We Have Met The Enemy And He Is Us!

Walt Kelly penned this phrase for his character POGO for Earth Day, 1971. While not in the same context Walt intended, the phrase is no less appropriate for our employment condition today. We are the enemy of ourselves.

In earlier times the American manufacturer, American business, and American trades trained people for their needs. Today, the mantra is “experience” as in “turnkey” employee. What happened to America?

Flashback to 1967, a “gas station manager” hires a young man as a service attendant. In those days, yes few pumped their own gas. That young man had a few skills taught by his father, the most important tool he owned was attitude and manners taught throughout his life.

Through mentoring and coaching, he learned every facet of the business. When his 18th birthday arrived he became eligible to work alone on any shift (insurances and child labor laws prevented a 17 year old from achieving those responsibilities.)

Fast forward to later in 1968, the young man finds employment at General Electric (GE). Again, his new skills gained from the gas station gave little preparation for GE needs. Through experience by watching others, discussing various positions, and other learned applications, this same young man moved through various positions in the operation. His skill levels again provided the organization the convenience of a flexible worker (should the reader wonder about unions, GE was a union company.)

Now we fast forward to date. I read newspapers and advertisements from around our nation and for the most part, this does not happen, the organization growing their own. Again, I refer to the turnkey worker. Everyone wants a fully rounded employee trained before hiring. Many times employers want not only turnkey employees, but additionally experienced turnkey employees. Meanwhile, potential employees, eager to work, idly sit wondering where and when they might get that skill and experience.

American business and employment opportunities cannot get from here to there (there being improvement) with this mentality (growing from potential.) American business should consider giving opportunities to those out of work, invest time and money for possibly less experienced and maybe less skilled to ramp up the organization talent pool. Nothing spells organization loyalty like employee loyalty.

Leadership Levels

All too often I read articles from employees wanting a seat at the table, promotion to a leadership role, titles, or recognition as a leader. Is that really necessary? Are you in the game for you or for your organization? Is it now really about you (you, collectively.)

Is having a seat at the table your goal? Is that your beef? As one of my former employers said, "I cannot make a place for every person that WANTS a seat." It became clear the issue was not about "making" a seat but "moving into a seat." As a part of the organization I was not of the same skills and "requirements" to be at the table as designed by the organization.

Through that same employer I learned a title means little if your role does not change. You can be the top dog doing anything and if that role does not change then it remains verbage instead of change.

Recognition as a leader has little to do with title, a place at the table, or any other facet of an organization. It is about organizational success. It is about sustained employment. It is about comfort. If you are comfortable with your skill levels, then accept your role as a leader of the skill levels (even if it is shared.) If you want more, then move toward the position needed for the table, title, or recognition.

It is all about you if you only want what you want.

Coming Out - Helping Those Who Will Out Themselves

For years, she hid her secret as if in closets from family and friends. He, on the other hand, found humor as a means to cloak of secrets. Neither person knew the other, yet the both shared a desire to let others know. Both yearned let others see their burden and feel their pain about not being out in the open to all they knew.

Families of those two knew something was different about them. The families could see it every day. That “something” was there but never so openly, the family could confirm what they felt every time the family gathered. Had these two known the history of their secret they would know it is not of heritage. They both were…ILLITERATE.

You know I know what you knew I was getting at while you were getting at a mindset. Before getting your BVDs too tight, if this story were about what you were thinking, you would be thinking, “you go, friend.” Suddenly, when I went open on the subject you felt betrayed. Why?

Within the first two paragraphs, you formed a strategy or tactic as to how they would “out themselves.” Suddenly, that last sentence in the second paragraph killed your strategy or tactic. Are you saying those with literacy problems are less significant? Are those two that started the story not worthy of your time and effort to help them “out” themselves?

If these two people were, what you thought in the first two paragraphs you might have braved nearly any storm to welcome them “out.” Suddenly, my disruption of your thoughts caused you to care less.

I am not a betting man, but were I to lay money on the table I would think the population of illiterates overwhelm the problems you thought of the two in the beginning of this story. In fact, you would probably be more inclined to help what you thought was the cause of our two characters if you THOUGHT they were both.

Help “OUT” a friend today. It will make a big difference in many lives.

Suddenly Surprised

I dislike advertising the death of famous people, so this post is not different. However, death is not always as predictable as a recent famous death.

A relative of mine fought death for months. He knew his odds and while fighting, made sure his family knew what they needed to know. From his bed in hospice he spoke to fellow experts on how to best repair and replace problem equipment. Shortly after his admission to hospice, phone calls between friends, and technical advisory calls they all knew. No surprise and people were prepared.

Today, you die. What happens to your business? Who controls invoices to your customers and vendors? Will your family understand insurances, business connections, accountants, and lawyers? No matter how swift your death, the living chaos behind will last for possibly years.

Think about it. Plan for it. I never met someone who outlived life. Succession is necessary.