Read "Shop Class as Soulcraft"

Last week, I took the time to read the original "Shop Class as Soulcraft" essay by Matthew Crawford from the Summer 2006 issue of The New Atlantis. He recently extended the argument for the importance of industrial arts in academics and society as a whole into a book receiving strong positive reviews. If you are still uncertain of your future, or uncertain how society should address problems related to employment, personal prosperity, and encouraging self worth, this is definitely a piece worth your time.

Do not take Crawford literally in a manner that would lead you believe that he wants to turn back the clock on progress. Instead, if we consider his case for the reemergence of "craftsmanship" as a positive professional characteristic, as opposed to the current state of a culture of generalist, this links directly to the focus on personal passion with respect to dominant skills sets and talents many are encouraging as guides for future individual success. Not all craftsman may be proficient with tools, but their success lies in a skilled, physical approach to their careers. Redirecting our enthusiasm to what we can create rather than what we can consume is essential in order to diversify our individual and societal economies.

I will buy the book soon and work on an extended review of its content and application to personal career development.

Handling the "Worthless Crap" label

I knew I would eventually find one of these posts to work with that was recent and relevant. Courtesy of "Captain Capitalism" (h/t Phi Beta Cons) we have another example of perhaps the most common criticism made of many seeking career opportunities or life direction that do not "have a plan" or know where to go: they are "worthless crap."

In this case, the blogger hypothesizes that government does not work because its officials have the wrong backgrounds. Using his home state (Minnesota) legislature as an example, he argues that only 19% of its members earned college degrees in "worthy" subjects. He considers worth degrees to be those that "actually have some kind of net positive benefit to society," while the remainder majored in "'worthless freaking crap'... degrees rich spoiled kids pursue as a hobby with no real intention of ever finding a real job."

There is no need to provide his lists for each category. You know them already because your academic pursuits (past, present, or future) have likely been labeled by many people (parents, teachers, friends, and so on) as either having tangible, productive value, or simply "worthless" endeavors that will provide no benefit beyond the classroom. Captain Capitalism does argue that many business management degrees (not Accounting or Economics, but those involving procedural topics such as general management and HR) as worthless, too.

In the end, our theorist contends that the difference between worthy and worthless has to do with the presence (or lack thereof) of mathematics in the chose field of study:

"The MORE math a major has, the LESS likely these lazy slobs are to pick it as a major. Ergo, they are not majoring in a discipline or study that actually will produce something of worth to society, they choose to major in a hobby that requires little to no math simply because math is difficult."

Of course, all of this is only serving to depress many of you. Perhaps you are thinking back to your classroom days, whether it be high school or college, and are asking yourself "if I had only done my math homework" or "I should have listened to that career counselor and chosen medicine over philosophy."

Nothing will change your past. Honestly, you really do not need to. If you are not sure about your interest in such an intensive career as medicine, engineering, accounting, or another form of applied science, there is no guarantee that you would have continued on the path to completion. More than likely, you would have dropped off somewhere along the way, feeling even more disenchanted with your future. That does not mean that you can simply ignore the importance of work ethic and understanding the concept of certainty (both developed through the study of math and applied sciences) either.

The key fact to consider is that your choices are not "worthless," even if they are wrong. A former (and my only) college roommate earned his first degree in music education. I could tell he had strong analytical characteristics and impressive work ethic and personal discipline that enabled him to excel at his chosen instruments. However, less than a year after graduating, with a few months of high school music teaching under his belt, he visited our school again to look at a degree in engineering (don't know much else, but I think he is doing well regardless).

Does any of this mean his first four years of college were "worthless?" Absolutely not! Neither was my first year as an engineering major and four subsequent years earning degrees in history and political science. Our initial paths may not work out completely, but they serve to show us what our true passions are and how our skills and talents can best incorporate them into a successful career. My youngest sister may have a degree in dance, but she is by no means "worthless" when you consider that she also manages productions, teaches dance to children, sews and stitches costumes for almost everyone she knows, and builds sets.

There is, however, "worthless crap" amongst us. You cannot identify it on the basis of a credential or diploma, for these qualifiers tell us little about the person who possesses them. The key is their backgrounds, experiences, and results. For every philosophy major who "contemplates their navel" before heading off for their half-shift at the local free-trade coffee shop, there is likely one who owns a successful business that succeeded by tying their education to other interests and personal strengths.

