As we prepare our plans for the 4th of July, take time to reflect upon why Americans celebrate this holiday. Consider what freedom meant for those brave souls in our land and what they sacrificed. The impact that our founding mothers and fathers had on the lives of future Americans and the rest of the world is nothing short of amazing.
United across the land for a solitary purpose - freedom, Americans joined hands to fight at the front lines, defend their homes, and protect their loved ones despite significant and seemingly unsurmountable challenges. Their resiliency, steadfastness, and courage gave birth not only to a great nation, but to a centre of hope for all the world to experience.
This 4th of July, let's pray that our nation remembers that we can accomplish great things together, especially when the stakes are high and victory seems elusive.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
All They Can Tell You Is, "No!"
When I was growing up, that's the advice my dad offered me whenever I was worried about how I was going to do antying - get a job, ask for money (usually from him). And, "What do I do if they DO tell me, "No!" I'd ask him. His answer, powerufl and simple, "Figure out another way to the answer you need."
I've used that simple philosophy in more ways than I'd ever imagined in my life, including overcoming a myriad of blockades in my entrepreneurial journey. Reducing sales resistance, finding avenues through financial constraints, you name it. Dad's philosophy of not being afraid to ask for waht you want and knowing that there are ways to overcome anything, has had a profound impact on my self-confidence, resiliency, and unbelievable positive attitude.
He wasn't just a philospher. He knew what it took to overcome any negative situation. He had a pretty rough childhood. His mom had three small kids to raise, when his father died suddenly and unexpectedly of a brain tumor. His grandparents were not supportive - emotionally or financially. At the age of 12, he was given a hardship license to drive in order to get a job and help the family out financially. His mom worked three jobs to support them, but Grannie somehow managed to make it to as many of Dad's softball games as possible. Softball became his ticket to fame and financial security. He landed a job with Goodyear Tire & Rubber to play on their promotional softball team (corporate-sponsored teams were abundant back in the '50s) and was skilled enough to make it into the Amateur Fast-Pitch Softball World Series games and World All-Star Teams at least five different times. A requirement for induction to the World's Softball Hall of Fame requires only three different stints in the World games. It's a grand achievement for someone who had so little going for him and so much going against him. "No" was never a word to stop him, and he certainly wasn't going to let it stop his kids. Thank goodness.
Throughout my struggling career-building years in corporations, my father would always suggest that the hours and effort that I was putting into those companies would be better spent in a company of my own making. After 15 years of learning the ropes in the corporate world, I left to start my own business - finally. At a time in my life when I can express my gratitude and share with my father how his philosophy has shaped not only my career but my life, words are no longer useful. The same year that I started my own consulting firm, my father was diagnosed with vascular dementia. The guidance and council that I had come to rely upon was gone. And although I can't communicate to him in words that he understands, I know that won't stop me from expressingmy love and gratitude for all that he has given me. I can still see the pride and joy in his eyes when he sees me and, in rare moments of clarity, he can put his arms around me to give that familiar hug telling me that he's proud...not just of my business, my career, but proud of me and the person that I've become.
In watching him struggle with his disease, I realize that he's following his own advice by refusing to give up even when life has dealt him such a cruel curve ball. His resistance to the disease that incapacitates him more and more each day is an unbelievable journey in courage and determination to overcome a horrible human condition. He still utters the words, "Sure," and "We did it," to express his confidence, joy, and gratitude when attempting and accomplishing the simplest of tasks. His struggle to be part of life when life is nearly gone for him never ceases to amaze me. At holidays and birthdays, Dad gathers all of his energy to sustain a level of alertness to share with us in our celebrations. The exertion exhausts him, and he sleeps for days afterwards.
When I look at the events in my life on a daily basis, especially on the business side of my life, the issues that I manage are just that....manageable. There is nothing with a client, project, or business deal that is so overwhelming that it can't be managed successfully. Determination, resiliency, passion to keep going forward...these are the messages that my father sends me on a daily basis. As mountains appear on the horizon, I know there's nothing that can stop me or prevent me from finding a million different paths to cross it. Thanks, Dad, for continuing to show me the way.
