“Find Your One Thing” – The Phoenix Infection, Part 5

We spend our days working toward something, trying to be successful, trying to make a difference, achieving something bigger, greater than ourselves. Maybe that is too great of an assumption. Of course, not everyone is working toward greatness. Many give up, many assume they cannot achieve it, and many are stunted by lack of leadership. Those who need a nudge are not always in the right place at the right time to receive it from the right person. I suppose I am one of the lucky ones.

For most of my work life, I have been led by leaders that were good at what they did and enjoyed their work. And when they no longer enjoyed it, they changed it up and tried something new, something different. I was a young high school graduate – only seventeen years old. And when I was just eighteen, I finished a certificated dental assisting program at Indiana University. It was grueling. Seriously; not kidding. Forty hours a week for three semesters that included such hits as Oral Anatomy, Oral Pathology, Radiography, Behavioral Science, Dental Therapeutics and Emergency Medicine, the list goes on. It was tough and I worked hard. But by the time I was nineteen, I had jumped in, feet first, and joined the adult world of working forty hours a week and paying bills.

I bought a car from my parents and had my own land phone (way pre-cell phone.) I purchased independent health and life insurance; those benefits are rarely provided by dentists to their employees. I think the only thing I didn’t pay for myself was car insurance; luckily, my parents kept me on the policy because it was the most affordable option and I was very thankful. The first dentist I worked for was very good at what he did, but he didn’t like it much. He only became a dentist to pay the bills but he was extremely smart and he managed his practice well; selling it and leaving the field completely after twenty-five years. When he retired? He became a substitute teacher at the local junior high and coached after school sports – basketball. He went from making an extremely good living to barely making minimum wage and he loved it. He had found his one thing.

I have written before about finding your one thing – the thing that gets you up in the morning, that gets your motor running, that motivates you, that floats your boat. My one thing is just doing it better – everything. It’s not that I want to be perfect for that is impossible, I just think I can always do better, find the better way, be smarter about it, figure out a different plan, be strategic about it all. That is my one thing. What is yours? Have the leaders in your life, in your career been clear about their one thing? Have you followed the right leaders for you? It is easy to get caught up in following someone that is very charismatic or who has power and authority or money. But do those attributes make a good leader? Yes, for some, no, for others. 

 
http://www.youtube.com/v/2k1uOqRb0HU&hl=en_US&fs=1&

I look back at the first dentist I worked for and think of the impressionable eighteen year old I was when he hired me. I learned a lot about running a small business, about ethics, and choices. The work was just a job for me too, but the path I was on became the road to my career and the first of many lessons. Perseverance and patience, study and continually learn while you mark your time, if you don’t love your work then add something to your life that you can love (my dentist loved bass fishing) and keep goals- not just have them but keep them. And, of course, find your one thing.

© by rayannethorn

Why We Follow – The Phoenix Infection, Part 4

When I think about the leaders in my life, it is difficult to not be appreciative of the fine examples that I have had the honor of following. There certainly have been those that have brought dishonor to the role of leader, but lessons were found in those experiences, as well. And well, I crave learning. Maybe learning the hard way isn’t so much fun, but learning stimulates growth and change. And growth and change are what create the adults and professionals we become and, hopefully, drive success. It isn’t always easy but it usually is worth it.

In 1990, I worked for a children’s dentist. He had already been in practice since 1963. He loved his work and struggled with the concept of retirement. He finally retired two or three years ago but it was on his own time, under his own terms. I believe he was close to 80 years old when his office doors finally closed. He had gone to dental school in Chicago, my kind of town, and perfected his craft in the army. I think working on all those tough guys made him realize he wanted to specialize in children’s dentistry and that is where he stayed until the day he turned over his keys. I used to catch him shadow boxing and doing push-ups, as well as sit-ups between patients. One time, I asked why he always worked out, why he didn’t just take it easy and enjoy some time off. He said “There’s plenty of time for that later, I need to be in shape for the kids.”