There is also, very likely, an accounting or engineering graduate depressed about the world around them, unable to contribute because while they possess the analytical skills sets, they do not have the passion or desire to apply them. None of these people are "worthless," but in some cases, the intentions and directions they received along their path might as well be.

From a policy perspective, I can agree with the writer that government does possess a strong percentage of people who do not possess the experience and perspective to understand the impact of their decisions and policies on the public they are supposed to serve. Often times, as a professional public administrator, I question my own understanding of this critical dynamic. The point about the importance of math is also very applicable. It was a favorite school subject for my father and his parents, and I enjoyed it as well (being the only History/Political Science major to graduate that year with a full year of Calculus).

My professional success is tied directly to my analytical abilities, especially when it comes to math. However, effective perspective requires knowledge of many other subjects and disciplines. In public policy, given the requisite to achieve and maintain equity with respect to a given service or activity, one must consider the history, philosophical backgrounds, and other aspects of the public and the jurisdiction as a whole.

There is also something else lacking in Captain Capitalism's arguments that is most troubling. At no point does the writer mention the role of faith, as an element of character or component in proper decision making and work ethic. Faith is the key to uncovering passion and tying it to our natural talents and abilities. Faith is not a set process, but rather a vehicle for spiritual exploration with no certainty of timeline or limits on false starts and failures. We might want to find our way to our "chosen" futures as quickly as possible, but faith is more concerned in directing us to where we really want to go, no matter how long the trip.

Nothing that helps lead someone to a future of achievement, however we as individuals interpret it, is "worthless crap." In the end, that seems to be the most contradictory component of Captain Capitalism's argument. Capitalism succeeds best in an environment that respects individual liberty, which encourages the individual, not those around them, to prioritize the value they place on themselves above how they are considered by others. If we limit declarations of value to those with certain academic pursuits or careers and discourage them from the pursuit of their passions, then we turn against the environment that enables the greatest possible success and opportunity for all. In some ways, we have seen that for long enough already.

Follow, read, comment, link, tweet... repeat

A couple of tips I picked up yesterday from Alison Sikes (Strategy Performance) during a Business Builders meeting that are beneficial to a small business are just as applicable for personal career development. They also give me the chance to provide a great example of how you can promote your passion and enhance your career with just a few minutes' work:

1. Keep your "following" list on Twitter to those you care about. This first tip is mine. You can let everyone and their brother follow you, but keep your following list short so you can easily mine links and contacts that are of highest priority. This is a great advantage of Twitter compared to other social networking sites. My following list is rather short and usually focus on those who offer content that ties to my interests. In this case, @TalentEgg, a Canadian career advice site, sent out a tweet about a post of their providing tips for effective personal networking.
2. If the article is of interest, read and comment. Sikes talked about how businesses can grow an online presence by offering comments, suggestions, and information through the comment sections of other sites and blogs. Naturally, this can be abused, both by a business or an individual, if the comments serve more as a commercial than actual contributions of information. After I read through the article, I wrote a comment that focused 80% on the article itself and offered mention of YPN as an example, only after I provided another link that provides information about numerous young professional groups.
3. Promote the originators tweet in your own words. I go a step further than most in that I provide a shorted link directly to the article to facilitate easier access. Regardless, I do list he originator in my promotional tweet to give them the proper credit.
4. See if your process generates action. A link shortener like bit.ly enables you to count the number of times a link is followed. This is great to see if there are people out there following you on Twitter (or whatever way you distribute the link/info) who are interested in what you have to say. Within 5 minutes of my comment and tweet about the article, at least 15 people viewed the @TalentEgg article. Over the next 24 hours, I can see if they are looking at my comment by seeing if they click on the shortened links within it.

Nothing about this process will guarantee you a sale, customer, or job prospect. However, it is a great exercise for quickly analyzing information you are passionate about, developing a rational response and complimenting recommendation, then distributing it within the mediums of current media and determining if it is gaining public interest. All of these aspects, of course, will provided personal and professional dividends later on.

