Posts tagged fear

Job Search: My Point of View

Nov18
2011 4 Comments Written by Steve

Some of you know that I have decided that retiring at this time of my life, is not for me. Still have plenty of time left on for a solid second career. I have read plenty about the state of the economy and the job market out there. For me, I have been isolated from that because I worked at my last place of employment for 28+ years. My journey to starting that second career has been an eye opening experience.

How so:

  • 40 is the old 50: Back in the day, people in their 50′s used to find employment difficult. My research has indicated that the threshold has moved to 40′s. So, for me just tipped into his 50′s, I get to face a bigger challenge.
  • Don’t think that your old paycheck is going to be your new paycheck:  For anyone that thinks that they are going to see more (or even about the same), you better check your expectations at the door. I met a few folks in my networking that complained that they were offered positions that were $20K less than they made doing exactly the same thing they were doing at their last place of employment. I never thought that I would be making the same amount of money I was, that would be expecting too much. I do expect to get a fair wage for the work that I am going to be asked to do. Nothing more! I have done the research on-line  and feel comfortable with the salary expectations that I will likely see.
  • Experience is key: I have had a diverse background within those 28 years, but even that sometimes excludes me from working in a different industry than before. Since I was in corporate America, I am less likely to get a social sector job. Since I was in manufacturing of semi-conductors, I am less likely to get a manufacturing job in pharmaceuticals. Since I was have management experience in information technology, I am less likely to get a management position in call centers, warehouse operations or logistics. I know this from the simple email back on my resume, “you don’t have experience in XXX.” I did not have experience in those areas before I started either.. I can learn, I can take the experiences that I do have and apply and adapt. I am a bright and capable person.
  • There is a black hole in cyberspace: No matter how many times you apply there will be times that you just will not  get an answer. I am not sure that the job application and submittal system the companies are using work as they should. Since most have some sort of automated system, you would think you would get a message that informs you of status. Have your application, reviewing your application and rejecting application. I have seen the received message from many of the applications I have submitted. After that, well, what for it; nothing.

So, what to do:

  • Get out and make contact with hiring companies: Linkedin does a pretty good job of contacting your network to job openings. They even have recommendations for who in your network that can potential help with the hiring manager. I have done a little digging and have been able to actually reach out and touch folks. The are so many social tools that can help you. Some would say this seems like stalking, not if you do it right. Reaching out in a professional manner about potential openings or even openings that you have seen could help you get passed the black hole.
  • Don’t act your age: Stereotypes are out there for a reason, well most of the time. If you are older, than don’t act older. Have the energy and drive that the hiring folks are looking for. Get formal with the new social tools and network. Don’t think that they will come to you. You have to want it! I have heard from some of my friends my age that it is tough out there, those younger job applicants are stealing all the jobs. Well, if you want to beat them, than you better act like them (and you have one better – you have the experience to back it up).

I have been fortunate enough to get passed the black hole a few times. I have been called for interviews! Nothing sounds better than hearing a voice on the other end, ask you if you would like to come in an interview for the position you have applied for. You pretty much walk on the clouds after that call. Reality starts to set in.. Time to get prepared. Clothes all dry cleaned? Haircut? Research the position? Company? Get your questions in order? Get prepared! The last couple of times, I have made it to the short-list of candidates (more interviews). Then you sit and wait for a decision to be made and hopefully in your favor. I still have not gotten that message that says – “Congrats – we would like to hire you.” I will keep on trying.

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Retired Guy: Long Time, But…

Oct31
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I have been neglecting my “Retired Guy” series. When I started this series, I thought it was a way to keep my friends updated on my happening’s. I never thought that I would get much readership. The other day, I got an email asking for an update to what I have been doing. Followed by another one. A direct message came in. Followed by a couple of instant messages. I guess people were reading the series. About time for me to put forth an update. Hope you enjoy!

