One step away from disaster

 

The job market today is unstable in ways that are difficult to capture with statistics. Headline unemployment rates look reassuring, but they ignore two critical groups: those who have stopped looking after months or years of failed searches, and those who are highly qualified yet continually overlooked due to subjective, opaque hiring practices. The reality that people are living does not match the numbers we are being shown.

Many Americans are already living paycheck to paycheck, so it doesn’t take much to tip a stable life into crisis. Picture this scene, because versions of this story happen every day.

You and your spouse both work. The bills are paid, your children are in college, and although nothing is extravagant, life is steady. Then, without warning, one of you loses a job. Suddenly your two-income household becomes one-income overnight, and that one income isn’t enough to sustain where you live. Unemployment benefits help, but only briefly; they were designed as a temporary patch, not a real safety net.

Before you’ve recovered, a medical emergency hits. Now the spouse who still had a job can’t work either. The home you’ve rented for a decade is being sold, and you are given 60 days to move. Even if you scrape together the money for first month’s rent and a deposit, you can’t qualify without the “three-times-the-rent” income requirement. Your credit takes a hit from months of instability. And within six months, despite doing everything “right,” your family finds itself on the brink of homelessness: in the richest country in the world.

This is not hypothetical. This is the lived experience of thousands of working families. Too many people are one step away from disaster, and we rarely acknowledge how fragile the system really is.

So, the question becomes: How do we build a society where one setback doesn’t destroy an entire household? Until we answer that, millions will continue balancing on the edge with no margin for error.

Thoughts?

Dr Flavius Akerele III

The ETeam

Does this still exist in the true form?

 

Altruism: “is the principle of unselfish concern for the welfare of others, involving behaviors that benefit others at some cost to oneself, without expecting a reward”

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altruism

 

Key aspects of altruism

• Selfless concern: defined by a focus on the well-being of others, prioritizing their needs over one's own personal interests or safety. 
• Lack of reward: actions motivated are performed without the expectation of any personal gain, such as money, praise, or societal pressure. 
• Cost to self: the act of helping others may involve a personal cost, whether it's a small sacrifice of time or a greater sacrifice. 
• Empathy and emotions: often driven by emotions like empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. 
• Philosophical doctrine: in philosophy, it can also refer to the ethical doctrine that the greatest good is produced by actions that benefit others. 

I ask this question as I watch people post about there “charitable” activities on social media to gather followers, as I  watch mega church pastors fly around the country in their private jets, as I see the catholic church (that I a part of) continue to pay out money for past and current abuses, and as I see politicians claim they are doing things to help me as they hurt me. I could go on, but do you see my point?

Altruism is more than a word, it is a true belief, and like many other things, I worry that the true meaning has disappeared.

Dr Flavius Akerele III

The ETeam

Resiliency

 

Resiliency, a term that is used in multiple ways within numerous circumstances, the meaning can be subjective, and yet we must strive to achieve this state in today’s world.

Some core aspects of resiliency are probably:

• ·       the ability to keep moving forward when you feel you no longer can,
• ·       to maintain your dignity in the face of indignity,
• ·       and to continue to be civil in the face of incivility.

Easier said than done sometimes but never give up!

Dr Flavius Akerele III

The ETeam

 

#resilient #dignity #courtesy #yougotthis #nevergiveup

Do you truly understand what you are saying?

 

Buzzwords disguised as hate, acronyms which are actually initialisms (do you know the difference?), and people putting themselves in boxes that they do not understand the true meaning.

The world has not suddenly become interesting, this has been a slow but gradual descent into madness. Why do I use the word descent when we have all these tools and technology? Because tools and technology do not immediately make the world better; right now they are covering up deficiencies.

The basics such as reading and writing, courtesy and compromise are forgotten or are being lambasted as weak.

Those with the most want more and are getting more, those with less are very visible; we go to a place of religion on Fridays, Saturday, or Sundays and put a few bills in the tithe and think we are doing good.

I do not write this from a place of despair, but actually, from a place of hope because I do believe in the fundamental goodness of people, I do believe that a semblance of order will always prevail, but I just do not know what that will look like right now.

Think for yourself, questions things, be curious, however, do not forget to live life, cherish the basics in this world.

This will be a wild ride!

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

Linkedin question: How do you design and deliver engaging and relevant leadership development content?