Thoughts Wanted: Is identity a liability for new graduates?

The discussions and focus I've seen on "personal branding", combined with the current void in available jobs for recent graduates, made me a little troubled. Thinking back to my own experiences right out of college, I just do not know if a defined identity is really what most potential employers want to see in their prospective entry-level candidates.

What has a diploma-carrying 20-something with little professional experience really done to deserve a "brand" of their own? Isn't how they adapt and meet the challenges of the real world far more important than what they say they know or can do within the protective halls of academia?

The "personal branding" concept does have relevance with those undergoing career reinvention or attempting to describe their experience-tested strengths and attributes in our modern, marketing-driven vernacular. However, I am not convinced that the same focus bodes well for those without the track record to prove their claims. Granted, there are cases where students possess achievements that solidify an identity of achievement. However, I doubt that they were not concerned about their "branding" when they focused their energies on a tangible product of benefit.

I would really like some insight on this. Please share your thoughts and answers to the questions posed in this article. Any (clean, relevant) comments are welcome.

Post-graduate learning should reflect lessons of benefit

Canadian student career site TalentEgg recently posted an introductory piece on the importance of continuing to investigate and learn about current and new topics after graduation. This really isn't a groundbreaking topic, as the most important purpose of participating in higher education is to learn how to broaden our individual appetite for knowledge and information of merit and grow an ever-expanding appreciation of those subjects we possess the greatest passion for.

The article does include some good tips, like using Google Reader to accelerate identification of online articles of interest. Such suggestions will transition a graduate's utilization of technology to professionally-beneficial avenues.

If a graduate understands the universal skills with respect to investigation, comprehension, and analysis gained throughout the classes, assignments, and projects they undertook as students, continuing the pursuit of learning should be a given. This is a goal that everyone in school (present and future) should prioritize, along with identifying formal subjects and professions that best maximize their passionate interests.

Twitter, pith, and improving practical writing skills

Over the past several months or so, I've noticed a significant change in my professional written communications. For the most part, my reports, memos, and summaries are shorter, more succinct, and easier to understand by superiors. There are a number of factors that can contribute, especially the fact that I am now experienced enough with fellow staff that I can effectively write to serve their needs. However, another personal development may make a positive impact: a healthy Twitter habit.

Most days, I do find a few minutes to go on Twitter, either by PDA or through bit.ly (a url shortener w/Twitter interface), to post updates on happenings at work and activities with local groups. I also highlight articles I find when researching work topics that could prove useful and interesting to others.

Regardless of what the subject is, the length constraints of a Twitter post challenge my ability to convey enough information to summarize the topic so a reader of my message can understand it, as well as encourage them to visit the length (if one exists). At most, I have 140 characters to work with. If I post a URL, that number drops to usually 120. Whatever I want to say, regardless, has to be about 25 words, or less.

As many posts on this blog illustrate, the effective summation of ideas and thoughts, a.k.a. pithiness, is not a big strength. One of the biggest complaints of blogs from media traditionalists is that the lack of space conventions and restrictions discourages the effectiveness of the topics presented. That is a fair criticism, one that has been modified in some ways by recent social networking developments, especially Twitter.

This past week, a struggling author and "media expert" attempted to draw some attention his way by stating in a press release that Twittering can cause brain damage. He pulled his release shortly thereafter, only once he created enough hostility that people asked questions and increased his notoriety. While he provided no scientific or medical facts either way, commenter's to the article did argue that the process of creating tweets, if utilized properly, can improve personal performance. With respect to writing, it could not come a moment too soon for most of us.

Effective tweeting is not the spontaneous "off your chest" pronouncements we see way too often (and post way too often), but rather action-directing statements and recommendations that are carefully considered, edited multiple times, and focused on achieving a desired result on the part of the reader. These are the same challenges we often face in writing for work, especially when we are in a role that we have to convey analysis and findings to gain acceptance for proposals in a manner that wins support, rather than creates additional questions.

If one wants to utilize Twitter to improve their professional writing skills, consider regular (daily, if possible) updates involving links to articles and sites of note. Again, if you link on Twitter, you need to use a url shortener site (like bit.ly). These sites can also track how many people utilize the link, an indication of your effectiveness in conveying your desired message.

