I wrote this article on another blog in August and thought it still timely.
Discussions surrounding inclusion and diversity normally overlook those challenged physically and mentally. When diversity originated as race relations, we overlooked many citizens by ignoring anything except Black and White relationships. Honestly, it was perhaps America’s defining moment in better understanding among people of differences. Since then we included other races, sexual preferences, and religion. Veterans are now introducing a new phase that we completely ignored for many years – that of the challenged citizens.
Recently, President Obama awarded the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Leroy Arthur Perry, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry. The gallant act cost Sgt. Perry is right hand during combat operations. This act of bravery will follow Sgt. Perry for the remainder of his life. At some point Sgt. Perry becomes Leroy Arthur Perry, private citizen. Many will forget his name and without his uniform he fades with the glory of the moment as many Medal of Honor recipients do.
War is as unpleasant an event as any I can recall. While not on a battlefield, I served in the Navy and know the anxieties at my level onboard a ship distanced from the ground activity. I know their anxiety is many levels higher, but aside from the anxiety and memories, there are other challenges facing our warriors. These challenges brought to the front challenges for those inheriting genetically created handicaps. I hope this serves as a catalyst for everyone, but I cannot help but believe the veterans will lead the way.
Recent legal actions brought about by an individual, reports refer to as an activist, noted an auto sales business not affording needs for handicapped customers, or for handicapped employees (the employer had yet to hire handicapped personnel.) Many local citizens questioned the “activist’s” purpose in filing legal actions with other sales operations in the city. Sometimes it takes a while for things to sink in. Watching Sgt. Perry activated my thinking.
Without handicap parking, how would a potential employee or customer feel about the operation/company? Handicap does not play to the extremes. There are aging, genetic, and performance injuries that do not “prevent” employment necessarily, nor the purchase of an automobile. I could not understand why a business ignored potential customers, but this particular business missed the point.
Every organization should make every attempt to include our challenged citizens at every opportunity. Adapting/adopting every opportunity to bring customers to the business,and potential employees comfort/ease of access should be both promoted and advertised. Again, our military members bring their leadership from the front to confront an otherwise less visible community.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Community Trust: Engaging Your Neighbors
After reading an article in the local newspaper, I started wondering how business owners could help improve communities on a smaller scale. The newspaper story reported the death of a woman that drove past a crack house. Her only act included driving through a neighborhood. Her death resulted from a drug deal gone bad. Pure senselessness, but she was dead none-the-less.
At first glance, the story meant little to me, aside from the killing and crime. I do not live in that particular part of town. That is how most Americans view our communities. Not in my neighborhood or so glad I do not live there. Fact is I do live “there.”
Everyone lives “there” in some form or fashion. We have few neighborhoods in America not impacted by these acts. It might be across your town today, but in your backyard tomorrow. So, exactly how does this act fit into a business issue?
How many people would trust that particular neighborhood as a place to grow a business? How many shoppers now decide that neighborhood off limits for shopping? It matters little this was not always the scene, but it happened. If it happened more frequently, then our trust problems would grow accordingly. Imagine you already have a business in that neighborhood (countless neighborhoods fit this description so this story is more reality than you might think for you.) Suppose your business is the only one of the kind within miles of your location. Would your customer base remain steady after an event like this?
I know people who shy away from crime areas like this. They shop farther away in areas they trust, even at a greater cost. At a time of risk and stressed income, why would you want to shop in an area known for drug sales, gunfights, and random shootings?
Yes, there are external or “commuting” customers bringing other problems to your neighborhood, but let us review your current location and situation. How would you bring trust back into your neighborhood for the sake of your business? How would you get the trust of your neighbors to build a trusting neighborhood?
• Possibly the first issue would be to foster a great connection with your local law enforcement. Make it known you are an advocate and a place of safety for your neighbors. Some cities have “safe stops” where people know they can expect a safe environment and one where they can expect help from the employees/owners. This is especially critical for youngsters.
• Get involved in the neighborhood families. Sports teams, parks, after-school programs, “Paint the Town” efforts, and general neighborhood maintenance/cleanliness will go a long way toward getting additional customers and safe community. You also build neighborhood marketing through word of mouth and advertising.
• Hold a neighborhood “get together” where business people personally invite local citizens and introduce your business and operation to develop a community sense of trust and shared interest. A word of caution, ask participants to avoid alcohol at these events for the sake of the children, thereby making the event totally family friendly.
These may not be sure-fire answers, but apathy and cowering behind closed doors never benefitted a community or profits.
At first glance, the story meant little to me, aside from the killing and crime. I do not live in that particular part of town. That is how most Americans view our communities. Not in my neighborhood or so glad I do not live there. Fact is I do live “there.”
