Making Connections?

Reminder: I will be speaking on Caroline Gavin’s podcast show on BlogTalk Radio, Purposeful Pathway on February 27th. I am looking forward to chatting with Caroline and honored to be her guest. The show airs at 1:00 pm on Wednesday and if you miss it “live” you can catch it here.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It seems we share a common problem with other bloggers, business owners and organizations. In order to succeed you must connect with people. It doesn’t matter what you’re selling, pitching or want to become. Until you have built a loyal following, nobody really notices your efforts.

Connections are the new economy. Most of our shopping is done online through companies we’ve come to trust. Twenty years ago, we would’ve had second thoughts about trusting anyone online with our credit card information. Today, it’s a common practice.

In today’s economy connections are everything. Whether it’s customers or employees our ability to connect is what builds trusting relationships. It’s not about you or me. It’s about others.

Most CEO’s, presidents and management have a new role to fill and don’t have a clue how to win the confidence of their customers and employees in order to create a culture where everyone is connected. The top-down style of management is dead. The Industrial Age had its day and many companies that haven’t figured this out are slowly dying.

The top-down approach was always focused on the person higher –up the ladder. The CEO’s concern was keeping the board of trustees happy, the CFO was concerned about the CEO, and the supervisor was concerned about keeping their manager happy. Who cared about the employees and customers? Nobody!

During the Industrial Age the assumption was people had to have what you offered. Choices were limited. The Internet has allowed us to become a global economy. That’s why the top-down style of management totally misses the boat. That ship has sailed and is likely not coming back soon.

In the Industrial Age, it wasn’t imperative to establish a relationship; it was a matter of driving business through advertisement. The choices are so vast now, there is only one-way to survive- by building trust and connecting with those that matter most to your success. Companies are building trust through offering their services online; twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. How are going to compete?

That’s why billboard ads are useless. Nobody pays much attention to those targeted signs. If people have a connection with you they care, if not; you’re wasting money that could’ve been spent on your resources (your employees and customers). They are the one’s seeking your loyalty.

The employees and customers are the bottom line. Not your stockholders, board or mantra. You only have two choices- connect or stay disconnected.

Every day you hesitate to connect you’re losing ground. When a car is disconnected from a train it has no momentum, it’s dead on the tracks. The remaining cars are able to travel faster and gather more steam for the journey. Disconnecting is isolation.

Sitting idle on the tracks of life is no comfortable position. While some see managing without the top-down approach as a loss of power, it’s really your only chance to remain powerful and become noble.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Unique isn’t Scriptable!

One of the ideas of the Industrial Age was the use of scripts. Phone scripts, greeting scripts and even answers to common questions became scripted. If there was a way to standardize any form of communication it was scripted and required in the employee manual. I hate scripts.

The company first got the idea of a phone script from an employee who brought it to the attention of the management, who proceeded to think he was a boy genius for copying the idea from various other industries. Soon, this employee grew in popularity and he recommended the use of scripts to other management. They implemented his ideas eventually throughout the business.Years later, the company featured constant scripted messages on the computers.

Ironically, the employee who brought forth the idea of using scripts never practiced what he preached. Meanwhile, the brainwashing continues.

The main reason I dislike using scripts is it dehumanizes the ability of the employee to be genuine. Listening to someone ramble through a script is phony, insincere and nobody cares for it. Why not allow employees the opportunity to be creative or dazzle their customers? A scripted response isn’t genuine and it adds no value to your business.

When an organization uses scripts they are cutting corners towards mediocrity. A script can be memorized by anyone. It sends the message your business is trapped in the old Industrial Age mode of operation. We don’t want mindless robots, we want to see, hear and feel your passion.

When I hear someone reply with a script, it tells me you believe your employees are just numbers and the customers are stuck hearing their ambivalent monotone voice. It’s easy to assume something works when so many businesses do exactly the same thing. The problem is not one of those business distinguishes themselves by following a script.

Wouldn’t you rather stand-out?

Unique isn’t scriptable.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Goodbye Cubicle Nation

I received a new lease on life when my job was eliminated at cubicle nation. Quite some time ago, I underwent a metamorphosis of sorts toward my own work mindset.

For years, I questioned why an organization would want to treat their employees poorly. I just couldn’t comprehend the concept. It was so backward, toxic and unnecessary. I started to question people in upper management who had retired. They quickly agreed it was a sick way to run a business.

