“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

The Rising – The Phoenix Infection, Part Two

There have been leaders throughout my life whom I have followed with vigor, some since junior high. My parents, of course, and then there was Mr. John Grandi, my history and drama teacher during those tortuous years. He quickly became a mentor, as many junior high teachers do for their students. Those between years mark a passage of time that can be very impressionable. My life changed quite a bit during that time: someone stole from me, a friend betrayed me, a boy held my hand, and one of my brothers passed away.     Trust lost.

It could be said that I was probably not ready for high school. I was a delightfully innocent and naive young woman. I had never seen anyone my age smoke a cigarette, let alone imbibe in alcohol or do drugs of any kind. I lived a kind of Utopian youth that I am thankful for today. Given my propensity to engage quickly and be a people pleaser, I can imagine that my life might have taken a very different turn during those years had I not had parents that were strong leaders and influential teachers like Mr. Grandi that understood the freedom a twelve- and thirteen-year old girl needed to test – it wasn’t much, believe me, for I didn’t know any better. 😉

Different phases in our lives require different types of leaders. They are not all good experiences, but those in my life have taught lessons that have altered my core, my precepts, and made a mark on either my soul or brain. That is what happens when we really learn, we change and the change may be small or even imperceptible to others, but inside – there is a difference. It may not be how we act but it might be how we react. It may not be what we do, but it might be what we think. It may not be how we respond, but it might be how we feel. Change is a direct result of learning.

My brother, Andrew, recently made a statement and asked a question in his group on facebook a few days ago and I was compelled to answer; that answer contained an idea that has been brewing in me for awhile. It is the idea of The Phoenix Infection.

Andrew Thorn: Leadership can be defined as the ability to motivate a group of people toward a common goal. How do you define leadership?

Me: A leader inspires by passionately sharing a vision and allowing participation in the creation and fruition of that vision. A leader is not bogged down by fear or jealousy. The active sharing of knowledge and the Phoenix Infection they gladly pass along define the line between leader and manager.

The Phoenix Infection is what happens when a leader is able to take you with him to fulfill his vision; you gladly join because his dream and aspirations are infectious – you, as a follower, really have no choice. The engagement is so pure, so true, that the joining is natural and fulfilling. The mythical phoenix has long held a magical place in my thinking. It represents immortality, the triumphant rising from disaster or struggle, always strategizing – looking ahead. It is a visionary with the capacity to continually re-invent itself and stimulate enthusiasm and continual motivation.

This fulfills part of my definition of a leader – a leader I can learn from.

© by rayannethorn

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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

It’s the Real Thing!

I was asked to Guest Blog on Monster.com…, Check it out!

http://www.monsterthinking.com/2010/09/14/recruitfest-real-thing/

A Road Less Traveled

While I only live thirty-two miles from my work, every work day I climb into my gray 2005 Honda Accord and prepare for a commute that typically takes an hour and a half. The congested freeways mark the only path into the city where Broadbean USA resides. There have been slick roads, hundreds of accidents to pass, rain, fog, crazy drivers, slammed-on brakes, traffic sometimes dead stopped, and a couple of traffic tickets along the way. Mostly, there has been a significant amount of talk time on my beloved mobile device. I cannot say I have never texted or never emailed or never facebooked while driving – I confess to these crimes.

My phone has been my constant companion during my commute and one hand always on the wheel.

My drive time has given me endless hours to think, numerous topics to write about, and opportunity to speak with my mom and friends often. I usually have one or two business calls while driving and have even reviewed documents when two mile per hour traffic has allowed. I wish I could say I have hated this drive but the fact of the matter is, I have not. I have seen incredible sunrises, seemingly impossible sunsets, driven through fires, and seen things that have changed my life and way of thinking.

In just over two weeks, my drive will be reduced to only fifteen minutes and I will no longer move along at a snail’s pace on packed, over crowded highways wishing I could cheat and sneak into the car pool lane (I have tried and while I didn’t get caught, I felt guilty for weeks.) I will now be driving along the ocean on the popular PCH (Highway One, Pacific Coast Highway.) The added time with my family (15 more hours a week), the reduced wear and tear on my car, diminished fuel costs, and eliminated stress will serve me well.

But I must admit, I will miss my time. I will miss the opportunity to really focus on issues that need solutions. I will miss my phone calls. I will miss the way I could get lost in music or a good audio book. And I will miss the further discovery of self. I guess I will find it in my morning walks that I will now have the time to resume. 😉

What I have gained almost outweighs the time lost. Almost. This drive has been a part of who I am since February of 2007. Like any trial, what didn’t kill me, made me stronger. And while I may miss it, at first, I look forward to it being in my past, to it being less about who I am and more about how I became who I am today. My Honda with 120,000 miles may die of heartbreak but freeways 91 and 55 will have one less traveler. Me.

by rayannethorn

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

Something to Tweet About

Do you think Google is a major player in technology? Do you think they pay attention to what is new, what is hip, what is important in social media? Perhaps. I recently heard an interesting fact: Google and Twitter have engaged in a multi-million dollar partnership. What does this mean to you and me? First, it means that Google views Twitter as a powerful business tool. Second, it means that Twitter will be backed by the biggest player in internet technology. And third, it means that Twitter is not going away.

Interestingly enough, Twitter is still not being taken serious by big business. What Twitter allows is the opportunity to engage personally with customers and clients – right now. While Google is a fantastic search engine, it is not right now, it is not this second. Twitter is real-time, right now, right this second. Imagine the capabilities? Combining real time with the most incredible search engine there is.

Do you think we need to take it seriously? I do. (she yells at the top of her lungs) I encourage my clients to create a profile, begin active engagement, and I even offer to help them put together tweets. While, at first, it can be off-setting and maybe a little daunting, Twitter is just a conversation. That is all. Keeping that in mind, what might you be interested in sharing with current or potential clients and customers, how about candidates? When you look at it as a tool built as a conversation enabler, it takes the “big and scary” away. It should make it easier to think of how you can make it work for you.

Are you in a niche? Perhaps you are a generalist. Perhaps you are a sourcer. Perhaps you own a business and want to know best hiring practices or learn the most that you can about HR and recruiting. Maybe you have developed a product to solve an issue within your own company or industry. How do you see the speed of Twitter and search capabilities of Google assisting you? It is never easy to try something new or to take a risk. Growth comes from risk. Development comes from difficulties.

If you haven’t embraced Twitter, try and figure out why. What is it that scares you? Or keeps you from it? I have heard many say, I just don’t like it. I understand this. I didn’t like the fax machine and I didn’t like it when theLadders started charging me after I had already used them for a couple years. I didn’t like it when my office got moved or I resigned previous positions. Not liking something is not an excuse. Learn to love it. And you know why…

by rayannethorn

posted at BonusTrack.us on RecruitingBlogs.com

Welcome to Beanland!

Back in August, I contacted Kelly Robinson with Broadbean Technology suggesting that we have lunch. He was fairly new the area having relocated from the U.K. to start up U.S. Operations. Newport Beach is only 35 minutes from me and I was very interested in learning more about the company and how I might help. I also wanted to further introduce him to RecruitingBlogs.com – a fantastic and active community of recruiters, HR professionals and HR vendors.

We met for lunch and I was so excited to hear about the plans of the company expansion and infiltration. . He expressed interest in learning more about what I do – the work I do with clients regarding the use new media to increase their online presence. We connected immediately and left our lunch happy to have met.

I heard back from Kelly and we met once more at his office where I enjoyed meeting the Newport Beach gang. I was impressed with the work they were actively engaged in and we had an animated two+ hour conversation with the promise to meet again soon.

Several phone conversations and email exchanges resulted in a job offer extended toward me. Frankly, I was a bit surprised and tenuous. I have spent the last two years building the base of my media consulting business. I happily accepted the offer and began my venture into Beanland on October 29th, 2009.

I am rapidly becoming entrenched in what it is that makes up this great company. The people are amazing, the company vision is far-reaching and I am so thrilled to be here. I will continue to produce my daily column Bonus Track on RecruitingBlogs.com and stay an active member of the recruiting and HR industry. Watch for updates as I climb the Beanstalk and continue in my adventures with A Thorn’s Point.