out of fear of losing their jobs, most have complied. As the months have worn on, these dedicated, overworked individuals have become worn out. How effective has this practice been? They have had to consistently overcompensate and pick up the slack. As a result, they’ve become exhausted, disenfranchised, disappointed and disengaged. Yes, companies have been able to save money running a leaner organization; however, those employees who have been doubly and triply tasked will, at the first chance, leave their respective company’s for a more doable role, and recruiting will have to hire not one, but two or more individuals to replace them. Which begs us to ask the question, did they really save any money in the long run? Sure, they saved some money at the upstart, but the costs of having to replace good talent is highly underestimated.

Unlike my hangnail, where some triple antibiotic cream and a bandage eventually cured my finger, you can’t put a Band-Aide cure on this dilemma. The problem is become more widespread and the cure will come at a greater cost. There’s a lesson to be learned in running a lean organization. If we do so at the cost of exceptionally talented people, then you’ve failed at running lean and have simply put your human capital in intensive care.

My remaining four healthy fingers had to overcompensate for the lack of my thumb. As a result, I had muscle cramps in two of my fingers and a slight pain that ran down from my middle finger to my wrist. What was initially strong, healthy, and productive hand was now becoming overworked and less mobile as a result of not having all digits doing their job. It's overall effectiveness had been compromised.

As vitally important as it is to attempt to run a lean organization, it’s important to keep in mind that you need to have the right individuals in the right role. Like my finger, you can’t expect the pinky to effectively do the job of the job of the thumb. Your output will suffer and you’ll end up with a weak, and potentially costly, end result. Each role is vital to the overall outcome and, collectively, with the right talent in the right positions, you cannot only run a highly effective and efficient organization but you do so with minimal loss of exceptional talent.

Copyright 2010

NOT EVEN PLUTO WAS EXEMPT FROM BEING LAID OFF

The more time I spend in this horrible economy the angrier and more frustrated I’ve become. Given I’m a recruiter by trade; I’ve had the painful task of spending countless hours speaking with immensely talented professionals who, after years of loyal service and commitment to their employer, are now out on the street desperately seeking a new job. Years ago, when someone was laid off, there wasn’t the wide spread panic there is today. You’d simply get your resume out there, go through your network, and start looking for a new job. For most, they would land a new position within a few weeks to a couple of months. Today, the employment horizon is horribly bleak and, sadly, for most, it’s taking more than a year to find a new suitable role.

Walk into any Starbucks or coffee hang out during the work week and you’ll find former CFO’s, VP’s, Analysts, and the like, dressed in their knock around clothes with their laptops fired up as they search desperately for some form of employment. Highly talented people wanting badly to work but, despite their best efforts are unable to find employment. For many it’s demoralizing to have the ability and desire to work but not have the job to go to. For others it’s been an opportunity to move into another career path or take some much needed time off. For most, it’s hell. As the weeks wear on and the bills pile up so does the despair.

From the moment we start school we’re trained to work hard to get good grades so we can go to a good college or university and eventually land a good job. This economy has been the complete antithesis of everything we’ve been taught.

This got me to thinking, if such high ranking personnel aren’t exempt from pink slips then clearly who is? No one! That’s who. Not even the former planet, Pluto. Let’s face it, if Pluto lost its role in the Universe, who’s to say we mortal humans aren’t subject to the same?

Pluto first took its role as the ninth planet of the solar system, technically when the universe began, but officially in 1930. The outermost planet, as it’s otherwise referred to, was discovered by renowned scientist, Clyde Tombaugh. For over 75 years Pluto fulfilled a prestigious role as part of the solar system. Despite being a prominent member of the Kuiper belt, having an impressive composition of rock and ice and an eccentric, highly inclined orbit, Pluto’s performance was taken under intense scrutiny and deliberation. After much debate, Pluto was essentially called in and laid off from one of the most esteemed roles of the solar system. Not that Pluto underperformed or ever called in sick. The solar system was downsizing and Pluto’s services as a full-fledged planet were no longer needed. Pluto was given a new title of “dwarf-planet” and would no longer be considered part of the “Big Nine”. I’m sure he was given a severance package of a few billion stars and continued orbiting privileges, but where do you go once you’ve been let go from one of the coolest jobs in the universe, literally?

Hearing the words, “We’re making some serious budget cuts and unfortunately, Loyal Employee, we’re going to have to let you go”, instills immediate shock, degradation and all out concern over how you’re going to pay your bills. The second those words roll off your bosses lips, you’re instantaneously locked out of email, company databases, the restrooms, and parking garage. You’re then left with the humiliating task of cleaning out your desk in front of your fellow employees, who oddly enough are still gainfully employed despite their lack of productivity, and having to take that walk of shame with security as you exit the building to the daunting and disconcerting world of unemployment. Like Pluto, we’re left orbiting about aimlessly trying to figure out where we’re going to land next.

