Labor Day 2009

Posted on September 7, 2009 by Dan.shasserre

I credit John Sobecki, my friend from New Jersey, who provided all of the following material regarding employment. It was so timely; I decided to pass it along to you.

“I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.”

– Helen Keller

Work for something because it is good, not just because it stands a chance to succeed.

– Vaclav Havel:

The US Department of Labor released the unemployment figures recently…9.7% of the population who are unemployed and collecting some unemployment benefits. But the report also admitted that the real figure of total unemployed in the US must include those who are labeled “discouraged.” This percentage is 16.76%!!

Here are some current statistics found in the article about the world of work.

Even with today’s unemployment statistics, more than 62% of employed individuals in middle to upper level jobs are currently looking for new employment. Their managers underestimate the level of dissatisfaction and believe that only 30% of their subordinates are looking. (Conference Board.)

60% of those making more than $50k are more likely to have some satisfaction with their current job. This also means that 40 % of those making more than $50k a year are not satisfied or consider themselves non productive in their current employment. There is a higher % of dissatisfaction for those making less than $50k a year. (US Dept of Labor)
The number one reason why an employee leaves a company for employment elsewhere is —- conflict with their supervisor. (US Dept of Labor)
The average cost to replace an employee who has quit or has been let go is around 33% of a mid level employee’s salary (US Department of Labor)
Only 5% of the companies with more than 50 employees say that they invest in their managers by training them in managerial or leadership (supervisory) skills (ASTD)
Trust in an organization can be measured by the quality of communication within that organization or group ( J. Woititz )

After two decades of constant decline in union membership there was a dramatic increase in union membership from 2007- 2008 of 12% and membership is expected to go up again in 2009. (US Dept of Labor)

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My Suggestion….

Remember to offer a prayer today for every person who is stressed by the inability to find gainful employment or those working for wages insufficient to support their family. Pray that they may emerge from this trial spiritually enriched and renewed with enthusiasm for work. Be grateful for your own employment. Give thanks to God. And, be generous with your time, willing to help anyone seeking new employment or improved opportunities.

Danny & Johnny

Posted on August 28, 2009 by Dan.shasserre

There were two boys in a small town named Danny and Johnny These two boys were mischievous and were always getting into some kind of trouble and it was well known that if any mischief occurred in their town, these two boys were probably involved. One day Danny and Johnny were playing catch with a baseball when Johnny threw the ball over Danny’s head crashing through a stain glass window of the local Catholic Church just as Father Lou was cleaning out the pews from the earlier mass.

Danny split for home and Johnny risked going in to the church to find the baseball. The clergyman, a huge man with a booming voice, confronted Johnny as he entered the church. He held the baseball and shouted” Do you know where God is?” Johnny made no response, sitting there with his mouth hanging open, wide-eyed. So the clergyman repeated the question in an even sterner tone, “Do you know where God is!” Johnny was upset and tense and at a loss for words. The clergyman raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy’s face and said let me ask you another way, “WHERE IS GOD?” Johnny bolted from the church ran directly to Danny’s house. Danny brought Johnny in and looked at the out of breath friend and queried, “What’s the matter?” Trying to catch his breath Johnny said, “Pack your bags quick, we’re in big trouble. God is missing and they’re blaming us!”

Your reputation really matters. Poor Danny and Johnny, their deserved reputation for shenanigans made them immediately suspect when bad things happened. When I was younger the Danny in this story could have been me.

Throughout my business career I have had many experiences with individuals, companies and non-profit organizations with unique personalities. They are “branded” as being “brilliant” or not so, by being “outstanding” or not, and by “serving the poor and vulnerable,” or, not really.

How you are “branded” matters. Perceptions become reality. How you are perceived to be through your actions, activities, communications establishes the reputation that is either good or bad, positive or negative.

So, ask yourself some serious questions to test how your organization might be perceived by others, especially, your staff, clients, or customers.

Why are we here? What are we doing to serve/help others? Do we have a personal mission, specific goals and expectations? Are they written down? Do we have a plan? Is it believable and achievable? When we reach our objectives, fulfill our mission have we made a difference in this world? Can we measure the impact? If we were not doing what we are doing would we be missed?

Now, try the same exercise on yourself. Just re-word the questions in the previous paragraph. If you don’t have a personal mission statement, create one. Write it down. hold yourself accountable.

Welcome To The 7th Inning Blog!

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Dan.shasserre

The 7th inning: Two-thirds of the game is over. The most exciting and important innings are ahead. If your team is winning, the 7th inning is a time to “stretch,” then finish strong. If your team is loosing in the 7th, it’s time to rally, getting some big hits-under pressure, late in the game.

Drawing from years of experience in business, fundraising, marketing, and life; this blog intends to share stories and advice to help with common struggles in all of the aforementioned.