Slow Twitch People Working with Fast Twitch People

I apologize for the long over-due blog update. I can tell you, it certainly wasn't because I didn't want to write but rather, to find my free time from the new position I was offered. Unlike other Baby-Boomers who have succumbed to the economic crisis, I was blessed with an opportunity to get back to work, as I mentioned in earlier blogs, after a long productive career of 36 years with another major company who couldn't figure out how to use my value-add.

Working with *FAST-TWITCH people (FTP) can take its toll physically and spiritually as the Fast-Twitch members are certainly more secure in this business and technical expertise then **SLOW-TWITCH person (STP); primarily because the FTP's are in unfamiliar territory. In many cases the OJT is like someone trying to teach a person how to drive a car over the telephone. Pretty scary.

I see where issues such as this cause anxiety and feelings of in adequacy, yep, even to the extent of ulceration. This can be a hindrance to many FTP as they strive to be recognized for their performance providing quick solution turnaround within an arena of business that can only be considered a high-twitch environment.

All I am saying is, I think the FTP needs to realize there is a place for a STP in this world. Long, slow and steady has always been my philosophy. A cross-country team has a myriad of talent between STP and FTP members. I have let the FTP affect my attitude. I have let "them" control my feelings and behavior. Well, that's my next hurdle.

I am a STP. My previous successes can be attributed to integrity, character, mentoring from LONG, SLOW and STEADY performance. There is a place in every business/department that has, no requires STP people. Look behind you FTP, I am there to support you. We're a team. I am not here to beat anyone but myself.

By the way, I think the STPs say a lot in how they perform as can be attested from a recent publication: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/05/sunday/main6837469.shtml?tag=cbsnewsTwoColUpperPromoArea

*Comes from the human muscle's ability to rapidly fire or best said determines if runners are suited for sprints. I use the term to represent tenured I/T individuals

** Comes from the human muscle's ability to fire slowly or best said determines if runners are suited for long distances such a marathons. I use this term to represent entry-level or freshman.

It's Time for an Upgrade

Well, probation period is over and the background check complete with no skeletons in the attic. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a company that has and does contribute to a completely ignored but successful sustainable energy industry.

I am involved in a current project to aid the company in capturing information/data from which to make more corporate economically sound decisions. This can only be achieved if we "upgrade" our train of thought. Yep, even me.

Upgrade: improvement, progress in development

I can't understand how tenure people get caught up in their own capsulated business world. They have operated a specific way and are "comfortable" with their own existence but fail to see the potential for passing on a legacy to those who could be there long after they choose to leave or retire.

I have chosen to be part of a solution but rather a hindrance. Chose to lead and improve rather then berate. I for one choose to upgrade my train of thought/action. I want to see success in a company with so much strength, breadth, knowledge and skill-set. There is so much potential to help lead others and ask HOW instead of WHY. How can I get THIS done instead of WHY should I get this done? Too, this is a time of collaboration. I time to ask "how can I implement a solution"?

If we, as leaders, also humble ourselves and become followers, at times, then the cascading affect will guide us all to success. The time is NOW for an upgrade. The time is NOW to act as a leader & a follower. Learn from our past and implement for the future leaving a legacy for those that follow.

I, for one, don't care to live in the past but rather share in the success of others by being part of a solution by upgrading myself.

The Entry Level: Humbling

Even with 3 recruiters, job searching 4-5hrs a day and continuing on-line education 4-5 hours a day, didn't get me anything. I'm not saying that it didn't aid in my overall skill/knowledge set. I'm just saying that it looked pretty scarce. Well, it did came to pass. An ex-customer, working for another major Japanese company, had heard I was becoming desperate, called and offered me an "entry-level position". The statistics were correct. 80% of the jobs acquired come from people you know or are familiar with; the other 20% is from job hunting.

With that said, I must tell all who plan to take an entry-level position, it is a humbling one. My mentor was very patient, as I would expect, in taking me under his wing and showing me the ropes. The main problem was I kept getting tangled in these ropes. Thank goodness for taking good 'how to' notes. It's kinda like Hansel & Gretel, and the cookie crumbs. I was able to retrace and re-edit much of what was shown to create multi how-to guides making specific requests easier to execute.

I celebrate my 90 days in about 10 days, which is the end of my probation. I can comfortably say in those 90 days, everything, including the kitchen sink was thrown at me. I too would confirm, this is the way to learn. This practice had its drawbacks though. In the final 30 days, my mentor left the company, for greener pastures, which left me staring done the double-barrel of the most stress I think I had felt in years. In a week I lost 5lbs and have yet to gain them back. Truthfully, I can't afford that.

I am a little anxious on what waits around the corner since I had that double-barrel staring at me but, it's amazing what you can do if you side-step frequently. Still, it is a humbling period with great expectations and accomplishments. I can do it.

