Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Weakness or Strength?
I heard this story and hope that I can repeat it properly.
Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your biggest strength. Take for example, the story of one 10-year old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a car accident.
The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. He was doing well, but he couldn’t understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move.
“Sensei’” the boy finally said, “Shouldn’t I be learning more moves?”
“This is the only move you’ll ever need to know,” the sensei replied. Not quite understanding but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.
Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches with his one move. The championship match proved to be more difficult, because his opponent was bigger and more experienced.
For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened.
“No,” the sensei insisted. “Let him continue.”
Soon after the match resumed, his opponent dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament.
On the way home, the boy asked what was really on his mind.
“Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?”
“You won for two reasons,” the sensei answered. “First, you mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grip your left arm.”
The boy’s biggest weakness had become his greatest strength.
Sometimes your biggest weakness can become your biggest strength. Take for example, the story of one 10-year old boy who decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a car accident.
The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. He was doing well, but he couldn’t understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move.
“Sensei’” the boy finally said, “Shouldn’t I be learning more moves?”
“This is the only move you’ll ever need to know,” the sensei replied. Not quite understanding but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.
Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches with his one move. The championship match proved to be more difficult, because his opponent was bigger and more experienced.
For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened.
“No,” the sensei insisted. “Let him continue.”
Soon after the match resumed, his opponent dropped his guard. Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament.
On the way home, the boy asked what was really on his mind.
“Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?”
“You won for two reasons,” the sensei answered. “First, you mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grip your left arm.”
The boy’s biggest weakness had become his greatest strength.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Recession-Proof Your Career
Recession fears are causing more than just stock-market jitters this winter. They're also shaking some workers' confidence. Even if there isn't an official recession, a number of areas are already seeing layoffs and hiring freezes. Here are some strategies for recession-proofing your career.
Stick around. If you work for a company in distress, your first instinct may be to jump ship. But if your new employer later decides to lay off workers, you'll likely be most at risk of getting a pink slip. Be a good sport. Following layoffs, you may be asked to take on additional work that was part of a former employee's responsibilities. Haven't been asked to take on extra projects? Volunteer to help. Work harder and smarter. Act the way you did when you were gunning for a promotion. Companies are less likely to get rid of star performers.
Prepare for the worst ahead of time by making sure your resume is up to date. Network now. Don't wait until you need help finding a job. Take a pay cut. Consider offering to accept a temporary salary reduction. Search internally. If you see a layoff coming in your division or department, it may be easier to search for another position at your current firm
Stick around. If you work for a company in distress, your first instinct may be to jump ship. But if your new employer later decides to lay off workers, you'll likely be most at risk of getting a pink slip. Be a good sport. Following layoffs, you may be asked to take on additional work that was part of a former employee's responsibilities. Haven't been asked to take on extra projects? Volunteer to help. Work harder and smarter. Act the way you did when you were gunning for a promotion. Companies are less likely to get rid of star performers.
Prepare for the worst ahead of time by making sure your resume is up to date. Network now. Don't wait until you need help finding a job. Take a pay cut. Consider offering to accept a temporary salary reduction. Search internally. If you see a layoff coming in your division or department, it may be easier to search for another position at your current firm
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