Thoughts on people, teams, organizations, communities, effectiveness and success
There are few things that are more important than first impressions (that tagline: “You only have one chance to make a great first impression“), the time in-between, and leaving that lasting impression by how you say goodbye.
People can forget at times a lot of bumpiness in that in-between period if the bookend hello and goodbyes are done well.
Sometimes the greatest risk you can take is to take no risk at all.
Or as James Dean phrased it, “Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.”
Three events this week brought that thought squarely home.
The myth that talent leads to achievement took another hit to credibility this week. The San Francisco Giants – a crew of “misfits and outcasts” – brought the ultimate symbol of North American professional baseball achievement and winning in the form of a World Series pennant back to the City by the Bay.
Talent, it turns out again, is overrated.… Read the rest
The voicemail left on my phone was all-too typical. “Mike this is Kelwin. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve applied for a few jobs and you may be getting some reference calls. Thanks for any help you can send my way. I’m really hoping one of these jobs work out.”
Limp job references, like limp handshakes, are never a way to make a decent impression.… Read the rest
The current job market is generally a seller’s market: qualified applicants significantly outnumber available openings. Unlike the early part of the decade – a buyer’s market – it means that employers can be (and usually are) very selective in whom they hire, and buyers – job applicants – don’t have the ability to be very highly selective due to the undersupply of job openings.… Read the rest
Chris Guillebau’s recent retweet – “never take a job you’re already qualified for” – combined with playdate with a mom with two small kids yesterday – reminded me (once again) that sometimes you take a job because it is just a job. And a job for which you’re well qualified.
The fantasy among some career counselors is that career planning is strategic planning with precision tactical implementation.… Read the rest