First, a disclaimer. I've never met Captain Sullenberger, wasn't on the plane and have not conducted an interview. This article is based upon my readings of his background and the experiences of Ret. General Colin Powell.
A Few Dire Facts Regarding the Present Employment Market
* Bloomberg recently reported, 'in this recession, not even an education can shield you from losing your job.' Further, the article reports that the unemployment rate (3.8%) for workers with college degrees is at its highest level since 1992.
* In 2002, the US Administration on Aging found that workers nearing retirement age would prefer to delay retirement. This amounts to an unprecedented 78 million baby boomers participating in the workforce increasing the need for job growth.
* A more recent study by Korn/Ferry found that 44% of middle management workers (based upon a survey of 2,000) said they planned to keep working past 64.
* Mathematically speaking, there are roughly 78 million Baby Boomers refusing to retire; in the next category are the Generation X workers (40 million) bumping against the Gray Ceiling and the young working 'Turks' of Generation Y (69 million) eager to make a name for themselves in an era of home offices, Blackberries, MySpace, etc.
* Finally, nearly 500,000 foreigners have H1-B visas authorizing them to work in the USA. Laid off foreign workers hoping to remain in the US place further strains on job availability, salary levels and working conditions for everyone in the market.
What does all of this have to do with Captain Sullenberger, the hero pilot of the Hudson River and Ret. General Colin Powell?
The Art of Re-Invention
According to the leadership principles of Ret. General Colin Powell, "nowadays, every one of our jobs is becoming obsolete. The proper response is to obsolete our activities before someone else does. Effective leaders create a climate where worth is determined by the willingness to learn new skills and grab new responsibilities, thus perpetually reinventing one's job."
Early Self Knowledge
Captain Sullenberger 'Sully' earned his private pilot's license at the age of 14years. He knew what he wanted. He went out and realized his dream. It is never too early to find your mission in life.
Solid Training
For Captain Sully, the opportunity to obtain solid, rigorous training in his field was through the Air Force. If you want to be the best at whatever your heart desires; go out and find the best schools, seek out skilled tutors, coaches and mentors with rock-hard reputations. The point is, don't be a slacker. It is your life, your profession. As Eminem sings in 'Lose It' Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted One moment Would you capture it or just let it slip? .... You better never let it go You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo..
If money is tight, become an avid reader, collector of older mentors in the field. You know the ones, they've already been there and done that. Establish friendships with others of similar interests. We learn many ways and across various mediums: parents, teachers, university professors, the mature, and colleagues. Cover all of your bases.
Switch Gears When Necessary
By the age of 38, Captain Sully switched gears. He left the military and started a career as a civilian pilot for US Airways. While flying commercial airplanes, he didn't let up, he didn't become complacent. He took the time to evolve, hone his craft and expand his expertise which leads to the next point.
Re-Training
As one becomes older, more seasoned; routine tasks become monotonous, new management techniques stale; popular stars in the organization come and go. Older workers joke that what used to take 6 hours to do as a novice can be done in 1 hour. This leads to boredom, complacency and disinterest. Sometimes it is reflected in ineffectual leadership, poor management, low product quality and dismal customer service.
On the other hand, one may choose to harness the natural aging process, build upon what is known and re-energize oneself with the goal of mastering the unknown. Wisdom makes us admit that there is a lot to life that we don't know that may also impact our job. Captain Sully embraced this global perspective and took a hands on role in improving maintenance, safety and training standards and accident prevention.
Be Your Own Person
Finally, you are unique and therefore the only person in the world like you. No one else on this planet of 6.1 billion (year 2000 estimates) can be better at being you. So, go ahead make your mark, regardless of age, nationality or profession. If that job you're wanting hasn't materialized yet, do a self analysis. Maybe the job for which you are destined is right before your eyes.
A Few Dire Facts Regarding the Present Employment Market
* Bloomberg recently reported, 'in this recession, not even an education can shield you from losing your job.' Further, the article reports that the unemployment rate (3.8%) for workers with college degrees is at its highest level since 1992.
* In 2002, the US Administration on Aging found that workers nearing retirement age would prefer to delay retirement. This amounts to an unprecedented 78 million baby boomers participating in the workforce increasing the need for job growth.
* A more recent study by Korn/Ferry found that 44% of middle management workers (based upon a survey of 2,000) said they planned to keep working past 64.
* Mathematically speaking, there are roughly 78 million Baby Boomers refusing to retire; in the next category are the Generation X workers (40 million) bumping against the Gray Ceiling and the young working 'Turks' of Generation Y (69 million) eager to make a name for themselves in an era of home offices, Blackberries, MySpace, etc.
* Finally, nearly 500,000 foreigners have H1-B visas authorizing them to work in the USA. Laid off foreign workers hoping to remain in the US place further strains on job availability, salary levels and working conditions for everyone in the market.
What does all of this have to do with Captain Sullenberger, the hero pilot of the Hudson River and Ret. General Colin Powell?
The Art of Re-Invention
According to the leadership principles of Ret. General Colin Powell, "nowadays, every one of our jobs is becoming obsolete. The proper response is to obsolete our activities before someone else does. Effective leaders create a climate where worth is determined by the willingness to learn new skills and grab new responsibilities, thus perpetually reinventing one's job."
Early Self Knowledge
Captain Sullenberger 'Sully' earned his private pilot's license at the age of 14years. He knew what he wanted. He went out and realized his dream. It is never too early to find your mission in life.
Solid Training
For Captain Sully, the opportunity to obtain solid, rigorous training in his field was through the Air Force. If you want to be the best at whatever your heart desires; go out and find the best schools, seek out skilled tutors, coaches and mentors with rock-hard reputations. The point is, don't be a slacker. It is your life, your profession. As Eminem sings in 'Lose It' Look, if you had one shot, or one opportunity, to seize everything you ever wanted One moment Would you capture it or just let it slip? .... You better never let it go You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow, This opportunity comes once in a lifetime yo..
If money is tight, become an avid reader, collector of older mentors in the field. You know the ones, they've already been there and done that. Establish friendships with others of similar interests. We learn many ways and across various mediums: parents, teachers, university professors, the mature, and colleagues. Cover all of your bases.
Switch Gears When Necessary
By the age of 38, Captain Sully switched gears. He left the military and started a career as a civilian pilot for US Airways. While flying commercial airplanes, he didn't let up, he didn't become complacent. He took the time to evolve, hone his craft and expand his expertise which leads to the next point.
Re-Training
As one becomes older, more seasoned; routine tasks become monotonous, new management techniques stale; popular stars in the organization come and go. Older workers joke that what used to take 6 hours to do as a novice can be done in 1 hour. This leads to boredom, complacency and disinterest. Sometimes it is reflected in ineffectual leadership, poor management, low product quality and dismal customer service.
On the other hand, one may choose to harness the natural aging process, build upon what is known and re-energize oneself with the goal of mastering the unknown. Wisdom makes us admit that there is a lot to life that we don't know that may also impact our job. Captain Sully embraced this global perspective and took a hands on role in improving maintenance, safety and training standards and accident prevention.
Be Your Own Person
Finally, you are unique and therefore the only person in the world like you. No one else on this planet of 6.1 billion (year 2000 estimates) can be better at being you. So, go ahead make your mark, regardless of age, nationality or profession. If that job you're wanting hasn't materialized yet, do a self analysis. Maybe the job for which you are destined is right before your eyes.
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