How will you make it through this difficult economy? I made the mistake of listening to about 20 minutes of network news yesterday on the way home. There were three stories in that time that completely depressed me.
These features all had the theme: “the unemployment situation is so bad that no one can believe the quality and experience of the people who are applying for the very few job openings.” Even lawyers were applying for a job supervising the kennels at a pet adoption service for $10 an hour.
I had three gut reactions.
1. I was very thankful that I have work.
2. I prayed for the people we know that are struggling with the economy. We know several very well.
3. I felt unbelievably anxious without any direct reason to feel anxious.
In those 20 minutes, we hadn’t lost any clients. We hadn’t had any unexpected expenses. We also hadn’t lost any more money. The only thing that changed was my emotional state (which tanked). And I vowed to get by the library for another book on tape to listen to while driving.
I did what I do in those moments. I prayed and focused on the things for which I am thankful. I thought about what I’m doing to be competitive and helpful to my clients.
I ended up coming up with three assets that I bring to the table in my world that are qualities or characteristics of me as a professional.
1. Faith. I’m a person of faith and that changes my worldview and my baselines for how I think and work. I have a set of ethics that are beneficial to my clients and to the Oneicity team. Oh Boy, I’m not perfect, but this is where I start.
2. Passion. I’m a passionate, intense person. I’ll plow through whatever is in the way. I will fight tigers and demons; slog through bogs and tundra; carry everyone on my back; whatever is needed for my clients. If I’m on your side, I’m fully engaged and will do what is best for you or go down swinging (and I’m not easy to take down).
3. Relationships. I believe that the interpersonal connectors are important. In fact, relationships are not optional or extras. In our world, meaningful results only come through healthy relationships with clients and our clients only enjoy great results through good relationships with their donors. Relationships are precious gifts and treasured resources.
I was tempted to put other things on my list. I have tons of great experience. I am a great strategist. I write pretty well. I can focus. But this morning I decided that the three are: Faith, Passion and Relationships.
In this time of trouble and turmoil, your organization needs your best. Your donors need you doing your best.
Tell me what you think. What are the 3 assets you believe you bring to the table to help your organization through these times? What are the big 3 for you professionally?
Steve Thomas
Partner, Oneicity
(photo credits: futureshape)