Footnote: I found this "Letter to Myself" as I was cleaning out old files. My Dad passed away five years ago. Although this letter was written 10 years prior, it feels like I wrote it only yesterday. Wisdom is timeless.
Jill Hickman, SPHR
Jill Hickman Companies
www.JillHickman.com
Jill@JillHickman.com
I've used that simple philosophy in more ways than I'd ever imagined in my life, including overcoming a myriad of blockades in my entrepreneurial journey. Reducing sales resistance, finding avenues through financial constraints, you name it. Dad's philosophy of not being afraid to ask for waht you want and knowing that there are ways to overcome anything, has had a profound impact on my self-confidence, resiliency, and unbelievable positive attitude.
He wasn't just a philospher. He knew what it took to overcome any negative situation. He had a pretty rough childhood. His mom had three small kids to raise, when his father died suddenly and unexpectedly of a brain tumor. His grandparents were not supportive - emotionally or financially. At the age of 12, he was given a hardship license to drive in order to get a job and help the family out financially. His mom worked three jobs to support them, but Grannie somehow managed to make it to as many of Dad's softball games as possible. Softball became his ticket to fame and financial security. He landed a job with Goodyear Tire & Rubber to play on their promotional softball team (corporate-sponsored teams were abundant back in the '50s) and was skilled enough to make it into the Amateur Fast-Pitch Softball World Series games and World All-Star Teams at least five different times. A requirement for induction to the World's Softball Hall of Fame requires only three different stints in the World games. It's a grand achievement for someone who had so little going for him and so much going against him. "No" was never a word to stop him, and he certainly wasn't going to let it stop his kids. Thank goodness.
Throughout my struggling career-building years in corporations, my father would always suggest that the hours and effort that I was putting into those companies would be better spent in a company of my own making. After 15 years of learning the ropes in the corporate world, I left to start my own business - finally. At a time in my life when I can express my gratitude and share with my father how his philosophy has shaped not only my career but my life, words are no longer useful. The same year that I started my own consulting firm, my father was diagnosed with vascular dementia. The guidance and council that I had come to rely upon was gone. And although I can't communicate to him in words that he understands, I know that won't stop me from expressingmy love and gratitude for all that he has given me. I can still see the pride and joy in his eyes when he sees me and, in rare moments of clarity, he can put his arms around me to give that familiar hug telling me that he's proud...not just of my business, my career, but proud of me and the person that I've become.
In watching him struggle with his disease, I realize that he's following his own advice by refusing to give up even when life has dealt him such a cruel curve ball. His resistance to the disease that incapacitates him more and more each day is an unbelievable journey in courage and determination to overcome a horrible human condition. He still utters the words, "Sure," and "We did it," to express his confidence, joy, and gratitude when attempting and accomplishing the simplest of tasks. His struggle to be part of life when life is nearly gone for him never ceases to amaze me. At holidays and birthdays, Dad gathers all of his energy to sustain a level of alertness to share with us in our celebrations. The exertion exhausts him, and he sleeps for days afterwards.
When I look at the events in my life on a daily basis, especially on the business side of my life, the issues that I manage are just that....manageable. There is nothing with a client, project, or business deal that is so overwhelming that it can't be managed successfully. Determination, resiliency, passion to keep going forward...these are the messages that my father sends me on a daily basis. As mountains appear on the horizon, I know there's nothing that can stop me or prevent me from finding a million different paths to cross it. Thanks, Dad, for continuing to show me the way.
Footnote: I found this "Letter to Myself" as I was cleaning out old files. My Dad passed away five years ago. Although this letter was written 10 years prior, it feels like I wrote it only yesterday. Wisdom is timeless.
