WHAT YOU CAN DO

"If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them."

Dalai Lama XIV

However, before you default to the "do not harm them" part, really consider what you might do.

The world needs more mentors.

IT'S YOUR TURN

"In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich."

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) American politician.

There was a time when you were beginning your career you could have and hopefully did benefit from the help of someone older, more experienced.

Now you have the knowledge to help someone who is what you once were.

Just starting.

There are many ways to do this; what will you do?

YOUR JOB TODAY, THEIR JOB TOMORROW

"Young people are fitter to invent than to judge; fitter for execution than for counsel; and more fit for new projects than for settled business."

Francis Bacon 

16th century British statesman/philosopher

There is some cynicism in this, coming from a politician, but more raw truth than not.

If you are now older, presumably wiser, part of your job is to get maximum value from your more youthful employees. 

That and help them prepare to do the same for those who will one day succeed them.

Wicked Osmosis

"To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness."

Confucius

5th century BC Chinese philosopher

If at the beginning of your career you willingly work with people who compromise their ethics, chances are good you will as well in the future.

Be careful not to become what you didn't set out to be.

121

"Life's heaviest burden is having nothing to carry."

Unknown

My son asked if I would help an early 20's friend of his, network for a job.

Absolutely; the friend is a well educated all-round great guy who has the misfortune of needing a job in one of the worst economic times any of us can remember.

That got me thinking about doing more than just help in those random one-off situations.

What about establishing an informal, all volunteer, 1 to 1 ("121"), generally but not always older person to younger person, free job mentor program, matching those who need jobs with those who know the people who have the jobs?

Those looking for a job must still prepare themselves with education, training, etc., but those of us with established careers and contacts could proactively open our networks to them, coaching them as needed.  

Approximately 90% of the workforce has a job, which means 1 out of 10 don't.  Why can't the 9 of us who do help the 1 who doesn't?  And this would not be limited to just college graduates; everyone needs something to "carry".

As of now, just a thought but one I intend to act on.  Let me know if you would like to be involved.

Bill Matthies
wmatthies@coyoteinsight.com

714 726-2901

You Can Do It!

"My chief want in life is someone who will make me do what I can."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Many of us have had the experience of a parent who convinces us we can ride our first bike without training wheels or them holding us up.

We wanted to, weren't sure we could, but they pushed us to succeed.

The more fortunate among us have such encouragement throughout our lives because there is no end to the "bikes" we need to "ride" for the first time.