Transitioning these professional writing skill improvements to regular communication, especially written letters and reports, requires an existing understanding of traditional writing and grammar rules. Just like with other abbreviated forms of communication, it is important to make sure that the conceptual and theoretical benefits of Twitter are carried forward, not the technical environment that encourages shorthand language and abbreviations.

The benefit eventually shows us in your memos and reports. They'll possess fewer words, especially the extra ones bosses never like. Potentially, skill development such as this leads to greater opportunities within a given employer or field.

If you happen to be on Twitter and want to see how I use my tweets to improve summarizing skills, you can follow me at http://twitter.com/kwhunter. If technology doesn't scare you and the quest for information and capacity for effective analysis interest you, skill development methods such as Twitter for professional writing are great, cost effective means to develop a foundation of strengths that foster better individual futures.

Do's & Don'ts for Honoring the Class of 2009

I meant to have this article done before graduations. However, I realize there are those who haven't bought gifts yet for the graduates they know, so it doesn't hurt to share. Regardless, this topic will always have relevance.

The graduation gift suggestion table at my local bookstore was a case study of the modern cliches applied to how we honor those finishing their academic pursuits and going forward into the real world. For some reason, we think that the occasion calls for canned inspiration, whether it be in a children's book, spiritual guide, or framed presentation of some iconic image.


Given the circumstances this year's graduates face, especially the uncertainty of the economy and available jobs, one would think inspiration and encouragement is what these foot soldiers of the future need. Perhaps we should send our son, daughter, or cousin out to battle with a leather-bound planner and a copy of "Oh, the places you will go," with a little inscription from us inside the cover saying how proud we are of them and how we know they will be outstanding wherever the go from here.

In reality, many of these same graduates have been encouraged and propped up most of their lives. Encouragement does not lead to motivation, since the later is an internal attitude and the the other is purely external influence. What matter now, more than anything, is an recognition by those entering the "real world" for the first time of the environment around them, the challenges magnified by circumstance, and the opportunities existing just beneath the surface.

These three factors should be the focus of a graduation gift in any year, not just a "miserable" one like 2009. Therefore, here is a quick list (by type) of "do" and "don't" buys for those who will be picking up diplomas in the coming weeks and months.

Books - Inspirational

Do: Consider books that showcase timely studies of personal perseverance and success in the face of adversity or struggle. Kelly at TarHeelsInTransit recommended The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Titles like this that tie recognition of reality and mortality to faith, optimism, and success through passion are great for those uncertain about their futures given the lack of jobs or "visible" opportunities. When looking for an alternative title, make sure that it is about someone that the graduate can relate to in someway. They do not have to be living in the 21st century, but they should have some tie to the interests of the next generation. Possible choices include athletes, musicians, coaches, teachers, and businessmen. Try to stay away from politicians, as people often discount their works as blatant attempts at self-promotion.

Don't: Whether they are graduating high school or college, it is time for these children to grow up. That first means they need to be drawing ideas and inspiration from the works of those they want to be, not from whom they once were. The sooner our graduates stop receiving "Oh, the places you will go" or "Where the wild things are" or anything like this, the better off everyone will be. We may have positive elements of childish nature in ourselves, but we need to step up and grow up, and the way we recognize adult accomplishments serves to reinforce our expectations for their future.

Books - Instructional

Do: Works that provide insight on skills and concepts that can lead to personal and professional success are a great idea. However, the nature of the book should serve to encourage the critical mindset developed by a student during their time in academia. Granted, we must also strive to transition the idealism and fantasy and integrate it into the facts of reality. Jim Collins' Good to Great and Built to Last are great transition pieces. Collins developed basic tenants to success, backed by significant research he showcases and uses for case studies throughout his books. Not only will a reader learn how to adapt their approaches in ways that have proven to yield positive long term results, but they will also see examples of the greatest benefits a college education provides (critical thinking, research analysis, rational decision-making).

Don't: Two different types of books should be avoided. First, don't buy anything that is full of "encouragement" and empty of tangible benefit. The "Chicken Soup" books fit into this category, as do many other series' titles that in many ways only serve to who the reader that what they are experiencing, if its adversity, is not uncommon. That is not a bad thing, but if there are other ways to prove such and offer effective alternatives.

