For me, those questions are tough to answer. Why? Couple of things come to mind right off the top. First, when you lay everything out in a nice neat package, you may lose the creativity of those high performing stars on your team. They will not have the freedom to stretch on their own. I have worked in two types of rewards systems. Merit systems would struggle with setting up the higher expectations and having everyone or almost everyone meet those expectations you have set out. You would be basically telling the team here are the expectations, but at the end of year we will not be able to reward all the same. The other was a flat time in grade system. This system sets you have to be in grade for a minimum timeframe before promotion. Depending on where you fall is more important than what you have done (for the most part). As an employee, I wanted to know how I could move up and be extremely successful. Almost all of the employees I have managed wanted the same.

From experience,  I have had managers that have communicated the exceeding expectations set and others that would not. For those that would not, I would simply ask, “Describe what that may look like?” The answers were all over the place. I did get what was felt an honest answer, “I’ll know it when I see it.” When you stop and really think about that you have two simple thoughts. The manager has not clue would probably be the first thing that pops in… Think some. I took it as if I truly want to be a high performer, I have the door open as to what that means. I can do whatever I think is right (of course, within some set of rules) and make it happen. Stand out and be seen! Raising my value (to myself, my team and organization).

What would you do? Those “new” managers really struggled with this question. From the experienced crowd – what would you really do

Photo from: Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

I got a few questions that I thought I would take some time to write my thoughts on.

1. Are you happy with your decide to retire? Answer: Most definitely! I have had plenty of time to do many things, that I would not have time for, if I was still working. I have done plenty of volunteering! I have done plenty of reading! I have been able to dedicated more time to my family. I have been busier in some areas than if I was still employed.

2. What do you miss most? Answer: The people! I have met a lot of smart and dedicated people over my 28 years. Some of those folks, I stay in contact with even after I have retired. Not to say that I haven’t met some great people in all of my volunteering, because I have. I had built relationships over many years with folks that are all over the globe. I just can’t keep those relationships going as they were. So, I have new relationships that I am building to few that void.

3. What are you plans moving into year 2? Answer: More volunteering and getting back into the workforce. Let’s face it, with my wife working and me not – the dynamic of retirement is not really what I want. So, I have rested for a year. Got healthier! Refocused my priorities! My second career will be a joint relationship… What I mean by that is, the company or organization and myself will be a great fit for each other. I don’t want a job! I want to have a real partnership. Which brings out the best in both of us… I also will not stop volunteering. It has been a very rewarding experience that I want to continue. I will make “time” – that is a promise.

I had a great experience over my work history. I have given plenty to the company, to the organizations that I worked for and the people that I have met along the way. I have gotten plenty back as well. I still feel like that is what I want in the future. I look forward to  what the future holds.

• Taking care of myself. I know that I need to do this, as I am not getting any younger. My adult children, remind me about all of the new parts I have and I need to do a better job of not needing anymore. They are right!
• Losing some weight. Goal this time is about 15 pounds. I put on some weight late in this past year, hip surgery and not being able to go to the gym have that effect.
• Getting back on my gym routine. The middle of January, I should be released from my hip replacement. Physical therapy is going well!
• Smile more! Do what makes me “happy.” Spending more time with family. Need to get more hugs from my grand daughters.

How many folks make professional resolutions? Do you sit down and focus on what you would like to change? I do… These resolutions are different from the stuff that I have to work on within the job. These are the ones that I want to do better in, for me and my team.  I usually write them up and share them with my team. I want them to help me… Makes me feel more accountable. Here is my list:

• Continue to focus on my volunteer work with Az4Education, Valley Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Haley Elementary. I would like to add one more to my list – So, searching for that non-profit that I can either volunteer or work for…
• Start writing my manifesto. I have been talking about this and really need to do it! I have a couple of folks that have asked. Time to stop talking and deliverable. Getting stuff done.
• There are more coming…

What are you thinking about? Care to share?

Keep the focus on the simply on the problem. Of course, that means that you and the team need to spend sometime truly identifying the problem. Clearly and concisely as possible. Identify the gap on what is happening and what should be happening. Define that desired state! First step in collaborative here is getting agreement on the problem. Once agreed upon, write it down – keep it visible.