Jill Hickman, SPHR
Jill Hickman Companies
www.JillHickman.com
Jill@JillHickman.com
No One Can See Into Your Heart
I love today's quote from Notes from the Universe: "No one can see into your heart which is why we have to show them how we feel."
In leadership classes that I facilitate, business managers often wonder why they have to show that they care about others when they are there to do a job and get results. What they fail to understand (at first) is that our job as managers is to get results through others. Others won't work for us, with us, or by us, if we don't show them that we care about them first. Remember the old adage, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!"
Leadership is about outcomes (business results) and relationships (people). If we only address and concern ourselves with getting the job done, we risk ruining the relationships with others. Conversely, if we only address and concern ourselves with relationships, we risk eroding the productivity and quality to support what we're in business for in the first place.
When I'm brought into an organization for leadership training, it's not to provide technical business skills training. That's what got the leaders hired in the first place. What I'm brought in for is to provide leadership training to enhance relationship skills. The lack of relationships skills (ability to get along with others) is what will get you fired and what prevents an organization from growing into what Jim Collins calls, "GREAT."
If people are a company's greatest asset, are your relationships with others demonstrating that? We treat our equipment with tender, loving care to ensure that our investment is protected and lasts. We should do the same with our people. Let's treat them with TLC to ensure that they remain engaged, productive, and stay with us!
In leadership classes that I facilitate, business managers often wonder why they have to show that they care about others when they are there to do a job and get results. What they fail to understand (at first) is that our job as managers is to get results through others. Others won't work for us, with us, or by us, if we don't show them that we care about them first. Remember the old adage, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care!"
Leadership is about outcomes (business results) and relationships (people). If we only address and concern ourselves with getting the job done, we risk ruining the relationships with others. Conversely, if we only address and concern ourselves with relationships, we risk eroding the productivity and quality to support what we're in business for in the first place.
When I'm brought into an organization for leadership training, it's not to provide technical business skills training. That's what got the leaders hired in the first place. What I'm brought in for is to provide leadership training to enhance relationship skills. The lack of relationships skills (ability to get along with others) is what will get you fired and what prevents an organization from growing into what Jim Collins calls, "GREAT."
If people are a company's greatest asset, are your relationships with others demonstrating that? We treat our equipment with tender, loving care to ensure that our investment is protected and lasts. We should do the same with our people. Let's treat them with TLC to ensure that they remain engaged, productive, and stay with us!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Living & Working Conditions Around the World
How often do we take our rights and freedoms for granted? When I read about horrific working and living conditions elsewhere in the world, I am literally jolted back into thankfulness and gratitude for living in this country. In the USA, such abuse is not tolerated, is illegal and perpetrators will be punished.
Read about the garment industry workers in India and the punishments received or threatened for failure to meet production quotas: men's hands are burned, and women are beaten and threatened with sexual assault. http://www.globallabourrights.org/admin/reports/files/110827-Another-Crisis-in-Jordan-IBGM.pdf
Learn about the indignity of intolerable sanitation conditions for women who must pay for the use of a public toilet (if they can find or afford one). Their other options: stop drinking water and suffer dehydration or relieve themselves in the fields, gathered in groups with other females in the early morning hours to avoid sexual assault. http://www.bluegranola.com/tag/sanitation/
Absolutely, there is injustice throughout the world. This is only a limited view into a world where most of us are fortunate to only read about it. I hope reading these two articles will do one of these things for you: 1) Appreciate the great things that the USA affords you the right to do. 2) Remember to express your gratitude for the rights that others have fought for you to enjoy. 3) Don't take any freedoms for granted. 4) Read, learn, and publicly denounce the intolerable living and working conditions that exist throughout the world. 5) Refuse to support the companies that create these products and services under such horrific conditions. Hanes? Perry Ellis? Read on....