  • As many know, I decided to have a total hip replacement on my right side on my birthday. Nice present to give yourself. Everyone had fun on Facebook and Twitter with that one. I am so thankful that I have folks around me that keep my spirits high during something like that. My family was completely awesome! To update everyone – I am doing very well. It has been a little over two weeks and I am moving around quite well. Just waiting for my okay to drive.
  • Az4Education is moving ahead full stream. Been busy working to increase visibility and get the word out. We have seen an increase of tax deductible donations. Of course, we would like to see some more. Non-profits are definitely feeling the effect of the economy. We have seen a huge increase in scholarship requests. Our organization would love to give more.. We just need more to give.
  • Took a short break from searching for my “second career” because of the hip replacement. Hip replacement is going well, now it is time to restart that search. I was able to find three positions to apply for. One of them has already scheduled an interview. Still getting positive vibes from applying. Hopefully, I will find that position within a company that fits the both of us. I have so much to give and yet some much to learn.
  • I am still volunteering with Valley of the Sun Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
  • Continuing to be a community member within the Haley Elementary site council. We are focusing on making the community around the school to be the strongest in the district. For my part, I am helping them with using social media to get their message out. This gives me the opportunity to learn and try stuff.
  • Had some interviews with Experience Matters. They just kicked off the very first set of folks that are helping non-profits. Even though I was not selected in the first round, I hope to hear a more positive response when the next group is selected. Giving back is very important to me.

Time is what you make of it. My time over the past month’s has been a bit fragmented. Since my health is in order, it is time to get focused and serious again. Time for me to be all in. Getting out and about…

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Tossing and Turning to Success

Oct11
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Ever have a sleepless night because something important was hanging on your head? Work and life can definitely give you something to think about when you are trying to sleep. Got a big presentation to a large group the next day? Having to have a real deep discussion with an employee, that you are afraid will not go well? Going in for surgery? One of your adult children are getting married the next day? Some of my best work has come when I was worried about a situation and spent most of the night, tossing and turning worrying about that situation. For that big presentation, I would be reviewing it all night long, trying to insure that I presented all of the key points. Trying to understand all potential questions and have answers for them. That difficult discussion is one that I really play over and over again in my head. Have to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. I’m writing this today, because in a couple of days, I will be going through my second hip replacement surgery. Since, I have already been through it about 3.5 years ago, I am playing the whole situation through my head. What to expect, what to do, and how I will handle everything. Being prepared is key…

I used to try and block out those sleepless nights, but figured why? It is part of my DNA. I want to do my best in every situation and losing some sleep over doing my best is a fair price to pay. I used to have a notebook on my nightstand to help me capture the thoughts and worries from my sleep. Not anymore. I just chose to get up and document my thoughts in my digital notebook. Then come back to review, rewrite and act upon my notes. It has worked over the years… When I was delivering messages to employees that were being redeployed, I was able to play the discussion over and over in my head. I was definitely prepared for the worse, but never had the worse happen. For those big presentations, I have to say, they have gone very well. At least that is the feedback that I have received from the audience.

I know I am not alone, am I? What do you do to move on from the tossing and turning? Do the notebook or hope to remember everything the next day?

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Leaders Needed Now!

Sep22
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I wrote a blog post in a past life (companies internal blog) in 2006 that was focused on the “Good ol’ Days.” I wrote it because we all have memories and perceptions of the past. Usually for the better. I bet if I stop and ask 100 people about their perceptions of the past – over 95 would have a very positive outlook on the past. Hence the good ol’ days. Is it because we like to remember only the good stuff in those memories? Were they really better times back then? Maybe it is a bit of both.  I want to focus this post on leadership. When you think about leadership, think about a leader in your mind. Who is it? Do they come from a time that is part of the “good ol’ days?” I hate to write a political based post, but with the examples of past and today – it is very too easy to say the past is far better than today. I am hard pressed to really call out any one great example of our political leadership for the positive.  Is that strange? Maybe today’s leaders need more time to do there stuff. Maybe it is because I am much harder on today’s leaders?