Each of us does what we have to do, what we think needs to be done in order to succeed and sometimes, merely survive. Dr. Friedman, my hard-working dentist, wasn’t your typical leader but he was a good example; he provided for his family and for his employees, always. He wanted to be good at his job and his employees were devoted. One assistant worked for him for forty years, his office manager was with him for over twenty, I was there for over ten years. The fact that he was able to retain loyal employees says a lot about the employer he was and the work he did. He led by example. And we stayed because the work was fulfilling and we felt needed and appreciated.

Of course, not every employer makes employees feel this way. As a matter of fact, most do not. Most people do not stay with a company because of the money – they stay because they feel appreciated and they like their boss or their colleagues. Leadership doesn’t have to be sparkly or done with a big bang. It can be subtle, quiet, and even gentle, as was the case with Dr. Friedman. The rise of this Phoenix was slow and methodical, taking over forty-five years to reach the destination, the finish line.

We follow for reasons. They may seem unfulfilling or less than mighty, to begin with. But the following happens, nonetheless. Believing in reasons and not excuses, I try to remember those I chose to follow, those whose influence changed me – those whose example and attention altered my core. In the study of reasons, the lessons have more clarity and the application of what was learned becomes more native and real. Reasons are there, you just have to open your eyes to them. And with open eyes, there is clearer vision; vision to apply lessons learned and examples shared. The passing of the Phoenix Infection not only happens, it should be expected.

© by rayannethorn

The Phoenix Infection

One time, I interviewed with a CEO that had me instantly wrapped around his finger with the vision of what his company could do, what it would do eventually. His technological mind had brought him much success and a significant fortune in Canada, where he had built a couple of tech companies to a point where they could both be sold for a considerable profit. He had an idea for another company but wanted to expand into the United States. He landed in Silicon Valley for a time and then relocated to Newport Beach, where he ventured into university technologies and was able to gather the funding necessary to build yet another company.

Needless to say, I joined his company and loved it from the minute I started. He was an incredible visionary. He quoted Peter Senge and Everett Rogers and John Wooden. He loved to see the sparks when great minds worked together and made that entrepreneurial magic happen. He led with what we all believed were strong ethics and a design for company greatness. I loved hiring folks to join our company. I loved hooking them with company culture and what a great opportunity it was. Then, September 2007 happened and life, as we had known it, started to change.

My requisitions began to constantly be altered, offered salaries began to drop. The phone company called and threatened an admin assistant that they would shut off services and remove all the phones. Somehow an agreement was reached that kept our phones live each month. I knew that my position was threatened, but I believed “our visionary, our leader.” I wanted to believe forever but the writing on the walls became clearer and I knew I needed to look for another job. If hiring ceased completely, what need would there be for a Manager of Recruitment?

And yet, I still believed in the company vision and the company mission. That is what kept me loving my work and why it was so hard for me to take another job…, but my gut kept telling me it was time. I took another position after deliberating for two months. I guess I was hoping for a miracle that Christmas, but 2007 held no miracles. I left without much fanfare, my two-week notice was ignored and I was immediately escorted out of the building with my two boxes.  I began to hear stories, dreadful stories of deceit and ruin. Our beloved leader, our visionary, had led us down a fake, primrose path.

He had lied, he had cheated, he had stolen from us. Money, hope, dreams, and trust. He took it all. Why did we buy in? Because we believed in a plan, we followed a charismatic leader that seemed to know what he was talking about – we believed because we wanted to. I learned many lessons, we all did. Mostly, I learned that great leadership is more than someone talking you into something, it is more than the talent of coercion. But interestingly enough, greatness rose around the rotten core we all had been drawn to. Others that worked there have grown their own companies, or gone on to better careers, or finished school, or joined growing companies – taking with them, with us, more than simple life lessons. We have taken with us complex business lessons of ethics and intricate thought processes. And we were touched by greatness, even if it failed, we had been part of something great.