Read about the garment industry workers in India and the punishments received or threatened for failure to meet production quotas: men's hands are burned, and women are beaten and threatened with sexual assault. http://www.globallabourrights.org/admin/reports/files/110827-Another-Crisis-in-Jordan-IBGM.pdf
Learn about the indignity of intolerable sanitation conditions for women who must pay for the use of a public toilet (if they can find or afford one). Their other options: stop drinking water and suffer dehydration or relieve themselves in the fields, gathered in groups with other females in the early morning hours to avoid sexual assault. http://www.bluegranola.com/tag/sanitation/
Absolutely, there is injustice throughout the world. This is only a limited view into a world where most of us are fortunate to only read about it. I hope reading these two articles will do one of these things for you: 1) Appreciate the great things that the USA affords you the right to do. 2) Remember to express your gratitude for the rights that others have fought for you to enjoy. 3) Don't take any freedoms for granted. 4) Read, learn, and publicly denounce the intolerable living and working conditions that exist throughout the world. 5) Refuse to support the companies that create these products and services under such horrific conditions. Hanes? Perry Ellis? Read on....
Thursday, April 12, 2012
A BIG first step for women in business today
Today I have witnessed a BIG first step forward for businesses moving women into leadership positions.
For the first time in over 30 plus years in business teaching leadership curriculum, five senior managers on separate occassions throughout one week-long leadership session within a male-dominated industry and corporation asked, "Where are the women?" (There were none in the session - not unlike the other sessions previously held at that company and elsewhere.) The last senior executive to speak went further. As the general counsel for the corporation, he said it was time for the organization and its leaders to change. Time for the organization to bring women into leadership positions and change the face of the organization.
I felt as if the earth had moved, that I was witnessing a significant change within the business world and within society itself. For the first time in any leadership session, I had not only five senior executives raise the question to promote awareness of the lack of gender diversity - I had a general counsel say, "Enough," and continue to charge the hiring supervisors with the responsibility and duty to actively seek out, recruit and hire women.
I was at once relieved and so deeply pleased that I had lived long enough to witness something that I had long ago been trying to bring great awareness to and improve the odds for women in business. THIS was the idea behind the Women's Leadership Advisory Board and the reason behind its implementation and great success.
In my book, TODAY is a BIG day for women! I have marked my calendar accordingly. Celebrate with me. Maybe your company will be next!
I felt as if the earth had moved, that I was witnessing a significant change within the business world and within society itself. For the first time in any leadership session, I had not only five senior executives raise the question to promote awareness of the lack of gender diversity - I had a general counsel say, "Enough," and continue to charge the hiring supervisors with the responsibility and duty to actively seek out, recruit and hire women.
I was at once relieved and so deeply pleased that I had lived long enough to witness something that I had long ago been trying to bring great awareness to and improve the odds for women in business. THIS was the idea behind the Women's Leadership Advisory Board and the reason behind its implementation and great success.
In my book, TODAY is a BIG day for women! I have marked my calendar accordingly. Celebrate with me. Maybe your company will be next!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Let it go...
Assumptions are rooted in the roles we play. As our responsibilities grew out of need and changing times, our roles as viewed by society never changed accordingly. Women took care of the house and children. Men worked. As women work, do they continue to take care of the house and children? Yes. At what cost? Burnout, dropout. If women don't do it all - work, take care of children and house as well as themselves- are they judged? Yes. Do women judge each other? Yes. If women want things to change - women must be a part of that change by stopping the abuse of each other and changing expectations by setting them.
Be courageous. Hold yourself accountable for letting go of guilt in not being able to get everything done. Women can't do it all - getting up another hour earlier or staying up one hour later (or two or three) than everyone else still won't get it all done. Women have to ask for what they want and need and learn to delegate. And the biggest lesson of all to learn: let go when you do. Let go of the guilt and the assumptions that others will frown, be disappointed, or angry. Give yourself permission to appreciate all the good that you do. Eliminate the lesser priorities. Release them to another person or another time. Don't expect others to change their assumptions first or at all. Let them follow your lead. And if they don't, stand strong and let them at least see the path you've made. It's a trailblazer!
