Parable of a Persistent Man

John had suffered a difficult year. His 15-year marriage ended and, as a result, he had to sell his nice home and most of his belongings. With a trailer in tow, he drove through a blizzard to begin a new life halfway across the country. Still, after a year, things were not working out as hoped. Although he found a job, the commute was onerous, the pay was mediocre, and John saw little opportunity to advance his career. He began to search for better opportunities.

Having reestablished some contacts in his original home state, John successfully found employment in his field. Once again, he sold a few remaining belongings in order to fund his 500-mile move. Optimism fueled his relocation. He found a nice apartment and reported for work with his new employer.

The economy was challenging, with a high rate of unemployment. Some companies used despicable tactics to improve their profits at the expense of workers grateful to have a job. It was so, in this case. Upon John’s arrival, the dishonorable hiring manager changed his offer – reducing John’s base pay by 10%. John was understandably furious. But what could he do, having already incurred moving expenses and signing a one year lease on an apartment? He controlled his anger, started work, struggled to juggle expenses that exceeded his income, and began an urgent search for a new job – again – while working 60 hours a week.

Sending blind resumes out for online job postings was not John’s way. He believed in “pounding the pavement” the old fashioned way, resume in hand, wearing a suit and tie. One lead on a job led to several interviews, but no follow-through on the part of the hiring manager. Discouraged but stubbornly undeterred, John approached the same company via another avenue. Here he was met with interest and action.

The screening process for the new opportunity was intense. A series of interviews with operations managers was followed by a meeting with human resources. A personality test was administered. The final interview was with a Vice President. John made his reasonable salary requirements known. An offer was extended in writing (for 10% more than he requested), subject only to the final step of a background check and a drug test – both of which John easily passed. Offer letter in hand, John gave notice at his current job, just a few days after several other management personnel had resigned. The disreputable employer got their just desserts for mistreatment of their people. John got his new job. The new employer had hired a strong contributor.

Optimism and persistence landed John in a career situation ripe with promise for his future. His new employer provided generous benefits, a two-month paid management training program, and great potential for growth. Employee retention and promoting from within is part of their corporate culture.

Good jobs exist for people with skills and the persistence to pursue them. Take heart from John’s story.

From Success to Success

The Seattle Seahawks surprised many football pundits over a week ago when they beat the New Orleans Saints in a Wild Card game, winning a berth in the playoffs. They played over their heads, behind their veteran quarterback Matt Hasselback, who had a career-defining kind of day. As a lifelong Bears fan, I was hopeful that after the Seahawks’ efforts and emotional high last week, they would suffer a letdown and play badly. I was not disappointed. Yesterday at Soldier Field in Chicago they took a beating by the Bears who ended their season. Lovie’s Bears played really well, and Seattle didn’t have enough gas left in their tank to rise to the challenge.

Corporate leaders are responsible for managing their teams in a way that encourages a string of successes. It’s important to celebrate and acknowledge wins earned by individuals and groups, but there must be a calculated focus in how this is accomplished…with an eye on cranking up for the next challenge. Played correctly, the momentum from one success is fodder for the next.

First… The team culture should include a group understanding of their purpose and long term goals. Each individual should believe in where the team is headed, and be able to visualize and articulate what success would be.

Second… When important successes are realized, take time to celebrate. Recognize the specific achievements of the team and individuals – loudly and publicly. Thank them for their work. Be sure that the “Powers That Be” are aware of what has been accomplished and its contribution to larger corporate goals.

Third… Stop patting yourselves on the back and dissect your success. Discuss it, analyze it, and criticize each step. Acknowledge where you could have done more/better. Counsel individuals that didn’t carry their weight during the project, and ask for greater effort next time. Make this motivating.

Fourth… Plan how to take the skills and experience of the team and apply them to the next challenge. Define and document what success will look like. Set new goals. Make sure people know what is expected of them. Cheer them on their way to their next celebration.

Don’t forget to provide leadership along the way. The best coaches are able to change the game plan during halftime if the original game plan is going awry. Be flexible and adapt quickly to changes. Recognize your “Player of the Game” and find a way to make the most of their skills while they are hot.

Now get out there and win one for the Gipper.

A Little Something Special

When you watch Olympic athletes, it’s amazing how often tenths or even hundredths of a second make the difference between winning gold, silver, or bronze. After years and years of training, the final result comes down to extra effort expertly applied at exactly the right moment. The same principle applies in business. Those that succeed know not only how to prepare to perform, but also how to deliver a little something special. That’s how they separate themselves from the pack. The “something special” isn’t necessarily a dramatic action. Often, little professional consistencies make the difference. Try these, and discover the long term benefit to your reputation and career: · Be on time – for work, meetings, everything – even if the office culture is tolerant of those who are late. · Dress just a little more professionally than the average person at your career level. · Prepare diligently for meetings you attend, and always contribute something. Offer ideas, raise issues, ask good questions for clarification. · Ask your boss how you can help them be more successful. You will most likely not be successful if your boss is always in the weeds. · Come to work every day as fresh and ready to rumble as possible. Those around you can tell who is engaged and who is only going through the motions. · Whenever you deliver a formal document for review by anyone else, be sure it is impeccable. It must be free of spelling and grammatical errors. The formatting of the document should be immaculate. · Always, always, always be thoughtful and professional in regard to what you send via email. · Understand the big picture and how what you do contributes to corporate strategies. · Stay completely beyond reproach in your use of company resources. · Show your appreciation for anything your boss or your company does for you. · Make an effort to continue to grow and learn, even if you have to do it on your own time, with your money. Extra effort is always recognized as a little something special. Be special and be successful.