And though we had been hurt and it had been risky, we wanted more.

©by rayannethorn

Time Management: Be eActionary!

The best way to make you and your company stand out in a crowd is to exhibit time management skills that showcase your ability to handle crucial assignments and/or a large workload.

Be eActionary

One of the biggest drains of time is, interestingly enough, also one of the quickest ways to communicate in business today: electronic mail. Email first emerged in the late 1970s and was a part of everyday life by the 1990s. Its invention has allowed for the almost virtual elimination of other time-consuming, written ways that businesses communicate: “mail services, memos, and faxes, oh my!” This much quicker exchange of ideas, contracts, and proposals has also created a new type of traffic jam.

Set aside time early in your work day to read all new mail in your inbox, process the information received, and then act on it immediately. This eActionary approach will speed up the communication highway and move a current or pending clog along. With the vigorous onslaught of all things computer, a new approach to business, the green way, has been developing: going paperless, fewer keystrokes, and touching information only once.

Spend less time processing and exporting emailed information. Relay the information to the proper channels, act where necessary, and then, move on! It is easy and addicting to simply sit and scroll endlessly through an inbox, waiting for the next important email to drop in. Take control of your inbox and the time you devote to it.

Now granted, some emails will require more than one touch. When this is the case, create an eFolder or eList and move the item or task to be acted upon at a later time and then, schedule that time. Take advantage of the calendaring functionality of your email server and set reminders to complete tasks. Additionally, print as little as possible, the less paper to sift through, the better.

Consider a business twist to the old relationship adage of never go to bed angry, “Don’t leave the office until all email is read.” Habits take about two solid weeks to instill. Make being eActionary a habit: act quickly and move on. Establishing a daily routine is a giant step toward managing the time of which we never seem to have enough.

by rayannethorn

from Bonus Track by RT on recruitingblogs.com

Last Minute

A lot has been happening last minute for me these days…, and I am loving it. Part of what makes me love the recruiting industry is the need to be flexible and go with the flow. It is in my nature to love new things, therefore, I am a rabid learner, perpetual student, and embracer of technology and all things new media. Thanks goodness.

I was given two weeks to prepare for a trip to London. I usually write press releases last minute. AND I was just asked, a couple hours before show time, to join Bill Boorman as his guest on his radio series, “An Audience with…”

Very happy to do this and discuss recruiting, blogging, social recruiting, and Broadbean Technology.

Listen here: An audience with Rayanne Thorn

Just so you know, I love last minute. I is my father coming out in me. He was the master of last-minute planning and he was great!

Under a Microscope – The Genome Project

Several years ago, I sat in a 200-level English course that studied different forms of story-telling. Two class sessions were spent studying the 1997 Andrew Niccol film Gattaca starring Ethan Hawke, Jude Law, and Uma Thurman. This sci-fi drama quickly became a favorite of mine, not so much because of its science fiction content but more for the triumph of the human spirit and brilliant performances.

The film was highlighted in this class because of the conversations its subject would invoke and provoke. It addressed the issue of DNA and “the human genome project.” In other words, the concept that one’s DNA should determine the course of one’s life and career. Individuals were tested at birth and even prior to birth to determine the “type of raising” they would require. For instance, if the bodily make up of an infant showed a high percentage for even the potential of heart disease or other affliction, the determined course of their life would lead them away from anything that would cause strain on the heart or other weak organ/function.

There was much animated discussion among the students as opinions were shared and rationally listened to. We each had to write a lengthy research paper citing sources and revealing our own opinions. It was about that time that I wished my genome profile had revealed my propensity toward a nervous breakdown should I have to write a lengthy paper.

These type of career-fit determinations undermine the whole recruitment process. Instead of a phone interview, you request a finger prick to ascertain DNA and, ultimately, the future. Instead of an on-site interview, an agility test. Instead of IQ or skill testing, a DNA bank will be cross-checked to find perfect placements. Interview questions will no longer be necessary, as all the answers will be revealed on a microscope slide.

