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.