Newsletter October 2000A

ARE YOU AN ANTIQUE?: A 10 Year Old Education

A year ago we published an article based on a woman who was told by university professors that because her college-level business education was 10-years old, it was out of date. On-the-job experience was discounted, if not ignored altogether. Experience is a valuable career asset. However, advancement and opportunity are more likely gained if we understand the educational divide that has permeated the business arena.

In 1985, a typical desktop computer was a MacSE with 20 Mg Hard Drive and 4 mg Ram. 2000's typical computer boasts a 600 mz+ processor with 64+ RAM and a 10 mg hard drive. Technology has vastly increased the computing power and memory of today's hardware. The increased power of the machine has effected a widespread transformation in office environments, which has impacted the educational demands for more technologically saavy graduates.

Fifteen years ago, an MBA program required the use of a mainframe computer system (and some type of computer language). Courses focused on basic spread sheet usage in addition to standard business practice lessons. Much has changed. An operations management course in 2000 not only covers facility location logistics, queuing theory and optimizations with simulator style programs, but it teaches how a 3-hour hand-done simulation is completed by use of a computer with the capacity to run 1000 scenarios in a few minutes. Enormous are the benefits to the modern day office; enormous are the changes in the classroom to accommodate the needs of that office.

Employers are in desperate need of up-to-speed, educated employees. This is where we see the broadening of the educational divide. The issue, then, is not that a 10-year old education is invaluable, it is that standards have risen. Graduates from MBA schools looking for higher incomes search for companies that can pay tens of thousands more in income, offer stock options, and provide packages that may include a new BMW. The newest skills are quickly being acquired by large or wealthy firms, while smaller, financially limited firms are forced to use their existing knowledge base.

Here's an example. A firm is looking to locate a distribution facility. It uses traditional thought approaches and some analysis. This company would be at a disadvantage against a competitor employing an army of skilled technicians: technicians who can run scenarios and statistical evaluations to determine the exact, most profitable location for a new facility. The latter company gains its advantage by use of information that is gathered and processed to generate a multitude of winning strategies.

Professors, students and leaders need to be on the same page. Generalizations about what is more valuable - experience or education - don't benefit anyone. Both are important to success. If your position on the scale leans more towards experience, be grateful. It's easier to hone your educational skills than it is to gain 10-years of work experience. To strengthen your career marketability, bridge the educational divide by working on the following:

1. Take a course or two at your local university.

2. Don't just learn soft skills but look for skills that might quantify or qualify your industry.

3. Pick up a text book. Most business books explain theory while textbook force application and proficiency.

4. Contact simulation software companies

5. Learn about other industry advances.

6. Join an organization that may have facility tours. Like a Saturn plant or the commodities exchange.

Business tools have undergone huge changes in only 15 years. Whether you're an executive or front-line employee, knowing about and preparing yourself to be in line with higher standards puts you in the position to seize business opportunities.

*************************************
A MENTAL ENVIRONMENT: Visualization and Achievement

Many of our readers enjoyed the GSR Cycle and requested more information on goal setting. The subject receives a lot of attention from a multitude of sources, yet we want to honor your requests. Therefore, we're specifically addressing the dimension of goal setting that involves belief and emotion. So many times goals are set and resolutions are made, but they are stated or written with one's intellect. Months or days later they become no more than old sentences that make us feel that we've slipped again.

This article is based on the true story of two business partners who found themselves in a slump. The more progressive of the two decided to try some of our previous goal setting techniques. The more "pragmatic" of the two decided to roll up his sleeves and "just get to work." The goal setting partner called for help in setting goals.

He was given the following pointers:

1. First write down your goals. Be specific about dates, dollar amounts, people and places as they apply.

2. Create a goals book using a three-ring binder and clear acetate pocket pages. Next, fill the pocket pages with your list of goals, calendar-like charts to track progress, and visuals of what you want to achieve. For example, if you want a better relationship with your family, put a picture or two of them in. If you want to do more hiking, tear out a photo of a mountain or someone hiking from a magazine and insert it in your book.

3. Upon waking and retiring each day, read your goals out loud and then mindfully thumb through your goals book. Mindful reading involves a slower pace than usual reading. It means that you take the time to pause and visualize the goals and aspirations. (Visualization is addressed in the next group of tips.)

4. Maintain your book. Revise your goals book as often as needed. The key is to remove items you no longer desire and insert new dreams so that your continue to believe in what the book holds. Don't be afraid to amend dates. When you accomplish a goal, do not delete it. Draw a line through it or place a check mark next to it so that you're motivated by your success. Even create a success page listing your accomplishments.

5. Reward yourself according to your plan.

6. Remember that others around you will see you transform. You can share this information with them. Sharing can be invaluable, because if the person you're sharing with is key to achieving your goals, their success is only going to further fuel your success.

After 3 months, the goal setting partner had earned more in sales than both partners combined in the previous year. In addition, he shared the technique with his partner, which caused them to propel their business forward faster than they had ever dreamed. Their personal lives were better than ever, and they felt happier than either of them had for many years. The second partner found that our tips on visualization, found below, made achievement of his goals believable for the first time in his life. He credits visualization for his success.

Numerous studies have been conducted with the visualization technique, and without fail, visualization creates a positive image in your mind and prepares your senses to succeed. If you can imagine doing something, then you most likely have the ability to complete it.

Here are some tips on creating that winning mental environment:

1. Select the goal or objective and believe in it. It's tough to fake yourself into believing that the time and effort are worth the energy, if you do not believe in the goal.

2. Create very vivid images of the event, people and places with which you'll come in contact. The more clear the vision , the more impactful it is to your goal's success.

3. Imagine yourself in the possession of that goal. Feel yourself owning the item or participating in the event. Try to use all your senses to grab ahold of your dream.

4. At least twice a day sit down in a quiet environment for 5 minutes and concentrate. Clear your mind and read your goals aloud.

5. Rehearse the experience in your mind. Play the winning sequence over and over a few times so that you're focused. If you video tape yourself playing the role, you'll experience a different mind set, attach emotion to your goal and transform desire into reality faster . Many people change their facial expressions and body posture even when practicing in front of a mirror.

You don't need any special training only the desire to accomplish your goals. The steps above will put you in the right frame of mind to allow you to accomplish that which is needed to achieve the goal.

_______________________________________
David & Lorrie Goldsmith are founders of the Syracuse based MetaMatrix Consulting Group Inc. Their firm specializes in consulting and speaking services. They can be reached at 315-476-0510  888-777-8857 or emailed at dgoldsmith@davidgoldsmith.com

Back to Newsletter Selection