Funniest all-time comment on career change

So the current key to effective branding, according to 2.0 content masters, is unique story telling that communicates key differentiators, or what sets you apart. Not all of us have clear differentiators, but that's beside the point.

It's always entertaining to read this type of language because it's been around since, well, Henry Ford and the Model T Ford. That may or may not be an exaggeration, but you get the point.

One of my favorite stories from the front lines occurred all the way back in 2006. Talking via phone for the first time to a COO of a homegrown company that was being acquired, the subject asked the normal range of questions and then proceeded to go a little deeper with a funny story. He said, "You know, Jeremy, my biggest fear is being stuck at home, watching Jerry Springer episodes all day."

Jerry Springer
Courtesy twitter.com

My response was almost chortle-like laughter, although admittedly since all great humor contains truth, the comment did provide pause. Recovering from the awkwardness, the next comment was the reassuring kind -- something along the lines of "I'm pretty certain you won't have that problem." This moment remains the all-time best when it comes to unintended revelation. This person would later hire me, but that's beside the point.

Anxiety or fear about change is real. Going to extremes in the early going is normal. Being a little off base and questioning purpose after working forever not only is healthy but can lead to a better place.

But please don't feel like you have to do so alone. That's generally where trouble starts. Turn to friends, trusted colleagues, formal/informal advisors or even a professional, if necessary. Read some stuff (highly recommend "Working Identity" by Herminia Ibarra); watch a podcast or two. Then commit to a plan of action around trying a few new experiments. The single biggest deterrent to change is thinking too much about will come next vs. doing something. Journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. -- famous Chinese philosopher (Lao Tzu.)

Oh, in case you were left wondering what eventually happened to the previously mentioned subject, he transitioned effectively out of his long-time corporate role and now works in private equity. A traditional segue if there ever was one. For the record, it's not certain that any Jerry Springer episodes were viewed before, during or after the change.

 

Dilbert by Scott Adams
Courtesy: Georgia CEO

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P.S. We're not leaving anything to chance these dog days of summer. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about our differentiated approach to executive transition, please feel to reach out via email, phone or social media. A new season approaches. Here are our coordinates:

 

 

Jeremy C. Garlington
Point of View LLC
4060 Peachtree Rd./Suite D-#117
Atlanta, GA, 30319
Phone: 404-606-0637
Web site: www.pointofviewllc.com
TGR web log:  www.povblogger.blogspot.com 

Twitter: @jgarlington



Complimentary late summer reading

August now marks the late peak of summer vacation season, which means everyone has already picked out their favorite popular title from the Amazon Kindle rack. Or whatever they're calling the container these days.

Credit: Thirteen.org

Let us be clear: This is not a best reads book list. It's a short burst listing of relevant blog postings compiled over time, which now counts 12 years of active practice-driven work, results and reflections. There's obviously an entire book in here, but that's not worth getting into right now.

This listing is designed to educate the uninitiated on career change, executive transition and everything else that falls between the two, which thankfully isn't that much. There's on exception on the list, which falls under the category of eternal personal branding, an art that none of us have mastered.

We've heard our fair share of whines, wishes and pleas when it comes to the presidential election so leadership also makes an appearance on this summer list.

1.) http://povblogger.blogspot.com/2016/06/whats-your-pain-point.html. Pain points are really what drive business in professional services. No one valuable generally gets hired when everything is going peachy keen. It generally requires great pain for another party to step forward and ask for help. The ones who do advance rightfully, the ones who don't, well, they just keep doing the same, taking drugs and hoping for a different outcome. Having said all that, no one likes to discuss much less admit pain points unfortunately until it's abundantly obvious.

2.) http://povblogger.blogspot.com/2016/04/pov-on-leadership-seven-short-bursts.html. This posting was done all the way back in April. The first point, or call to action, was to quit obsessing over Donald Trump. It's always good to see others taking our advice (yes, there is sarcasm in that last statement.) The posting directly following this one, which wasn't included on the list, also emphasized the importance of publicly stating support for one of the two candidates. There hasn't been much of that either so consider this race the really loud yet quietly helpless election. May the least worst person win!

3.) http://povblogger.blogspot.com/2016/01/ode-to-kingmaker.html. This posting is personal and about a figure who remains a standout despite age, retirement and what comes with both milestones. One of his most famous placements, Bob Nardelli, was the butt of some jokes during a market-based conversation just this morning. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving. Gerry Roche put high-end, highly visible brand name executive search on the map. Period. We won't see another like him ever.  Who can say the same?

4.) http://povblogger.blogspot.com/2015/09/pre-labor-day-special-forks-vs-pivots.html. Anyone experiencing a reactive or proactive job change situation would be wise to take some time and understand the differences between pivots and forks in the road. Learn how to recognize both and you're already two steps ahead. Key is to at least take the first step, which as some famous Chinese philosopher once said, begins the journey of a thousand miles. Can someone send the golf cart, please?

5.) http://povblogger.blogspot.com/2015/07/what-is-new-narrative.html. Framing a new story, or narrative, strikes at the essence of rebranding. It's a core service of the consultancy, but more importantly, the exercise helps move you forward in the eyes of others. Everyone has a story, btw. Some are just better at telling it or have the wisdom to know when they need help doing so.

6.) http://povblogger.blogspot.com/2015/08/leadership-dos-and-donuts.html. The image of Homer Simpson eating donuts probably made this one of the top read blogs of the year. But the listing stands on its own and represents synthesis of the many rules and tips that now fill the usual channels with noise.

Hope this helps round out your summer reading and contributes to some well earned rest. Feel free to comment back here or send along to someone whom who think could benefit from the message. Thanks for reading,

JG