You stop and think about that for a moment. Do you have a leader that steps the forefront, one that you say – that is a leader? Anyone today? All of what I would call great leaders are in the past (John Kennedy, Ronald Reagan). Look at the mess that we are in, our economy, lack of jobs, attempted recovery that has cost billions, debt and the list goes on. Looking at a recent Gallop poll shows the lack of confidence in our so-called leaders. We elected them. Congress is running at 15% approval rating. Our President is bouncing in the 40′s for an approval rating (usually goes up after one of his well prepared and delivered speeches). Why is everything so low?

  • Look at the list of issues that are going on all at the same time. Economy, lack of jobs, failed attempts at reform, debt and lack of pulling together to get the job done. Maybe this is too much? I don’t remember this much going on back in the good ol’ days. Again, maybe I can only remember the best of times. Having too much on the plate definitely causes a lack of focus. So, maybe pick a couple of issues, fix them completely (not argue about it). I do remember that whatever was going on in the past, we did what was necessary and got through it. Are we going to get through it – now? Of course, but it is going to be extremely painful. We need real leadership to make that happen. Since we elected the last group, and the confidence level is at 15% – time for some huge changes. Time for us to act.. We need folks that will act!
  • Observing leaders actions are something that are very telling. When you really look at the leaders of our country, you see folks that are worried about how we perceive them. I know I stated the Gallup poll results, I bet our political leadership looks at approval ratings. Worried more about how we see them, rather than the actions that they do. Leadership is not about worrying about how your followers think about you as a leader. It is about the vision, goals and the leaders actions – that is why we follow. Stop worrying about what everything is thinking about you. Get out and get it done… Stop working against each other and get together for what is needed for this country. Enough already.
  • People are just sick and tired of reading and watching the news. Today, we get instant information. That comes with good and bad. I like it, when stuff is out for public consumption. Don’t hide anything. The downside is we usually don’t get much good news. The facts sometimes are not fully disclosed until it is too late. If we are tired of what we see and hear – we show it in the confidence level that our political leaders are getting today.
  • This one maybe a slap in the face, but maybe some of those folks best days are behind them. Their best work was years ago.. Time for a change!

Maybe it is me, but I see today’s political leaders as not leaders. Like I wrote earlier, I did not want this to be focused on the political aspects only. Principle’s of leadership apply and it is time for some much needed leadership in political office.  So, what can you do?

  • Get educated in politics. Don’t just sit back and look at the candidates when it is an election year. Stay aware of what is happening real time. Understand what is going on with the hot topics of the day (well, pick the ones that are really important, there are way too many).  What actions are happening. Who is really making a difference, if any.
  • Action is what is important now. So, when you hear words – wait for actions. No actions, then they failed. I don’t have any political aspirations, but if you do and action is your middle name… Go forth.
  • Let your leadership know your “true” feelings. Since they are worried about how we perceive them. Write to them, tell them exactly is on your mind. They were voted in to act on your behave. Time to stop all the party positioning and let’s roll up the sleeves and get to making stuff happening.
  • Rethink your past votes. Look at their performance today (not their past re Watching what some of the voters did in Arizona with recalling a failing leader. I was pretty excited to see that folks are taking control. It is costly, but probably not as costly as leaving them in.

Look when you are out in the world.. And you see a lack of leadership in the organization you are working in – you have choices. You chose to follow particular leaders. With our political system, that is hard, but not impossible. We need to step up and take control. Our future and the future of our kids, depends on it.

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10 Years Later

Sep09
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve
Artist's conception of rebuilt World Trade Center

Image via Wikipedia

10 years has passed. I can remember 9/11/2001 all too well. I was riding to work with my wife when the radio station we were listening to announced that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. At first, we thought that the morning show had really lost their marbles by joking about something like that. We switched stations and the news was real. We could not believe our ears. Both of us were born in New York State.

