Tuesday, October 25, 2011

ProNet's best speaker ever - Ian Hill

Ian Hill
Now those of you that know me, know that I don't throw around words like "best ever" without having something to back it up.  In my book, we all have room for improvement, so unless you can walk on water like a guy did around 2000 years ago, you aren't getting a "10" from me.  That being said, Mr. Hill knocked everyone's socks off at yesterday's Monday morning general meeting at ProNet.  Not only does he come with tons of street cred locally in Northern Nevada but he has also been recognized for his philanthropic work in Canada.  Here a link to learn more.

So what was his message to a group of about 100 unemployed professionals in Reno?  He had a straightforward style that got your attention right away saying, "I'm not here to waste my time."  We all understood right away that this was going to be special.  I'm sure that Mr. Hill has many talks up his sleeve and he certainly knew who his audience was.  The main theme yesterday was transformation.  He started at the macro level of the world and society and brought it right down how it was affecting each and every person in the room.

First, he asked us questions about ourselves.  "Do you posses the leadership skills for today?"  "Do you possess the leadership competencies that the times require?"  The crux was that as the world is changing around us, we have to change.  The way of being successful in the past is not necessarily how you will be successful in the future.  Analysis was the first place to start.  He asked the group to come up with places where transformation was occurring in our society.
  • First off was the fundamental change in technology.  This was quite obvious to all yet needed to be said.
  • The next focus was leadership styles.  Autocratic leadership styles of the past will not work with a new generation of skilled workers.  Participatory leadership, where everyone is part of the decision process, is what is required in a multi-generational workplace.  He asked if the patterns of the past were serving us well.  This question hit us smack in the forehead, creating a wondering that if what worked in the past wasn't going to work in the future, what will?  
  • Next was understanding the conduit of communication of the day.  With all the focus on social media, he took a different tack.  Communication is broken down into the spoken, written and virtual word.  While technology will always influence how the message is delivered (see: radio), the key will always be to deliver a clear, concise and understandable message.  Good stuff!
  • Globalization and the interconnectivity of the today's world has created a monumental shift in how we think and how we conduct commerce.  It's not about grandma's corner store anymore.
While I can't get all the information from his talk in this post, he left us with key touchstones to think about in our job search:
  • Be a systems thinker.  Understand the big picture.  Look to see how what you do influences how your company operates.
  • Do the analysis that's required to anticipate what will happen.
  • Crisis is opportunity.  Those that are looking to the coming year and what will be in crisis will afford an opportunity to succeed and flourish.  
  • Be an agent of change.  Being willing to change yourself and change your environment.  Not that these are easy, but you must create a process for change.  You will know you are doing this when you ask for help because you cannot do it all yourself.
  • Educate yourself.  Be on a path of continued learning, understanding, action, accountability and analysis.
He left us with one piece of advice.  Volunteer!  If you are not doing this one thing in your job search, then you are a fool.  His words, not mine, but I wholeheartedly agree.  And we were extremely lucky to have an hour of his time.  Thanks to Mr. Hill and ProNet for a great way to start the week!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Want to travel to the Pacific Northwest? I was just there...

...and had a great time.  As tour director for a gang of folks from the Reno area, I got the chance to see some wonderful sights in Tacoma, Leavenworth and Seattle.  Having traveled to the region in the past, I had a general idea of what was there to see, but with our local bus driver, Michael Bailey, we all got a terrific amount of insight into the area and some of the special sites and attractions.

Tacoma's Union Station
First, I have to say this: if the weather wasn't so cloudy/rainy/wet, I could see myself living in Tacoma.  The efforts that have been made to preserve buildings downtown has been more than commendable.  The dedication to look and feel gives the downtown area a flow especially when you add in the free light rail that keeps that flow moving.  Then you have the imprint of Dale Chihuly and glass art all over the city.  Many cities and towns look for that distinction that separates them and Tacoma has certainly accomplished that.  A must visit is to the Museum of Glass.  With the hot shop where artists and artisans can create in front of the public (watch the hot shop live) coupled with stunning and whimsical galleries, this museum is a must see in the area.

On the way to tap the keg!
Another town that has made an all-in commitment is the Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth.  We were there for one weekend of Octoberfest and the whole town revels in their recreation of southern Germany.  From the gift shops to the gazebo in the center of town to the beer garden, Leavenworth is a destination not to be missed, especially in October.  And the beer is pretty good too - it should be because nearly all of it is imported from Germany.

Museum of Flight
And last but not least, Seattle.  The anchor of the Pacific Northwest has much to see and do.  Three sites that are on the must-see list: the Space Needle, Pike Place and the Museum of Flight.  Even if the weather is cloudy and rainy (like it was the only time on this trip), riding the elevator to the observation deck is a must, even for those with a little skittishness about heights.  Do it just to say you did it.  The views even on a cloudy day are magnificent.  And make sure that you read up on some history before you get there.  Pike's is a farmer's market on steroids.  While many communities have created this quintessential American event, Pike's is the mother lode.  Not only can you talk to many owners behind the stall counters, you also can get extremely fresh, local produce and seafood.  And for the Starbucks fans, you can visit the #1 store (and you can buy coffee beans that are specially roasted for this store only).  And for all the plane enthusiasts out there, how would you like to step aboard a British Airways Concorde?  Here you can do this as well as sit in a cockpit mockup of an F-18 and a SR-71.  Get a feel for what it is like for pilots flying these amazing accomplishments in aeronautical technology.  Plan on a whole day here because there is just so much to see.

And there is much more to see than I am mentioning here.  Dear friends have been going to the Hood Canal area for years during the summer.  The Olympic Peninsula is otherworldly.  And Mt. Ranier and Mt. St. Helens can take your breath away.  So next time when you are considering a vacation spot that can tickle many a fancy, think about the home of the apple, Washington.