Skills Needed For The Next Circus

If you have been associated with us for very long, you know that one of the key points we focus on is continuous improvement. One of the reasons we have so many elephants to juggle now is that we did not adequately prepare physically, emotionally, mentally or financially for them before they became so heavy in our life.

That's why the NY Times article, Factories ready to hire, but employers find skills shortage, caught our attention. The writer highlights that manufacturers are beginning to look for new workers, but that that these workers need a higher level of skill than the typical assembly line worker of the past. Some of the key skills needed as highlighted in the article included:

• Operate sophisticated computerized machinery
• Follow complex blueprints
• Demonstrate higher math proficiency than workers in the past

The writer gives the example of a manufacturing facility that interviewed over 3,600 applicants and only found 47 capable of taking the $13-$15 per hour jobs they had available.

Regardless of whether you are employed or unemployed, the article asks all of us to ponder if we have (or need to develop) the skill sets to be successful in tomorrow's workforce. As we say in Juggling Elephants, your circus is only as good as your NEXT performance.

Becoming A Ringmaster Can Be Unhealthy

British researchers have found that getting a promotion actually deteriorates the mental health of the person being promoted-and it goes beyond the simple effect of changing job responsibilities. The study also found that these same people as a group visited the doctor 20% less than when in their previous positions.

Do you see the irony here? They took a job that had a negative effect on their stress level-but did less to take care of themselves to better manage the increased stress. While the study measured mental stress, we know how interrelated mental stress is to physical health.

Let's return to the circus for a moment. The faster the pace of a circus, the more critical it is to make sure that all processes are in good working order. Performers well trained, props in place, animals well-fed. Failure to take those steps means that something is more likely to break down in the lineup-and in a fast paced environment the effects are multiplied.

If you are in a high stress position, don't deny the necessity of making sure ALL your rings are in good working order. Fail to take the time for the important things, and many times the important things will take the time from you when you least expect it.

Being The Ringmaster Of Your Job In A Recession

Concerned about your job? Who wouldn't be with the continued slumping of the economy and almost daily announcements of more job layoffs. The last thing many of us want is a circus with a work ring and no acts in it.

Salary.com has a good slide show with 10 Tips To Help Recession-Proof Your Job. The tips given in the slide show are:

• Keep your skills current.
• Don't pull a vanishing act. (i.e. Be visible)
• Make yourself indispensable.
• Keep your attitude in check.
• Start networking now.
• Update your resume.
• Finish your degree.
• Broaden, rather than deepen your skills.
• Consider learning a trade or specific skills.

You can find more information on each tip in the slide show.