When free will is removed, motivation to do well or strive for more is squelched because limitations are set and understood. Can your DNA show whether or not you are suitable for a specific job? What about company fit and potential culture clashes? Limitations do just that: limit. When capabilities are restricted, potential is never reached. Heart and determination have to count for something. It is far more complicated than a simple blood test, yet far more simple than a strand of DNA.

“There is no gene for the human spirit.” – Andrew Niccol, Gattaca

by rayannethorn

Taking a Stand

“I will not reveal the name of the author of the articles which I set to type, not even to the Governor.” ~John Peter Zenger, Newspaper Printer, The New York Weekly Journal – 1735

Some of you may be avid bloggers. Some of you may write when you are compelled to. Some of you may write for your company’s website. Some may write just to expand your mind, vocabulary and view point. Others may write simply because you can – and still others may write because you have to – you simply “can’t not” write. I fall into all of the categories above.

Back in June, I wrote A Grave Crime. This was a piece addressing the imprisonment of journalists, Laura Ling and Euna Lee in North Korea. I was compelled to write then, as I am now. I wonder if it is a mere coincidence that the date of  their release, negotiations successfully completed by Bill Clinton, fell 275 years – TO THE DAY – after the release of John Peter Zenger who was jailed as the result of an information – a listing of charges – set forth by a tyrannical New York Province governor; Zenger refused to reveal the source of the articles he printed that criticized the governor. His refusal led to his arrest and long imprisonment before a jury of his peers swiftly voted him not guilty. He was released August 4, 1735.

Both of these stories are important to me. Why? Because I value deeply the right to say and write whatever I want, as long as it doesn’t bring danger to anyone else. The incidences are as different as they are alike but the principle remains the same. Social media in 1735 consisted of a weekly printed newspaper and word of mouth – an actual front porch. Social media now consists of twitter, social networks, online news sources, television, email, instant messaging, printed publications, and mobile phone (texting and voice to voice) – the new front porch.

Are you sometimes unhappy with what you read here? Are you sometimes compelled to write a response to a post or other response that infuriates you or causes you to question? Good. Do you ever read a post here that opens your mind or changes your POV? Good. Do you ever write a post here with the hopes of stirring the pot a bit? Good. Putting thought into type has been around hieroglyphics. Reading a great story is just as joyful as writing one.

People stand up for their rights every day. The put words on a sign to carry at a picket line. They print pamphlets that denounce practices with which they disagree. They argue at City Council meetings or at congressional hearings. They run for office or back candidates that share their view point. They write books or plays that question laws or freedoms. They produce movies that educate or inform. They create art, poetry, music, or photography that depicts when freedoms are taken away, squelched, or abolished. Why? Because the compellation is strong and the need is too powerful for them to ignore. The stand taken is laid on a thick foundation, built over the backs and stories of those that came before.

Currents events continue to prove that even today, taking a stand can mean life or death.  What’s it worth to you?

by rayannethorn

The Best I Know How…

Much has been written about ethics, lying, morals codes, legalities, etc…
When it comes down to it, we all have a personal code that we live by….
Yes, I understand the teachings regarding a Universal Moral Law or the Universal Code of Ethics presumed and shared by individuals like C.S. Lewis – and I appreciate those teachings…

I also know that I cannot sit in judgment of someone else and their behaviors as I understand them. Life is not that simple, my relationship with a greater being is not that simple. I try to live by the “Judge not, lest ye be judged…” sentiment. Not an easy task as I find myself in a scary place where the threat of depression, economical and psychological, loom overhead consuming free time and open thoughts.

If I live my life the best way that I know how – how can anyone expect different from me? It is the best I know how. Recognizing that we all got here on a different path is necessary and universally “right.”

Recognize humanity – it only costs me if I don’t.

by rayannethorn