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!