The second type is the "in your face" book. The Larry Winget collection is the best example, as are the works of the Jesus of personal finance, Dave Ramsey. Both of these authors, who draw upon their own experiences of failure and lessons learned, do provide some valuable insight. However, I am not for punching someone in the face if they do not deserve it, which these 2 authors do on a regular basis. Their books are great if you are 30 years old, out of work, and deep in debt. New graduates need to be brought down to reality, but they don't need to be kicked in the shins and spat on. If you give them a Winget or Ramsey selection, they'll probably give you a cold shoulder next holiday party.

Personal Items

Do: We have a strong desire to give graduates something they will remember and cherish for a lifetime. However, we should ask ourselves if such a choice is practical, given the present circumstances, or perhaps a means of indirectly encouraging a materialist approach to adult life. Personally, a graduate's first focus is practicality. This not only means functionality, but also appearances that reflect a mature, adult focus. Briefcases, handbags, portfolios, are great ideas, but make sure they look professional and understated. Business cards and stationery also make great gifts. If you do want to give them a keepsake, a nice pen is a great choice.

Don't: Unless you are a parent, I would avoid trying to buy a new graduate something involving technology. If you are a parent, ask your child first to make sure it is relevant. I remember being in an electronic store 2 years ago while a pair of obvious grandparents were picking out a digital pocket dictionary. They asked for my help and said it was for their granddaughter's graduation. I asked where she was graduating, and they told me "law school." They eventually could not find one they liked, which was the best possible result. Had they bought one, it would probably still be in its casing, or exchanged for an iPod gift card.

Just with technology, another don't is anything that today's graduates no longer use because of technology. Unless you know they use one, do not buy a graduate a planner. This is especially true if they have a PDA phone (Blackberry, iPhone, etc.). If you do buy one, daily pages are not necessary, as everyone now pretty much maintains their schedule using a computer program like Outlook.

Others

Do: Some great choices for anyone include gift certificates for personal coaching or skill development training. Firms like Strategy Performance provide these services to a wide cross-section of individuals and businesses. As their CEO recently told me, such programs offer a chance to "give the gift of success."

Another great idea is a gift that connects graduates to opportunities through activities and networking. Young professional organizations can be found in many cities, including Rocky Mount. Many of these programs are organized by the local Chamber of Commerce, and membership fees are almost always less than $100 per year. Through activities, workshops, and the development of personal contacts, your graduate will learn about job opportunities, potential sources for customers, and ways they can enhance their personal and professional profile in their local community. You could also give them membership in their campus alumni association, especially if they are relocating to a major city or somewhere else with a strong presence of graduates from their institution.

Finally, while they may be itching to get the heck out of school (or not), it never hurts to help them maintain a relationship with their alma mater or the organizations they spent most of their "free time" with. Making a contribution in their name to the school or their fraternity/sorority/club will serve to keep them in contact with the world they are about to leave behind. Eventually, they will want to reconnect, and it is made all the easier if there is already an existing post-graduate relationship in place through fundraising.

Don't: To put it mildly, probably less than 1% of college graduates have a reasonable workplace wardrobe before they graduate. However, this is not something that should be done as a present. Gift cards are not a bad idea, but they should be to places that provide the right mix of value with knowledgeable advice. This is especially true to men, who likely have just one suit that they look absolutely uncomfortable in. Don't buy the clothes, though, as it does need to reflect the graduate's choice, and represents them starting to take some responsibility in decision making.

Gift cards in general make a lot of sense, and they enable graduates to get some practical items that reflect their needs and interests. However, as much as to encourage responsibility as it is to avoid looking cheap, gift cards for grocery stores and similar places should be avoided.

In the end, if the graduate does not appreciate your thought and consideration, regardless of the gift, you do have the right to pull it from their hands, call them "spoiled" and force them to quickly learn the lesson of shame. My advice is meant more to help those giving gifts make decisions that will enable them to see the greatest possible benefits (i.e., value) from their generosity. The right gift ends up being any gift, so long as the recipient maintains an attitude of respect and appreciation, necessities for their growth, development, and future achievement.