Problem must matter! Above you got agreement on the problem, that is a powerful first step. Getting the team to really focus on what the expected outcome will be and how great it will be for them will add a layer of frosting on the teams cake. Some of the team may agree on the problem and just go about doing the same old stuff (status quo), but keep the focused on the why and benefits will keep them from the status quo.

Let team discuss concerns and potential barriers. Giving the team an opportunity to put forth all of the concerns (some of that will be their personal agenda) and desired outcomes gives everyone a clear view. So, create that safe environment to get people talking.  If everyone was just to let the team lead do everything from identifying the problem, why and desired outcome – nothing will change. Get everyone involved, actively involved.

Get everyone on board. I know this seems like just me summarizing what was above. Think about it awhile… If you are the leader of the team, this area is going to be the toughest for you. Your team may say that they are on board. They may even give it a try. Actions speak! Watch closely for individuals that a still posturing or holding out for their solution. Be ready to act on your part quickly. Remember this is the whole team.

Over the years, I have seen better results when I apply the above. Is it completely successful? Not really. Collaborative problem solving is difficult and requires time and effort. When collaborative problem solving is done right, it is a very powerful tool. It also, demonstrates to the complete team that they are a high performing team…

How so:

• 40 is the old 50: Back in the day, people in their 50′s used to find employment difficult. My research has indicated that the threshold has moved to 40′s. So, for me just tipped into his 50′s, I get to face a bigger challenge.
• Don’t think that your old paycheck is going to be your new paycheck:  For anyone that thinks that they are going to see more (or even about the same), you better check your expectations at the door. I met a few folks in my networking that complained that they were offered positions that were $20K less than they made doing exactly the same thing they were doing at their last place of employment. I never thought that I would be making the same amount of money I was, that would be expecting too much. I do expect to get a fair wage for the work that I am going to be asked to do. Nothing more! I have done the research on-line  and feel comfortable with the salary expectations that I will likely see.
• Experience is key: I have had a diverse background within those 28 years, but even that sometimes excludes me from working in a different industry than before. Since I was in corporate America, I am less likely to get a social sector job. Since I was in manufacturing of semi-conductors, I am less likely to get a manufacturing job in pharmaceuticals. Since I was have management experience in information technology, I am less likely to get a management position in call centers, warehouse operations or logistics. I know this from the simple email back on my resume, “you don’t have experience in XXX.” I did not have experience in those areas before I started either.. I can learn, I can take the experiences that I do have and apply and adapt. I am a bright and capable person.
• There is a black hole in cyberspace: No matter how many times you apply there will be times that you just will not  get an answer. I am not sure that the job application and submittal system the companies are using work as they should. Since most have some sort of automated system, you would think you would get a message that informs you of status. Have your application, reviewing your application and rejecting application. I have seen the received message from many of the applications I have submitted. After that, well, what for it; nothing.

So, what to do:

• Get out and make contact with hiring companies: Linkedin does a pretty good job of contacting your network to job openings. They even have recommendations for who in your network that can potential help with the hiring manager. I have done a little digging and have been able to actually reach out and touch folks. The are so many social tools that can help you. Some would say this seems like stalking, not if you do it right. Reaching out in a professional manner about potential openings or even openings that you have seen could help you get passed the black hole.
• Don’t act your age: Stereotypes are out there for a reason, well most of the time. If you are older, than don’t act older. Have the energy and drive that the hiring folks are looking for. Get formal with the new social tools and network. Don’t think that they will come to you. You have to want it! I have heard from some of my friends my age that it is tough out there, those younger job applicants are stealing all the jobs. Well, if you want to beat them, than you better act like them (and you have one better – you have the experience to back it up).

I have been fortunate enough to get passed the black hole a few times. I have been called for interviews! Nothing sounds better than hearing a voice on the other end, ask you if you would like to come in an interview for the position you have applied for. You pretty much walk on the clouds after that call. Reality starts to set in.. Time to get prepared. Clothes all dry cleaned? Haircut? Research the position? Company? Get your questions in order? Get prepared! The last couple of times, I have made it to the short-list of candidates (more interviews). Then you sit and wait for a decision to be made and hopefully in your favor. I still have not gotten that message that says – “Congrats – we would like to hire you.” I will keep on trying.