Does this economy rot from its putrefied core? Absolutely! Will we survive and press on? Absolutely! Does being unemployed mean you’re void of talent and any less of a human being? Absolutely not! Will you eventually land another job? You can count on it, but don’t let Pluto know. After all, he was named after the Roman God of the underworld and could get a little jealous and incensed.

For more information on how to survive being laid off, visit http://www.jobs.state.ak.us/taa/survive.htm


Copyright 2009

Know Your Own Strength

I've recently gone through a series of very difficult circumstances, both personally and professionally. Serious life altering changes that on the onset rocked my world considerably! As with most adversities I’ve faced in life, I took a long, hard look at each situation, searched for answers, and a way to grow as a professional and as a human being. I’ll admit there have been moments when I would have preferred to stay curled up in bed in the fetal position crying my eyes out and feeling sorry for myself. In the long run that only yields a bad sinus headache and an even deeper sense of despair. I consider myself more of a Phoenix; always rising above the ashes (or at least out of bed) after some form of destruction has hit my life. These past few months have been no different.

This morning I downloaded Whitney Houston’s new single “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength”. The words spoke so deeply to my heart. The triumph and empowerment she sings of are things I can profoundly relate to. We all get beaten down and battered by the trials and tribulations of life; especially in these tough global and economic times. What keeps us on the path to victory is when we make that instinctive choice to persevere and pick up our proverbial swords and keep fighting. In doing so, we see unfold before us a strength so immensely powerful. A strength we didn't know was residing in us all the while. A strength that will sustain us through to the end allowing us to claim insurmountable triumph and victory.

Thank you Whitney for this song of incredible strength and for the demons you clearly had to overcome in order to sing these words with the amazing conviction and fortitude you did! Way to go!

Achieving Your Optimal Greatness!

Watch this AMAZING video on achieving your optimal greatness!

Being In The KNOW

Knowledge is POWER and when it comes to job hunting and interviewing, “being in the know” is essential. How you convey and leverage what you know, throughout your recruitment process will separate you from the pack. Here are a few helpful hints on how to do just that.

Know Your Assets – YOU!
What is your best asset? YOU are! Far too often candidates are unaware of the overall value they can bring to a potential employer. They drone through their interviews giving basic answers or dropping “buzz” words and phrases into their conversation. (I’m a synergistic team player whose core competencies are mission critical to enhancing the overall strategy of the bottom line!) Say what? Prior to an interview write down several key value propositions you can offer a company based on your specific skill sets, the requirements of the role, and your overall experience. You want to stand out positively in your interviews, to make a statement and leave the hiring managers thinking about you long after the interview is over. Be confident without being arrogant and present your total professional package.

Know Your Potential Employer
Time and time again, candidates are ill prepared when it comes to knowing the landscape of who they’re interviewing with. In this technological age when even dogs have blogs, there should be no excuse for not doing your homework and research on the company you’re interviewing with. Be sure to review their website, know their products and services, identify key players, know their mission/values statements, and if possible review press releases and/or newsworthy articles. Being well informed goes a long way with hiring managers. It shows your willingness to go the extra mile and you’re readiness to invest and be committed.

Know How to Ask Insightful Questions
Ask questions beyond what the scope of the job and benefits package. Ask the hiring manager what he/she finds to be most challenging about their role. What separates them from their competitors? Where do they see themselves in the marketplace over the next few years? What new products or service offerings do they anticipate rolling out in the near future? What are the key indicators that make their firm/company successful? Asking insightful questions that relate to the company vs. just your role, signals the hiring manager that you have a big picture mentality and understand how your work contributions affect the bottom line.

Know to Stay Abreast of Industry Trends
By staying in tune with industry trends, both from a skills perspective and your prospective employers, you add tremendous value to your process, your conversations with hiring managers, and have the potential to provide valuable insight that shows you’re truly dialed in. It also affords you the aptitude to speak your potential employer’s language and will garner you more credibility. It also shows you’re a visionary hungry for knowledge and more importantly, willing to share that knowledge

Helpful Tools to Be In The Know

• LinkedIn
• Company Websites
• Industry Blogs
• Press Releases
• Network Events
• Social Networks
• Alumni Groups

copyright 2009

Funny Video:Recruitment Recession in the US

I just love this video. I found it on a fellow bloggers blog. It's a humorous look at the state of a candidate rich market in this awful recession. Enjoy!

http://www.ere.net/blogs/video_20/ACF3D5CDBDD042F5AFCF779A71D006B3.asp