When I got to work, I had a message waiting for me and all other managers. It simple said, that today is going to be a day that we, as managers, need to insure that we take care of our employee’s and ourselves. Televisions, internet news and every other form of communications were available for all employee’s. Make sure that if any of your employee’s need to take the day off, please make sure to make that happen. For us in Arizona, the news was first happening when just about everyone was driving into work. So, many employee’s probably did not know much, if anything. When they came into the office, they quickly  came up to speed. Many employee’s were wondering about friends and family that they have or know in and around the World Trade Center. For me, we had a couple of our suppliers that were pretty close to ground zero. Thoughts of them and their families popped into our heads. I know of no one that did not feel something that day.

I happened to be on a business trip in New York, the very last day that they pulled out some of the rubble from ground zero. I made sure that this business trip, to put on some vacation time (and have my family join me). For my kids, it was their first time in New York. For my wife and I, it was a much different skyline. We did the complete New York tourist stuff. What hit me the most, was walking around ground zero. Looking at the pictures, the other people from all over the world that were witnessing the same things that I was. Horrible sight. The silence from that many people.

Every year on 9/11, I have made it a point to volunteer for anything that I can do to help out others. Doesn’t matter what or who I am helping. I do it because, I bet every person that was killed would volunteer if they could. I want to continue volunteering on that day, no matter what year it is. It is my way of remembering.

The weeks leading up to this 10 year anniversary, I have been watching much of the 9/11 shows. Each of them, bring me back to the emotions of the very day. As I am writing this, I still remember sitting with my daughter discussing those actions that afternoon. Watching the rising of the WTC demonstrated that we will never forget. That we will overcome the tragedy and rise above. Watching the celebrations that we come from 9/11/2011 will be special.

I am proud to be a New Yorker! I am proud to be an American! Nothing keeps us down…

Way to GO! Thanks…

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Need a Leader Checklist?

Sep08
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

I started looking over my leadership and managing teams blog posts and started to notice that I probably should put an overall leader checklist to it. I have had the extreme privilege of leading many different teams and organizations. When I first started out, I used to think about what I would want to see… Since I was an ace-doer that was promoted to supervisor – I had a good feeling what I as a member of the team would want to see from my supervisor. Over the years, I have expanded my reach and experiences. No longer was an ace-doer for the organizations that I belonged. I was hired not for doing the work, but leading the team to get the work done. I needed to change and add to my start up of those teams. Reflecting back, I started to see that checklist come to me.

Here is that leader checklist:

  1. Articulate a vision: Formulate a clear and persuasive vision and communicate it to all members of the team. Most organizations may already have a vision statement or mission statement. Look it over. Ask your team to communicate it back to you. See what is missing and come up with that vision that fits the team, organization and you (as the leader).
  2. Think and act strategically: Get ready to make your vision a reality. Time to set up goals that achieve that vision, both is the short and long term. Don’t forget to consider all the players and anticipate reactions and resistance before they are manifest. Being prepared is key to success.
  3. Honor the team: Frequently express your confidence in and support for those who work with and for you. Use your team to help with every step you take.
  4. Take charge: Make sure to set up a workplace environment that is about action (getting stuff done).
  5. Act decisively: Make good and timely decisions, and ensure that they are executed.
  6. Communicate persuasively: Communicate, communicate, communicate. Easier said than done. Look for ways to insure that communicate happens and people never forget. This is one area that I have experimented everyday of my life. Just make sure that how you do it is simple and the messages are clear.
  7. Motivate the team: Set up a workplace environment that your team can not wait to come to work. Enjoys getting their work done.
  8. Embrace the front lines: The one thing that I remembered before I was a supervisor was how most supervisors did not spend anytime with the team. They did not let the team do anything other than run the equipment. I promised myself that I would never do that. Including the team is something that I feel is necessary for success.
  9. Build leadership in others: Develop leadership throughout. Have no fear in losing your folks to higher opportunities.
  10. Manage relations: Build enduring personal ties with those who look to you and work to harness the feelings and passions of the workplace.
  11. Identify personal implications: Help everybody appreciate the impact that the vision and strategy are likely to have on their own work and future with the firm.
  12. Convey your character: Being yourself. Make sure that in everything you do (communications and actions) should point to who you are. Your team should get to know you – through you.
  13. Keeping it real: Make sure that you never let over-optimism pop into your team. Success breeds success, but watch out threats, unresolved problems and taking unwarranted risks.
  14. Build a diverse team: Leadership is a team sport.. Make sure that your team is willing to be leaders in their particular area. Make sure that your team is not clones of yourself, get and welcome a diverse team.