Be courageous. Hold yourself accountable for letting go of guilt in not being able to get everything done. Women can't do it all - getting up another hour earlier or staying up one hour later (or two or three) than everyone else still won't get it all done. Women have to ask for what they want and need and learn to delegate. And the biggest lesson of all to learn: let go when you do. Let go of the guilt and the assumptions that others will frown, be disappointed, or angry. Give yourself permission to appreciate all the good that you do. Eliminate the lesser priorities. Release them to another person or another time. Don't expect others to change their assumptions first or at all. Let them follow your lead. And if they don't, stand strong and let them at least see the path you've made. It's a trailblazer!
Monday, March 26, 2012
Get Up and Run
As I was driving past Memorial Park on the way to a client meeting in the Texas Medical Center, I saw a woman dressed in scrubs running. I wondered what she was running away from, toward or for. She was so focused. I imagined it was for all three reasons. She was running away from a stressful situation, running toward recapturing her joy, running FOR her life. I considered her choice regarding where she chose to run this day - into the woods, away from the concrete and metal, to let nature surround her, hold her in its loving hands to heal, re-energize, and connect with her Higher Self and guiding spirits. What a perfect choice.
Then, as I turned the corner, I saw another woman sitting on a curb, crying her eyes out. My hope was that she, too, would get up and run.
Then, as I turned the corner, I saw another woman sitting on a curb, crying her eyes out. My hope was that she, too, would get up and run.
Snow Skiing - Lessons in Leadership #5
Today is my first day back at work after a glorious skiing vacation. I started to title this blog as "Snow Skiing - Lessons in Leadership FINAL," but I know that's not true. So many times, vacations serve as stimuli for creative innovation for many days, months, years, to come. When was the last time you excused yourself from work and, in the midst of pure play, you discovered not one, but many, possible solutions to the problem situtations that only days ago seemed so perplexing and maybe insurmountable? Take a vacation. It'll do wonders for your soul, your mind, and your work! So, on to my blog, enjoy the lessons learned from my vacation, and then before you head back to work, schedule some vacation time for yourself!
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Lesson #5:
I have to admit – I’m a bit afraid of heights. The calves of both legs start tingling to let me know when I’ve reached the height when I should be scared, just in case I’m not paying attention. Yea, right. But I went snow skiing anyway. And you know when you snow ski, you have to get on those chair lifts. And some of them don’t even have bars in front of you to hold you in place. No, your legs just dangle off the chair and you hold on to the poles, the sides, your partner, whatever and whomever you can find. Terrifying? No. A bit scary? Yes. Definitely, yes!
So why do I do it? Why subject myself to these heights that I know will scare me? It’s because I don’t want to stay in the status quo, doing the same things, experiencing the same emotions. I want to stretch myself to experience new events and gain new perspectives. And, yes, even if that means it scares me just a bit. Learning something new, stretching myself beyond my comfort zone – that’s what living and growing is all about.
And taking the chair lift was just the beginning. Next, I challenged myself to advance from the “green” (easy) slopes to the “blue” (more difficult) slopes. At the top of the mountain at the height of these blue slopes, the view looked straight down the mountain. My calves were really beginning to sing out loud then. But I did it. I conquered my fear and overcame my inner voice that begged me to stay on the easy slopes where it was safe. The result? I did it. I got down the mountain, and, yes, I experienced a few tumbles along the way. But, I got up, dusted off the snow, and kept going with determination and pride in doing something pretty different, radical, and challenging for me! Reaching deep into my soul to bring out that inner resolve and stretch beyond my fear, I was able to break through obstacles like the icy trails, snow flurries and crazy strong winds. It gave me a sense of wonder, awe, and confidence that I never would have experienced otherwise.
