Layoff during Difficult Times - the End or a New Beginning?

Just recently I had a discussion with a friend of mine who said that NOBODY would do anything for free in business. Really?

This is certainly not a valid comment for me and for what I believe in.

There is too much complaining, too much blaming and not enough action! I always like to say that I don't drive the BMW - I am not blaming, moaning and whining. I am a firm believer in taking action and people who know me, can attest that I "walk the talk"!

Please check out the latest article about my commitment for the community and if you know of any laid-off or to be laid-off manufacturing workers in the Toronto area, I would appreciate if you could pass this article on to them!

http://www.yorkregion.com/article/92190

Purpose:

• To offer guidance, emotional support, build up self esteem, provide alternate career options and assistance in finding a potential new direction in life.

Participants learn to:

• Explore various reactions to an instant change
• Face fears and learn how to overcome them
• Discover the power of attitude and positive thinking
• Identify their own inner strengths
• Define goals and an action plan

The value for the learner is to see the importance of having a positive mental attitude and getting clear on what they want going forward. It is a personal growth seminar that will show you what success habits you have to create to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Sometimes losing your job can be a stepping stone to a better opportunity – it’s just a matter of how you look at it.

It is about taking on 100 % responsibility for your life and for your results!


"If you think you're too small to have an impact,
try going to bed with a mosquito in the room."

- Anita Roddick (Founder of the Body Shop)

Leading change for the better....

Just recently I read a really good article in the Globe and Mail and I want to share with you some of the insights on how human nature gets in the way of your change effort:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090504.WBwschachter20090504080344/WBStory/WBwschachter/

We all know that you can't manufacture passion or "motivate" people to feel passionate. You can only discover what ignites your passion and the passions of those around you. You can't say to your employees, "Okay, folks, let's get passionate about what we do." It doesn't work that way. You need to lead by example. Let your employees see your passion and your desire to be the best you can be. Encourage them to be part of a winning team. Acknowledge and reward them for their creativity and innovation.

Ask yourself:

• What can I do to obliterate complacency and foster an environment of creative and innovative thinking?
• Do I really appreciate my employees and regularly thank them for their great work?
• What's my attitude? Is it worth catching?
• How does my company respond to downturns?
• Do we continue to build for the long-term even during difficult times by tapping into the creative solutions that employees have to offer?
• Does my company strive for excellence? Is our goal to do better tomorrow than we did today?
• Do my employees enjoy coming to work? Do they feel that they are part of the "big picture"?

Why Manufacturing?

I cannot stop wondering why so many people think that manufacturing in North America won't survive. Of course it will! There will be fewer companies but the ones who will survive will come out of this recession stronger than ever.

Since I started my business people have been wondering why I chose manufacturing as my niche. However, since the recession hit us, people understand it even less. Everywhere I go and many of the people I meet ask me the same question....... Karin, why manufacturing? Why not approach the government.... , or the banks, ..... or why not just offer coaching and training in general?

Recently it crossed my mind that it is about time that I answer this very valid question on my blog. This way everybody has the opportunity to read how I feel about my chosen niche. This is actually something which is very easy for me to express and I ask you.....

How much integity would I show if I would throw in the towel when confronted with my first challenges?
How much faith in organizations would I show if I would turn my back on an industry I believe in?
How much commitment would I show if I would start forgetting about my passion?
How much dedication would I show if I would not do everything it takes to make my business a success?
How much intelligence would I show if I would forget to serve other people?
How much competence would I show if I would want to be a specialist in everything?
How much loyality would I show if I would forget about the people who believe in me and what my business is all about?
How much creativity would I show if I would walk the same path as everyone else?
How much flexibility would I show if I could not deal with changing times?
How much respect would I show if I would not appreciate the clients I have at the moment?
How much discipline would I show if I would not go above and beyond what people expect of me every single day?
How much trust would I show if I would not believe in the people around me?
How much courage would I show if I would let fear get in my way?
How much humour would I show if I would take myself and life too serious?
But most importantly.....
How much happiness and fulfillment would I experience if I would give up on my values and my beliefs?

Training and coaching in manufacturing environments is my passion. I have important knowledge and experience to share and I am great in what I do. I trust people and this makes them trust me. I have a tremendous love for people and my vision is to help manufacturing organizations and individuals to become the best they can be.

Just recently Heidi and I have received an email from one of the workers who attended our training sessions and I want to share his comments with you.

“You’re doing a great job. All of us guys from the night shift felt emotionally charged after your sessions. No kidding! We became kinder and more supportive to each other. We began seeing each other as members of one family. You did touch some strings in our souls.”

- Sergey Tishkin, CNC Mill Operator

When we receive emails like this, then I know that we are on the right track.

For the record, you now know why I chose manufacturing as my niche.