Walking into a new situation or team can be a little scary. New anything gets the heart pumping. I look forward to these opportunities. Makes me think back and reflect (and practice) my checklist… Try it!

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Labor Day – Thoughts

Sep05
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

Does anyone really know what Labor Day is all about? When it became a national holiday? What does it really mean to you? I did a little research to find out that this holiday was a rush job through Congress to get recognized. It took a whole 6 days to get done. I guess back then, Congress did not debate and hold up everything. Getting back to Labor Day, it became a national holiday 1894 when following some deaths of workers during the Pullman Strike when President Cleveland reconciled with the labor movement.

I was thinking back over the years to some of the other things I have heard.

  • We celebrate it as an end of summer.
  • How about this one? Labor Day is the last day of the year for women to fashionably wear white.
  • Kicks off football.. September usually is the start of the NFL and NCAA football.
  • When I was growing up. Labor Day was really the start of a new school year. There are still locations that wait to around Labor Day to start up..

I like to think of Labor Day is a day to celebrate for the working men and women. With way too many folks not working these days, puts a damper on Labor Day. Maybe I will have to look at this holiday as some of the off the wall ones above. Or hopefully, Congress and the President will look back on when in 1894 Congress was able to act quickly and make a decision. Only 6 days… We need action now more than ever… We need more jobs! Not the call for more jobs, but actually jobs. How about it folks?

 

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Retired Guy Series: Latest Update

Aug16
2011 2 Comments Written by Steve

For the folks that enjoy the Retired Guy Series, this update is filled with some good and not so good news.

For the Good news:

  • I spent most of the last couple of weeks helping out with my daughter’s move back to the east valley. She has been wanting to move back to this side of town for awhile. Her and her husband are finally in their new home. Great stuff having them and the grand kids so close to me. Now instead of about 45 mins away – they are less than 5. Awesome!
  • Had an interview from one of the jobs that I applied for.. Still don’t know anything yet. Read about it – here.
  • Also will be interviewing this Thursday with Encore Fellowship. The short elevator pitch for me is – this is a way for an over 50 person that has retired that still wants to use their experience. Since I have always worked in the corporate world (and I want to give back) – I would like to pass on my experience to the social sector.
  • I am now writing once a week for Az4Education. Check out my stuff over there. I am still trying to get comfortable writing about something else. By the way, if you would like to donate – I would really appreciate it.

The Not So Good:

  • Years ago, I had my left hip replaced. The pain was so bad, that I could not really do much. I was coaching ice hockey and after a one hour practice, I was spent for a couple of days. I have healed nicely from that! I knew this day would be coming and it is finally arrived. The past couple of months, the pain level on the right side has been getting worse. Last week, the doctor said – up to you when you want to do the other hip. It is time! So, in October, I will be going through a hip replacement “again”. I have a great doctor – who did an outstanding job last time. Expectations this time – no different!
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Interviewing

Aug10
2011 2 Comments Written by Steve

About three weeks ago, I found a particular open position that really sparked my interest. In fact, I got pretty excited. It suited my skill set very nicely. I tweeted out about it! Weeks went by with no response. When you least expect things they happen. I was presenting at the Chandler PMI monthly meeting on leadership when you are not the boss, when I got a call. That call was from the admin of the hiring manager requesting an interview… Wow, excitement level picks up again! We plan for the interview the following week…

Interviewing can be a wonderful but scary thing for me. This particular opening was in my sweet spot. My passion for leading teams and making a difference drives me. I saw this as a definite opportunity for me. I was ready! I reviewed the  job description, researched the hiring company and asked my network about the company. I wanted to be prepared. For years, I was on the other side of interviewing, asking the questions. For 29 years, I rarely was on the interviewee side. I was set – look at the questions that I would have asked and answered them.

