LO and Big Layoffs LO5252

Virginia I. Shafer (vshafer@AZStarNet.com)
Wed, 31 Jan 1996 09:24:11 -0700

Replying to LO5221 --

Rol Fessenden said:
>In response to my statement, "These unpredictable events make controlling
>the future unrealistic. The > only viable alternative is to be fast and
>flexible so you can respond."

Tobin Quereau added,
>"...and perhaps extra creative, committed, and lucky as well!"

Rol responded:
>I really agree with that, and this is where the paradox comes in.
>Companies cannot be creative or committed, only their employees. How does
>one get creativity and commitment from an employee whose career at one
>company is 7 years, and he or she knows it? I don't think it's likely.

By giving me the training to perform the tasks associated with my assigned
responsibilities, an appreciation/knowledge of how my work affects others
work and the customer, then giving me the freedom and authority to get the
job done unencumbered by unnecessary distractions. I can be creative as
long as I complement the process. I can be committed as long as I'm
trusted and can trust. But if you lie to me, if you "throw me to the
wolves," if you expect me to "sink or swim," if you predetermine my
failure, "If you measure me in an illogical way, do not complain about
illogical behavior."

Believe it or not, I orginially joined the Air Force because I could be
committed to its mission and the regimentation freed my mind for
creativity in my work!!

--
Cheers, 
Ginger Shafer
The Leadership Dimension
"Bringing Leadership to Life"
vshafer@azstarnet.com