When was the last time that you did something outside of your comfort zone, that really stretched your capabilities, and yes, scared you just a bit? When was the last time that you were able to experience the incredible rush of confidence gained from a stellar accomplishment (or a helluva good try), ripe with some pretty significant challenges? Well, that’s too long. Get out of your comfort zone. Get going. Get moving. Stretch yourself and your capabilities. Feel the pride of overcoming something truly significant. Experience the joy of accomplishment!
Snow skiing - lessons in leadership #4
Getting off the chair lift was beginning to get rougher and rougher each day. By Day 3, Keith, my brother-in-law astutely observed it was because I was letting the chair intimidate me. He was right. I was locking up, getting tense and becoming too stiff when I got to the point on the lift when the signs said, “Get ready to unload. Tips up. “
So, with this observation and feedback, I took the next lift, determined to relax and let go of the fear. I concentrated on capturing my confidence and enjoying my surroundings at the same time. Seeing the beauty around me gave me a focus that overpowered any fear and intimidation that the chair had previously held for me.
How many times do we forget the ‘big picture’ of what we’re working for? As leaders, our job is to point out the vision of where we’re heading. We have the responsibility to encourage our employees to see beyond the daily routine of their individual jobs. As Tammy, my sister-in-law said, “Look around. This is why we ski.” Help your employees see the vision and learn how they can contribute to getting there.
Snow skiing - lessons in leadership #3
Of all the things that Rich said to me that morning, I remember best his repeated statement, “Okay, let’s go have some fun.” He’d say this before we got on the chair lift and before we hit the slopes to practice and perfect the lessons learned just minutes before. “Have fun.” Of course! What else in the world are we supposed to be having, yet how often we get caught up in the day-to-day (or the lesson) that we forget what we’re doing (at work) in the first place?
Have fun. Enjoy what you’re doing. Love what you do. Otherwise, forget it. Get out. Quit. Life’s too short. Find something else that you do love and that you’ll look forward to every morning…just like Rich. He's been teaching ski lessons for over 45 years and loves it. The look on his face told the truth. He loves it.
Snow Skiing - lessons in leadership #2
On the slopes, Rich demonstrated what to do and then asked me to follow. Upon observation, he didn’t bombard me with everything that I had done incorrectly. Each time down the slopes, he identified one thing that I could do differently (he never used the word “wrong”) to help me control my speed or perfect my turns.
Rich also used my name to offer praise and encouragement. “Great, Jill. Much better that time.” He would also call my name out when he wanted to get my attention to stop bad habits. “Jill, look up. Jill, stand up.” Apparently, I was crouching over so much that he said that I must have been looking for money.
On the chair lift, Rich and I talked about our careers. He had been instructing for over 45 years and told me that he was forever learning. That was his secret to success. As a ski instructor to ski instructors, Rich said, “Although they were full of energy and enthusiasm, they were too ambitious, wanting to teach their students everything all at once. And, fact is, students will only remember 1-2 things at best.”
Let me tell you, when I hit the higher slopes later that afternoon, I could hear Rich’s voice, “Jill, stand up. Jill, look up.” The two things that he wanted me to remember and focus on, I did.
How many times do we point out all the wrong things that employees do all at once? Do we really think that’s motivating or inspiring them to perform correctly? How many times do we compliment or praise employees for the subtle changes in behavior that we notice? Upon seeing the difference between Day 1 and Day 2 skiing performance, Keith and his wife, Tammy, both remarked upon the improvements. They made sure that we knew that they could see the difference even if we couldn’t tell yet. Encouraging? Yes! Motivating? Yes! We gained confidence to extend our reach to the top of the mountain, practicing, and perfecting our lessons learned.
How did you spend Leap Day this Year
I spent this Leap Day snow skiing and experiencing lessons in leadership! I haven’t been snow skiing in 30 years and let me tell you – I felt it in every bone in my body on the first day of skiing. A bit too determined to recapture the glory years, I tried too hard to keep up with the expertise of my fellow travelers. Finally, ego aside, I signed up for ski lessons for the second morning. That’s when I realized that I had so much to learn….. and it was a bit overwhelming and intimidating. But I had progressed from unconscious incompetence (not knowing what I didn’t know) to the level of conscious incompetence - I knew what I needed to learn.