Day of the interview, I was busy ironed and insuring that my suit was ready. Have to make a good first impression. I most have tied that tie about 7 times (either too short, too long or just not a good knot). With me ready, off we go into the heat of Arizona, it was 108 that day. Planned the drive to arrive about 20 minutes early, just in case of parking issues. All of that was done superb! Checked in, waited for the hiring manager…

Now the interview…

My impressions of the interview after the fact were very good. In fact, I felt pretty confident that I did a solid job in answering the question. How was that interview received by the hiring manager – don’t know yet. After you step away from the interview for awhile… I got to thinking – how did I really do? Looking back, I was fired up about the opening, very passionate in my answers, transparent and a maybe a bit over excited. Well, that is me! I carry all of that on my sleeves. I am very confident in myself and the work that I do. I believe that you should sign your name on the bottom line of everything you do. When I look in the mirror, I have to be happy with what I see (and I am).

Did I get a follow-up interview or the job? Don’t know yet! Did my true self scare off the hiring manager? Only time will tell.

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Rough Times – Leaders Needed More Than Ever

Aug08
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Steve

What are rough times? For me, those were the times when in the corporate world everything was taking a downward spiral. Layoffs, cost cutting, restructuring and pretty much an upheaval of what was known as the norm. Are these times extremely difficult? Of course. Are there some positives to look at as well? Yes. Difficult and rough times are the times that leaders need to step up and really do some work. Turning those bad times into times that set a foundation for the future. This post is one that I want to focus my energy on that foundation… Give some tips and experience from what I have learned going into rough times…

How do you keep your folks motivated and working on what needs to be done? There have been many studies out there that say during rough times about 1/3 of the employees are engaged, 1/3 are looking for that next opportunity and the last 1/3 are not engaged. When you look at it from that standpoint, the simple facts are the engaged folks are staying for what they are doing, the disengaged folks are staying for what they get. Bottomline: when times do really turn around employees will be moving. We all know that the ones that you will probably lose will not be the ones you want to leave.

So, what should you do to really get everyone engaged in rough times? Keeping them motivated is definitely a challenge. Keeping them focused with all the uncertainty around them is difficult. Here are some of the things that I have experienced and shared over my time in those rough periods.

  • Communication - is definitely more important that ever. Maybe a better term would be to over-communicate. Being upfront and honest with your employees is critical. Think of the rumor mill or grapevine – during rough times it seems there is something need added every hour. You as the leader, need to address the fear! How do you do that – with open, honest and transparent communication.
  • Building relationship – taking that time to sit down with each employee and ask them what is on their mind. Find out where they are in the engaged, looking or disengaged category. Setting up regular 1:1 communications to address work, fears and concerns. Keeping them focused on the bigger picture, but not losing sight on their individual small pieces that make up the big picture.
  • Decision-making – insure that you, as the leader, are including everyone on the team in the decisions. Even to the point, of insuring that the lowest level are making those decisions that they should make. Rough times make it easy to have the decisions move up the ladder. Make a point, not to do that. Keep decisions where they should be.
  • Recognition - for the work that is getting done, especially in rough times. Many of the cuts and layoffs have passed the work of many to just a few… Take the time to come up with low cost “new” recognition for your team. People like to be rewarded for their hard work and efforts.
  • Check yourself – anyway you look at it, rough times can bring out the best and worst in people. Even yourself. Listen to yourself when in a critical or difficult situation. Are you acting yourself? If you are not right, you definitely will be demonstrating that to your employees.

Simple Reminder: For rough times (or not) – LISTENING, EMPATHIZE and CARING – you really can’t go wrong.


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