Everyone lives “there” in some form or fashion. We have few neighborhoods in America not impacted by these acts. It might be across your town today, but in your backyard tomorrow. So, exactly how does this act fit into a business issue?
How many people would trust that particular neighborhood as a place to grow a business? How many shoppers now decide that neighborhood off limits for shopping? It matters little this was not always the scene, but it happened. If it happened more frequently, then our trust problems would grow accordingly. Imagine you already have a business in that neighborhood (countless neighborhoods fit this description so this story is more reality than you might think for you.) Suppose your business is the only one of the kind within miles of your location. Would your customer base remain steady after an event like this?
I know people who shy away from crime areas like this. They shop farther away in areas they trust, even at a greater cost. At a time of risk and stressed income, why would you want to shop in an area known for drug sales, gunfights, and random shootings?
Yes, there are external or “commuting” customers bringing other problems to your neighborhood, but let us review your current location and situation. How would you bring trust back into your neighborhood for the sake of your business? How would you get the trust of your neighbors to build a trusting neighborhood?
• Possibly the first issue would be to foster a great connection with your local law enforcement. Make it known you are an advocate and a place of safety for your neighbors. Some cities have “safe stops” where people know they can expect a safe environment and one where they can expect help from the employees/owners. This is especially critical for youngsters.
• Get involved in the neighborhood families. Sports teams, parks, after-school programs, “Paint the Town” efforts, and general neighborhood maintenance/cleanliness will go a long way toward getting additional customers and safe community. You also build neighborhood marketing through word of mouth and advertising.
• Hold a neighborhood “get together” where business people personally invite local citizens and introduce your business and operation to develop a community sense of trust and shared interest. A word of caution, ask participants to avoid alcohol at these events for the sake of the children, thereby making the event totally family friendly.
These may not be sure-fire answers, but apathy and cowering behind closed doors never benefitted a community or profits.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Undereducated or Underserved?
The Society of Human Resources Management released their newest organization magazine this past week. They placed the period on the edition with a story du jour, college education. Why do we continue emphasis on college and both stress and misguidance to potential employees?
The story essentially questions employer resolve for an educated workforce through assistance with tuition and other benefits. At first reading, I barely noticed the issue and the article tone. After reading over the piece the second time, it hit me that the article ignored the majority of our population. The 75% of Americans not needing, desiring, or aimed at college we miss by advertising college only.
Since 1940, our citizens with college degrees hovered around 25%. The most I recall reading was 30%. Given that we take the higher number, that still ignores 70% of our citizens.
The government taunts employers to send employees to college. Why? Could it be that the majority of our lawmakers and SHRM personnel are college educated and not experienced in trades, vocations, or the school of hard knocks? Could it be to advocate more like-minded people, those in management? Oh, that is right. They are management.
America struggles yearly with finding the right mix to educate our citizens. We know our education issues and before starting to point fingers and debates the difficulties of right or wrong, let us focus on today.
Recent changes in education policies now tag GED students with costs for classes and tests. While not expensive, someone struggling with transportation and other costs can ill-afford the costs. We should require employees to attain their needed education, or at least entice them with employment conditions.
Our return on investment therefore should focus on building the education of our workforce to standards that meet adult learners, not necessarily college. Some say those two levels equal, but that is another debate. Three things employers can do for our citizens and workforce to raise the bar:
• pay for testing
• pay for needed classes
• reward employees for completing those requirements.
Something we need to think about for the majority of our workers.
The story essentially questions employer resolve for an educated workforce through assistance with tuition and other benefits. At first reading, I barely noticed the issue and the article tone. After reading over the piece the second time, it hit me that the article ignored the majority of our population. The 75% of Americans not needing, desiring, or aimed at college we miss by advertising college only.
Since 1940, our citizens with college degrees hovered around 25%. The most I recall reading was 30%. Given that we take the higher number, that still ignores 70% of our citizens.
The government taunts employers to send employees to college. Why? Could it be that the majority of our lawmakers and SHRM personnel are college educated and not experienced in trades, vocations, or the school of hard knocks? Could it be to advocate more like-minded people, those in management? Oh, that is right. They are management.
America struggles yearly with finding the right mix to educate our citizens. We know our education issues and before starting to point fingers and debates the difficulties of right or wrong, let us focus on today.
Recent changes in education policies now tag GED students with costs for classes and tests. While not expensive, someone struggling with transportation and other costs can ill-afford the costs. We should require employees to attain their needed education, or at least entice them with employment conditions.
Our return on investment therefore should focus on building the education of our workforce to standards that meet adult learners, not necessarily college. Some say those two levels equal, but that is another debate. Three things employers can do for our citizens and workforce to raise the bar:
• pay for testing
• pay for needed classes
• reward employees for completing those requirements.
Something we need to think about for the majority of our workers.
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