When I met Rich, the ski instructor, he asked what I wanted to focus on for the lessons. “My goal,” I said, “is to control my speed and turns.” I also told Rich, “I know that you can see what I’m doing better than I ever will, and you’ll be able to offer me constructive feedback on what I can do to correct, improve, or stop doing.”
As managers and leaders, offering specific feedback to employees is one of the most important skills you can develop. If employees don’t know what they are doing, they’ll keep repeating the same mistakes over and over, never knowing what they are doing, what needs improving, what needs eliminating.
Asking Rich to be my instructor was one of the best gifts that I could have given myself during this ski trip. With his keen eyes and sincere desire to assist, he was able to offer me specific feedback to help eliminate actions that were leading me to fall and implement new behaviors to keep me standing tall and moving with control down the slopes.
As leaders, if we hesitate to provide employees with specific feedback to improve performance, they may never know what they’re doing is off the mark and continue to repeat the same mistakes.
Friday, February 17, 2012
What Haunts You?
I don't see dead people, but I do see patterns everywhere. And sometimes they haunt me just like that poor kid in the movies. Patterns can serve us well but when I see interesting and yes - maybe even disturbing implications, I can't seem to let them go. And just like those ghosts in the movies, it's weird how these patterns seem to pop out of nowhere and into my consciousness to attack my focus, no matter what I have on my list of to-do's for the day!
Take today, for example. Based on a series of coincidental conversations this week along the same theme, I'm struck by the notion that distraction and lack of focus relates to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Curiously, you can be overwhelmed by an inordinate amount of work or the lack thereof. You can also be overwhelmed by a combination of having too much work to do and valuing none of it that's stacked up in front of you.
Here's the pattern that I'm haunted by: Does being overwhelmed lead to an inability to focus AND does this all stem from an optimistic or pessimistic outlook? Are optimistic people less prone to feeling overwhelmed and thus stay focused and on course? Conversely, are pessimistic Patties prey to falling victim to a life of endless distraction, focus dilution and thwarted progress?
With my handy research assistant, Google, I discovered I'm not alone in questioning the potential connections between being overwhelmed, optimism/pessimism, and their outcomes on performance. Apparently, it's a puzzling pattern that continues to haunt many of us. Just in case this is beginning to haunt you and keep you from your work, read what the studies say here.
Take today, for example. Based on a series of coincidental conversations this week along the same theme, I'm struck by the notion that distraction and lack of focus relates to a feeling of being overwhelmed. Curiously, you can be overwhelmed by an inordinate amount of work or the lack thereof. You can also be overwhelmed by a combination of having too much work to do and valuing none of it that's stacked up in front of you.
Here's the pattern that I'm haunted by: Does being overwhelmed lead to an inability to focus AND does this all stem from an optimistic or pessimistic outlook? Are optimistic people less prone to feeling overwhelmed and thus stay focused and on course? Conversely, are pessimistic Patties prey to falling victim to a life of endless distraction, focus dilution and thwarted progress?
With my handy research assistant, Google, I discovered I'm not alone in questioning the potential connections between being overwhelmed, optimism/pessimism, and their outcomes on performance. Apparently, it's a puzzling pattern that continues to haunt many of us. Just in case this is beginning to haunt you and keep you from your work, read what the studies say here.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Prediction That No One Seems To Be Listening To...
Seems ironic that in the very near future, the US workforce will be suffering from a skills and talent shortage when we have been suffering with high unemployment for the last 3 years. Look beyond today and you'll see why HR professionals expect to spend the majority of their time in learning and talent management activities next year (and many more to come, I predict.)