Someone actually tried to explain the business practice is taught in colleges. I scoured the Internet hoping to find the class or subject. After my research produced nothing (other than psychological dysfunctional modes of management), I thought I hit a dead-end. Why is it a freaking secret!

Best Selling Author, Seth Godin, wrote a book called- Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? Seth described enough of the Industrial Age philosophy in the book to finally understand what I dealing with my entire working life. I live in what once a very dominant manufacturing city. Like most typical Rust Belt cities we’ve been decimated by the end of the Industrial Age. Although I worked in a non-factory environment it’s run with the same type of management mentality as a factory.

It’s fear-based management. The main requirement is conforming mentally and physically day after day, year after year. Your livelihood is held over your head with fear; through rumors, threats, evaluations and meetings. The reverberation extends for a period of time until something new is presented to show your allegiance too.

The funny thing was once I understood the mindset, I knew how to tune it out of my mind and not play the game. Gradually, I was able to separate myself physically and mentally from the silliness of the system. I began to realize my own creativity and ideas would be my only way out of this train wreck. So I started to focus on myself and what my best options for success would be.

That is when I started to change my thinking. If I woke-up and a good idea came to me, it was worth my time to write it down; even if it meant arriving to work late.

At that point I knew what I could do mattered more than what I had been doing! I felt empowered and my life suddenly had meaning.

I knew I wasn’t happy. I knew my career was basically a dead-end job. I no longer cared to be a hamster on the wheel or just exist. Life is too short to spend it living in fear.

So now I’m a free agent. I have no fear and no boss. I don’t set an alarm clock or commute to work. I can have fun or work hard when I want. My stress is gone.

I’ve left cubicle nation.

And it feels darn good!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Flying Low?

If you want to fly low under the radar ok; but those days are numbered. Risky is the new safe. I no longer placate Industrial Age tactics, attend worthless meetings or kiss the status quo. I have a new boss and a new mission.

It doesn’t require drinking the company Kool-Aid, repeating the morning chant or evaluating myself to give someone the opportunity to critique me or pretend to have a vested interest over my career! I no longer wear a name tag, answer a phone with a scripted impersonal message or have to hear “It’s Monday already” or “Thank God, it’s Friday.”

My weekend never ends and I have the freedom to create my Art day or night. Simply unfathomable thinking for those stuck in the Industrial Age.

I’ve watched people waste their time and life by showing up. Doing time on a job that no longer inspires while sucking every last good emotion dry. Somehow, that sounds like an imprisoned life. The only hope is the next payday, weekend or vacation. I call that existing, not living.

Flying low means you’ll never know your true capabilities. It ensures you’re stuck repeating the same day as yesterday. Never knowing the impact you might have made. Like Zig Ziglar once said: “If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.”

Is that why you got out of bed today? Is your purpose to sleepwalk through life? I don’t think so. We know how easy of a trap it is to fall into daily. Wake-up!

For 100 years, people have  brainwashed us to follow the system like a herd of sheep. Taught to accept circumstances and notions that only perpetuates someone else’s gain. The gatekeeper’s tell us what the norm is and we follow. After all, if you want to stay on the island, they’ve convinced you to submit your heart, soul and money.

You can alter the flight path. Once you decide to change; the system will lose interest in you and you in it. The gatekeepers will battle with you over control and compliance. When you remain strong in the truth and it decides you can no longer be manipulated, the system will find a way to toss you aside.

It always does. Domination waits for those begging to be picked.

When I was laid-off a couple of weeks ago, I knew God was actually giving me my freedom to be able to do what HE wants me to do. He’s been preparing me for this time for decades. My “old job” was merely a way to pay bills and exist.

My new gift is to soar as high as possible in doing something meaningful that matters!

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

The Mask of Toxicity

Have you ever worked for a toxic workplace? It’s usually apparent by noticing the employees tension upon entering the hallowed halls. Sometimes, an entire industry shares the same atmosphere. It’s a cold vibe that exists when an organization is built upon profit and greed.

Sadly, the style permeated from the top-down is the root of the problem. The Industrial Age was loaded with organizations seeking greater power and control in the workplace. The management style was effective to increase profits for years. In the last few years it has become the downfall of many organizations.

Years ago, employees (and children) revolted by forming Unions. This buffer was needed due to factories hiring cheap child labor. The Unions helped to establish laws to prevent children from being hired and safety regulations. In those days, it was common for children to lose fingers, toes and limbs, resulting in entire family incomes being lost.

We’ve come a long way from those days, but we have so much more work to do!