It Seems It Really Is Who You Know and Being Yourself

I'm just saying, although my career has provided excellent opportunities to be recognized for skills/knowledge, it turns out it REALLY IS WHO YOU KNOW, or so it seems.

Here I am at 437 applications which, averaged 1 interview per 100 applications registered. It seems that interview #5 was the ringer not only because of what I know but, the hiring Director was a previous customer I had known and respected for many years. Yes, too, I believe it was my skills/knowledge levels that got me through the HR interview but the Director recommended me.

The career transition meetings I attended, Bridgebuilders, were correct; prepare yourself for standard interview questions but most importantly be relaxed and yourself. I walked away from the interview confident the crosstalk was comfortable and without pretense. Unless something comes up from the background check, I should be employed by February 8th.

So what did I learn?

1. Have your resume ironed out before applying (obviously).
2. Be dressed for success. This too means that you ask the interviewer what the proper dress for the day of the interview should be.
3. Be relaxed but showing proper business decorum and
4. BE YOURSELF (unless your interview is for an acting position and then just make sure you're playing the correct character).

Make Something from the Waiting Game

The beginning of the week brought on challenges again. It was as if the job market had closed its doors on all positions I've been looking for; little to no job alerts and little to no career sites postings. I suppose, I could sit and wait for a reaction to the 400+ applications I've registered since April 2009. What's the old saying? Oh yeah, 'Idle hands (mind) are the devils workshop'.

I started taking on-line (eLearning) courses again (already finished 27) through my recruitment agency which offers a plethora of on-line courses to refresh or provide additional knowledge levels for many industries. It really assists on keeping my mind from wandering and wondering what's happening in the job transition world and aids or enhances my already over-qualification for many positions.

Funny, Marie said that I might be over doing it. She said if previous recruiters said I was over-qualified for several positions then, why keep taking these courses? I said, if potential companies turn me down because of over-qualification then, I probably didn't want to work for such a short sighted organization. To turn me down would be like a general contractor who turns down a carpenter because he happens to be an Architect.

2 more courses completed this week.

You don't understand anything until you learn it more than one way. ~Marvin Minsky

The Struggle with Doubt

Today I was met with an invitation to provide a copy of my resume in hopes that I might have additional access to opportunities that have shown themselves. It was during a conversation that I was overheard, by wife that I was uncomfortable with the possibility the possible jobs may involve travel. True, through my tenure, I have experienced days and weeks on the road taking their toll physically and spiritually, rendering my current selection process to those careers opportunities allowing for a local corporate/company role. Selfish? In light of the fact I was only seeking non-travel positions, yes maybe. I was thinking more of self preservation. My wife, I believe, took it as a sign of pride. Another character trait I cannot afford at this time.

I previously had written "get over it" but the months are beginning to take a toll on my marriage. I perceived (no spoken words mind you) from this situation today, my understanding and supportive wife displaying signs of doubt. Doubt is probably one of the worst infectious enemies of the soul; Doubt, a status between unbelief and , involves certainty or undistrust or lack of sureness of an alleged fact, an action, a motive, or a decision ... . Doubt, was attempting to gain access to our relationship and throwing a temporary weight that I felt today. My intent, all along, was to provide the resume but, because I stated a distaste for possible travel, I introduced a character flaw that I am not proud of.

Doubt has a brother despair. I love my wife with all my heart. I love my family, both extended and blood. No man plans for such thoughts to enter his domain but, if they do, both man and family must always remember what Cezar Chavez once said:

“If we draw our strengths from the very despair ( or doubt) in which we have been forced to live, we CAN endure" and will.

My love for wife and family will endure. I will regain new strength from this temporary setback and grow. God looks on those who help themselves, and too throw down the enemy of doubt and despair.

I shall endure.

Faith; Life's Ultimate Ingredient

I sit here this morning knowing that I am entering the 4th quarter as an unemployed worker. This of itself is not extremely upsetting but with the new year approaching quickly and no funds to contribute with family celebration(s) does dampen the spirit. But daily I am reminded how others have faced the economic disaster and struggles heaved onto them I can only think, 'There but for the grace of God, go I'.

A friend, laid off at the same time, has lost his home and is in the middle of divorce. It sounds bad but I know because he was an ex-marine from Desert Storm, nothing could be worse. He has his health, the love of his daughter and faith of America to move forward through to economic recovery.

Faith; belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. Daily I am supported by my inspiring wife, friends and family, that faith will get anyone through any travesty. If we give in to doubt, the stepping stone to despair, we only invite in the conclusion, failure. No one has ever succeeded in life with such an anchor. It's through faith we scale life's walls that are temporarily obscuring our view.

Remember all things are possible for those who believe. Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication.