What Works, Part 1: the Disengagement Chasm
“Reaching out, for something to hold. Looking for a love where the climate is cold. Manic moves and drowsy dreams; or living in the middle, between the two extremes… You’re out of touch. I’m out of time.”
Hall and Oates were a close second to Michael Jackson in the soundtrack of my childhood. I’m a girl; therefore, I love pop. I can recite the lines of “Outta Time” without effort. This song was their 6th #1, beginning with its release 31 years ago today. Their lyrics resonate in another way, beyond the happy sing-along.
I doubt Daryl Hall and John Oates mind me using their song lyrics, this time to speak of another chasm “between the two extremes.” There’s a rift between those seeking gainful, meaningful employment, and those who employ or have established positions which have ridden through this continuous rollercoaster recession. The chasm, rift, whatever you want to call it, is something of a misunderstanding. I’m not making anyone out to be the bad guy. But you don’t know the solution until you’ve seen the reality.
It’s indescribably difficult to thrive in a weak economy, when you are the one without the established and/or recession-proof job. Fortunately, this is not the end of the story. There is much work to be done, on both sides, to make the climate more hospitable to find work for the employable by the employers. And, I’d add, dredge spoils of understanding to fill the chasm.
There’s nothing wrong with that person who’s been out of work for a while. Consider this basic human ability: need can make a person stronger, more humble, and perform with greater integrity than the person who clocks in and checks out. You can arm your company with an arsenal of evaluation tactics, but numbers aren’t good bedfellows. Time to get in touch, tap into true potential, and maximize the positive reinforcement.
chasm[ˈkazəm]
NOUN
- a profound difference between people, viewpoints, feelings, etc.:”the chasm between rich and poor”synonyms: breach · gulf · rift · difference · separation · division
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Reaching out, for something to hold:
Jane Austen wrote that “nothing kills spirit like poverty.” We have a math problem: there are more people seeking work than jobs to give them. It’s nearly impossible to stand out in a large group. That dynamite candidate cannot shine in the masses without an insider bringing the spotlight to them. The backdoor is the most valuable in-door in the building. Un and under-employment can wilt self-esteem like collards greens, cooking them down to soft and discolored. But a well-cooked vegetable can sometimes have the most flavor, if it’s been simmering in its juices.
That dynamite candidate cannot shine in the masses without an insider bringing the spotlight to them. The backdoor is the most valuable in-door in the building.
Looking for a love where the climate is cold:
We marketers hear about cohorts and generations. Go after this one’s wallet, i.e. find out what’s “their money” and encourage them to spend it. There exists a concept known as a Love Language, which speaks to how an individual receives love in the most highly responsive way. Capitalize on that appreciation, and you have a happy customer. I mentioned the growing pool of candidates for work. The law in place requires that each resume be reviewed, so automation has been deployed. Congrats, you’re a number. Numbers are COLD. How’s that bowl of ramen noodles sitting with you now? I’ve got good news though: a person is just as valuable today and tomorrow, no matter how much the economy stinks. Necessity is the mother of invention.
You’re outta touch; I’m outta time:
A person is no longer an applicant, or a candidate. They are a brand. An individual is his or her own variety of skills, experience, and expertise. There was once a stigma to being poor, and it’s quickly being dissolved. People buy second hand clothes in person and online in innovative, proactive ways. It’s chic to rent a designer handbag. I hear maternity clothes are headed the same way. Maybe we don’t need as much “stuff.” Quality over quantity. This applies to human interaction and connections, as well. Time to get in touch, before we run outta time. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
*This piece was originally published by me on LinkedIn on December 9, 2015. #make2017better #ladywriter #not_a_mr #steppingout