A majority of toxic workplaces have their own compassionate mission statement, but how they operate has nothing to do with that philosophy. When greed overtakes a business, it’s the beginning of the end- individually and collectively as an organization. The narcissistic style of management sooner or later catches up with organizations bent on sucking the life out of their own companies and employees.

Corruption is a by-product of greed. It undermines the best companies and destroys from within. When leadership focuses solely on profit it usually turns a cheek to everything else. The status quo is all that matters.

Money spent on advertizing is wasted on the snowball of public opinion. Invariably, one bad decision is followed by another. Denial is a powerful and dangerous imposter for those seeking justification. Yet, she is all they have to seek approval.

The tension and stress associated with being trapped in this toxic environment isn’t worth the sacrifice. The headaches, anxiety, ulcers and fear associated with working in this type of situation aren’t worth paying the price for a paycheck. Most experts recommend seeking employment elsewhere. I must agree.

You deserve better. Life is too short to spend in a toxic workplace. Trust me.

 You’ll be glad to remove the mask of toxicity.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Living on the Edge of Freedom?

“Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.”
― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks & Win Your Inner Creative Battles

For some reason about a week a week ago, I realized by blogging was suffering. Sometimes it was due to rushing to post an article and tossing some ideas out to quickly. I took a few days off from blogging hoping my writing process would become fresh again. After all, attempting to post material daily isn’t as easy as it appears.

After I wrote another blog, I still wasn’t satisfied. Then it hit me. It’s tough to describe, but once you become accustomed to holding back and censoring your own thoughts; it tends to become a habit. It hinders you from your doing best work.

Once I realized the problem (fear), I experimented by writing a blog without fear of retribution. I was stunned by how powerful my posts became instantly. It turns out this stifling style affected my writing for some time. I hadn’t felt this much writing energy since my first book.

Part of the problem was listening to other people’s advice: “You better watch out” or “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” No you wouldn’t, you sell yourself short daily by not taking chances. You’ll complain, cry or through a temper tantrum, but you will never stand-up for yourself or others.

Besides, freedom of speech is a guaranteed right of our Constitution. If we can’t or won’t express ourselves is it any wonder that tyranny has become the norm?

While some people mean well by believing they’re offering “time tested advice” the truth is the advice originated from the Industrial Age mindset of “Don’t rock the boat”, “Keep your mouth shut” and my favorite- “Just do your job.” Those words of wisdom worked for 100 years in a system built upon conformity and compliance. In today’s new connection economy, we need to do the exact opposite of yesteryear.

Following my own advice, I was picked by Bloggers.com as one of the ‘Editors Pick of the Day’ out of thousands of bloggers. That little reward gave me the extra edge and confidence to open up my writing and write more effectively. I was asked to post a guest blog and by allowing my own blogs to resonate without hesitation my audience has increased some days by 25%. Kicking my fears out the door is making a difference.

If you want to find your edge, start dealing with your own state of denial. What holds you back from becoming a warrior and doing your best work? Discover the reason why you hesitate and confront it head-on. Lock that little monkey out of your head.

We only get one life here on earth and it passes quickly. Don’t sell yourself short and spend your time ‘just getting by.’ Life is too precious to waste your strengths, time and energy seeking mediocrity. Worse yet, you may never know your true calling!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Dreamer Wanted- Apply Here!

Dreamer Wanted

1.   Creative Artist with a Passion to Succeed.

2.   Someone tired of Fitting-In.

3.   An Individual who Resigned from the Status Quo.

4.   A person who doesn’t require a Map or Manual to function.

5.   Dislikes Meetings as much or more than we do.

6.   Makes Mistakes, while Doing the Work.

7.   Realizes Fear has no role in the Workplace.

8.   Fosters encouragement, excitement, and lives your own Dream.

 

9.   Someone who Stands-up for Truth and Honesty.

   10. Focuses on doing Something Meaningful that Matters!

Dreamer Wanted is my manifesto to create Art and make some noise. It’s what the common man would call a job description, but I call it my dream. It’s why I do my best work alone, by myself; to share with you. It revokes what we gave up to seek employment and gives us the freedom to find our calling and live our dreams!

Each one of us is born with the innate ability to dream and make a difference in the world.  It isn’t until we reach a certain age and others begin to tell us a different story; we begin to believe otherwise. This is why I am writing this blog. Because you no longer have to live someone else’s dream.