30% of the US workforce will be retiring within the next 15 years (Baby Boomers are finally leaving!). So who will be replacing the Baby Boomers? Don't look to high schools or colleges to turn out the number of talented employees that you may be hoping to recruit. A study in 2010 reports that less than 16% of high schoolers and 30 % of college graduates have "excellent" skills.
So, it makes sense that organizations should turn their attention to building leaders of their future now. What makes sense doesn't always happen. A 2011 study by the American Management Association reported that 71.3% of the executives surveyed believe that building their corporate leadership pipeline was more important than ever before. Yet only 14% of these same survey respondents indicated that their company was well prepared to deal with the "sudden loss of a key memberof the senior management team." 21.8% said their companies would be unable to handle this type of loss at all. This was their reaction if only ONE executive leaves. What will happen when they experience the mass exodus of a whole generation of employees who retire?
Organizational executives are listening, they're aware of the problem, but less than a third of US companies are taking serious steps to select, engage, and prepare their talent for the future. Yes, training and development can prepare future leaders to run the company. But it's not a magic pill that can be swallowed overnight as a remedy for a systemic problem. Start now, not later to develop the talent you'll need for tomorrow's leadership gap. From the numbers we're looking at, your organization will be on top, sitting on the leadership pipeline you've cultivated.
30% of the US workforce will be retiring within the next 15 years (Baby Boomers are finally leaving!). So who will be replacing the Baby Boomers? Don't look to high schools or colleges to turn out the number of talented employees that you may be hoping to recruit. A study in 2010 reports that less than 16% of high schoolers and 30 % of college graduates have "excellent" skills.
So, it makes sense that organizations should turn their attention to building leaders of their future now. What makes sense doesn't always happen. A 2011 study by the American Management Association reported that 71.3% of the executives surveyed believe that building their corporate leadership pipeline was more important than ever before. Yet only 14% of these same survey respondents indicated that their company was well prepared to deal with the "sudden loss of a key memberof the senior management team." 21.8% said their companies would be unable to handle this type of loss at all. This was their reaction if only ONE executive leaves. What will happen when they experience the mass exodus of a whole generation of employees who retire?
- 67% of organizations do not currently have any formal succession planning process (Cutting Edge Information)
- 45% of the world's largest corporations have no meaningful approach in place for developing their CEO (Cutting Edge Information)
- Only 24% of organizations are confident in their ability to staff leadership positions during the next five years (Watson-Wyatt)
Organizational executives are listening, they're aware of the problem, but less than a third of US companies are taking serious steps to select, engage, and prepare their talent for the future. Yes, training and development can prepare future leaders to run the company. But it's not a magic pill that can be swallowed overnight as a remedy for a systemic problem. Start now, not later to develop the talent you'll need for tomorrow's leadership gap. From the numbers we're looking at, your organization will be on top, sitting on the leadership pipeline you've cultivated.
Friday, January 6, 2012
What happened to customer service?
Customer service is not rocket science but apparently it takes considerably more effort to find a customer service professional than a rocket scientist these days...
With the number of people unemployed and looking for work, what's up with companies continuing to hang onto poor performers who have lost all enthusiasm and interest in their jobs? More importantly, what's up with the people who continue to stay in jobs where they have no soul, no passion, no interest, no engagement in the work itself?
Wake up, everyone. There is a better place, a better world out there where you can fuel your passion, ignite your enthusiasm, encourage your team, and let your talents and strengths shine through. Without fear, with courage, you CAN see your dreams come true. Find the fit, make it happen.
With the number of people unemployed and looking for work, what's up with companies continuing to hang onto poor performers who have lost all enthusiasm and interest in their jobs? More importantly, what's up with the people who continue to stay in jobs where they have no soul, no passion, no interest, no engagement in the work itself?
Wake up, everyone. There is a better place, a better world out there where you can fuel your passion, ignite your enthusiasm, encourage your team, and let your talents and strengths shine through. Without fear, with courage, you CAN see your dreams come true. Find the fit, make it happen.
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