The other day my wife was discussing with a friend, my recent award on Bloggers.com as one of the Editor Picks of the Day. I’ve written 128 posts of The Rust Belt Chronicles (my blog) on Bloggers.com since June of 2012. Millions of bloggers post on the site, so the recognition is an honor to me and her. The other persons reply was: “Yea, well blogging doesn’t make money.”

In and of itself blogging may not make money right now, but the point is to network and build a tribe of followers. Subsequently, launch a business or movement and the website is this author’s platform. I don’t feel it is my responsibility to educate someone on social media who has no interest and follows the mindset of “yesteryear.” I’d rather focus on helping someone who wants to know and cares.

The other day, I ran across a blog by Terry Hadaway. He definitely gets it. Terry’s writing is top-notch with clarity and eloquence. Who knows maybe Terry and I will end-up on the same stage someday, write a book together or just become friends. Either way, it’s exciting to find someone who understands the pitfalls of the Industrial Age and the trapping of the minds involved.

So tune-out or remove yourself from those attempting to sabotage your dreams. Here’s a secret of being successful: When you are just about to turn the corner and reach a new plateau, the naysayers will jump out of nowhere to bash your work and distinguish your flame- if you allow it.

Every good battle has a moment of uncertainty, the brief question of resolve. It’s the nanosecond that attempts to separate your passion and cause; just keep your eye on the purpose and charge full-steam ahead!

That’s the battle we face every day to live our dreams!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

No Longer A Victim!

Once I understood the history and reasoning of fear the Industrial Age uses to control and leverage the common man; life has become less stressful. I no longer feel like a victim or sacrificial guinea pig. The tactics that once wrecked my day are just a speed bump in my rearview mirror. The power, I once allowed to rule my thoughts, decisions and health (while constantly wondering: “Why would you do that to someone”); no longer terrorizes my life.

In a world of profound technical advancement, it boggles the mind how organizations perpetuate terror through fear without the realization of human feelings or thought of an objective view. Organizations operating in the Industrial Age believe their purpose negates everyone and everything in relevance to their own agenda. Power corrupts from within and slowly those organizations are dying. The idea that “we will get whatever we want” doesn’t resonate nearly with as much value today.

We’ve been surrounded by this machine-type presence all of our lives. The Internet has made us aware of the ‘dirty deals’, ‘golden parachutes’, and lobbying to maintain power. The Internet is the voice of transparency in a cluttered world. We no longer have to wait for the newspaper to arrive or the 6 o’clock news.

The voice of the people is easily spread through real-time tweets, Facebook and instant messaging anywhere in the world. This has given the leverage back to the people. Public opinion has the ability to go ‘viral’ and bring a company to its knees overnight.

Why would organizations create a toxic work environment as business model?

·        It’s profitable.

·        They can.

·        It’s been this way for years.

·        They know no other way.

Those businesses enthralled deep into the Industrial Age are clutching their fists in an attempt to hang-on to the last dance. The barbaric/Neanderthal use of fear to captivate their employees is all that remains to justify their worth, power and control. The very system that told us to be flexible, accept change and be open to new ideas; is unable to adapt!

 Ironic- isn’t it?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Capitalism at its Finest?

Image used courtesy of: extranoise.

 

It’s amazing how organizations are so obsessed in using power, fear and control to manipulate and market themselves as a moral entity. 

Organizations use “spin” to market their agenda and often create more harmful results than good. Even more pitifully, the process is repeatedly used resulting in reduced customer satisfaction and trust. Is it any wonder business is suffering? Sadly, the alternative to repairing the mess is more advertisement, fluff and tighter control.

Greed is often the culprit in an Industrial Age environment. The thinking is: “If we build it they will come” or “People will forget the past.” Not true in today’s world. People remember remarkable, something special and we recall disasters.

The notion of a subservient class and superior rulers is a brainwashed idea of the Industrial Age. It is a hideous outdated form of manipulation based on fear, compliance and obedience. It was productive for 100 years because people bought into the idea. Seriously, what were we thinking?

Organizations with parochial run Boards and management are crumbling in the USA. In today’s new economy it’s about connecting. Connecting to everybody; including the 47%.

Everyone matters- has a voice and the means to use it. It’s no longer 1970 and a megaphone isn’t required to be heard. Technology and the capability of forming tribes of people bonded in common causes will tip the disruption from fear. Power of technology is shifting culture, economies, governments and your life.

We can either realize the “old regime” is dead or we can whistle towards a dark alley. The choice is yours. Many will stay the “We’ve always done it this way” course and disaster is imminent. The post-industrial age- isn’t built upon dividing and conquering; it’s about connecting!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Isn’t it Time We Pick Ourselves?



Image courtesy of:

Michael 1952.

When the teacher asked questions, most of the students raised their hands. The ambitious or popular students were usually chosen first to respond with the answer. This situation took place often, throughout the day. If you were selected and didn’t respond with the correct answer, good luck being picked again, anytime soon .

The subtle message was :

1.   You weren’t popular.

2.   The teacher didn’t trust your judgment.

3.   What you thought didn’t matter.

During the summer before a basketball game, it was common for the two most popular and gifted athletes to choose their teams from a select group. The decision to choose the most gifted athletes would be chosen first, usually followed by choosing the most popular or friends of the person doing the picking. Being one of the last two possible selections indicated you weren’t valued as much and if there was any hesitancy as who to choose it didn’t speak well for either of you. Being the last player selected meant you were “stuck” (no pick for you) on one of the team’s roster.

Being last meant:

1.   You weren’t very good.

2.   You weren’t very popular.

3.   You weren’t really wanted.

The same process appears throughout your career in lieu of promotions, positions, hiring and lay-offs. It’s all part of the same system of the Industrial Age. Instead of recognizing and nurturing individuals strength we follow the same rules rewarding the gifted, popular and our friends, while ignoring the rest. For 100 years, it was the only way to ensure fitting-in, compliance and conformity.

Not anymore.

Picking yourself is all that matters. Artists always pick themselves; they don’t wait for permission, acceptance or a christening. We always felt artists were strange, different or didn’t quite fit-in. Artists aren’t concerned with the status quo, survey results or a spreadsheet, their focus is strictly on their core mission .

It's no coincidence artists are the catalyst of change. The system refers to those people as inventors, however; they were artists first and foremost. Ford, Gates or Edison didn’t form a consensus group, become elected or chosen by anyone. Picasso, Tchaikovsky, Dylan and Symon picked themselves. Some said they were crazy and wasting their time, but their determination to succeed came from within.

 Art touches our lives, inspires movements and forges technology.

As we sit on the cusp of change in the post-industrial revolution- isn’t it time we pick ourselves?

 Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

You are Now Free!

Image courtesy of: Luz Adriana Villa A.

If your team is filled with people who work for the company, you’ll soon be defeated by tribes of people who work for a cause.

-          By Seth Godin from: The Icarus Deception: how high will you fly?

One of the favorite terms of the Industrial Age has been “teamwork.” The word is heavily touted when the slave drivers or gatekeepers want more work from less people or pitch an idea. Teamwork is a requirement on the football field, marching band and battlefield; but it never scaled well with the general workforce.

Ever notice when you are about to be laid-off “teamwork” is never mentioned? If they really believed in their own submission then why not just ask if someone wants to take an unemployment check for the good of the team. After all, we’re a team, right?

 Sadly, it is a word used only when management wants to spin the latest, greatest technique or philosophy. When I think of teamwork it reminds me of “slaves that paddled vessels from sea to land”, a mindless entity that must be given simple instructions to navigate. It also reminds me of the project that keeps being held-up because someone or one group didn’t finish their assignment at the deadline.

Teamwork is a label for mediocrity. Innovation or precision is rarely used to motivate by inept leaders. Failure is easier to swallow, when it’s a team effort or detraction. It’s good enough to use as a drill or exercise, but difficult to ensure has a means to excellence. That would require guts, courage and accountability.

 Few leaders understand the significance of those words and are less willing to take the chance at standing-out from the pack. That would truly mean risk and in a society captivated by fitting-in, not many care enough to stick their neck out. That’s probably why people don’t get too excited by teamwork.

I am happy to not apply for an advertisement that states: “We want team players only” or hear someone say: “I am not sure if you’re a good fit for the team” during an interview. What those expressions imply is the Industrial Age notion of fitting-in, compliancy, not rocking the boat and “do what we say.” You have no mind, soul, heart or the capabilities to stand-out, lead or discover a better way. It sends the message of being a cog and nothing more.

When everyone is committed towards the same outcome because they believe in something, have a vested interest in the idea and care; it’s a beautiful process. When people are told or given a manual to follow the plan it’s boring, repetitive and the results are less than stellar!

For more than 100 years, we believed ourselves to be at the mercy of a few who gave us the instructions, used us like pawns to generate power and financial success. The game is changing rapidly and opportunity awaits you. But you’ll never find it by staying in the Industrial Age.

Like the advert says: “You are now free to walk about the cabin.”

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.