 

Designing and delivering engaging and relevant leadership development content requires a thoughtful approach that considers the needs, interests, and learning styles of the participants.

1.     Identify Objectives: Start by defining clear objectives for the leadership development program. What skills or competencies do you want participants to develop? What organizational goals are you aiming to support through leadership development?

2.     Know Your Audience: Understand the backgrounds, experiences, and current skill levels of your audience. Tailor the content to their needs and aspirations. Consider using surveys or interviews to gather insights into their preferences and challenges.

3.     Content Development: Create content that is both informative and interactive. Use a variety of formats such as videos, case studies, simulations, role-playing exercises, and group discussions to cater to different learning styles.

4.     Focus on Relevance: Ensure that the content is relevant to the participants' roles and responsibilities. Use real-life examples and case studies from their industry or organization to make the learning experience more relatable.

5.     Blend Learning Methods: Incorporate a mix of in-person workshops, online modules, coaching sessions, and peer learning opportunities to provide a comprehensive learning experience. This blended approach allows participants to learn at their own pace and reinforces key concepts through different channels.

6.     Encourage Participation: Create opportunities for active participation and engagement. Encourage participants to share their insights, experiences, and challenges during discussions and activities. Use interactive exercises and group projects to foster collaboration and teamwork.

7.     Provide Ongoing Support: Offer resources and support beyond the formal training sessions. Provide access to additional reading materials, online forums, mentoring programs, and coaching services to help participants apply what they've learned in their day-to-day roles.

8.     Measure Impact: Implement mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of the leadership development program. Use pre- and post-training assessments, feedback surveys, and performance evaluations to measure changes in knowledge, skills, and behaviors. Gather testimonials and success stories to demonstrate the program's impact on individual growth and organizational performance.

9.     Iterate and Improve: Continuously gather feedback from participants and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine the content, delivery methods, and overall structure of the leadership development program.

By following these steps, you can possible design and deliver leadership development content that is both engaging and relevant, ultimately helping participants enhance their leadership skills and drive organizational success. Have fun!

 

Dr Flavius Akerele III

The ETeam

Try, try again

 

It's understandable to feel frustrated and disheartened after going through multiple rounds of interviews only to receive a canned rejection email or, even worse, experience ghosting. While rejection is indeed a common aspect of the application process, it's also important to acknowledge your humanity and the emotional toll that repeated rejection can take.

Here are a few points to consider:

Self-care: It's crucial to prioritize your well-being during the job search process. Take breaks when needed, engage in activities that bring you joy, and lean on your support system for encouragement.

Reflection: Reflect on your experiences and consider if there are any areas where you could improve. This could involve refining your resume, practicing interview techniques, or seeking feedback from mentors or trusted colleagues.

Setting boundaries: While persistence is important in job hunting, it's also essential to recognize when it's time to move on from a particular opportunity. After several rounds of interviews without progress, it may be worth redirecting your energy towards other opportunities that align better with your skills and goals.

Communication: If you feel comfortable, you can reach out to the company for feedback on your application or interview process. While not all companies may provide detailed feedback, some may offer insights that could be valuable for your future endeavors.

Maintaining perspective: Remember that rejection does not define your worth or abilities. Job searching can be a challenging and unpredictable process, and setbacks are a natural part of it. Stay focused on your long-term goals and remain resilient in the face of obstacles.

Ultimately, while it's important to acknowledge your humanity and the emotions that come with rejection, it's also crucial to maintain a proactive and resilient mindset as you continue your job search journey.

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam

#jobsearch #nevergiveup #hiring

Terms and labels. Again.

 

It's indeed fascinating how language evolves and gets appropriated in various contexts. Terms like "woke," "DEI" (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and "CRT" (Critical Race Theory) have certainly undergone shifts in usage and connotations recently (especially due to politics).

"Woke" initially emerged as a term within African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to refer to quite different things. However, it has been co-opted and sometimes used sarcastically or pejoratively to dismiss or mock perceived excessive sensitivity or political correctness.

Similarly, DEI and CRT have been central to discussions around social justice and equality but have also faced severe misuse, often in politically charged contexts.

Observing these shifts in language and how terms are used in professional spaces, specifically this “professional” can indeed be intriguing. It highlights the complexity of communication and the importance of understanding context and nuance in discussions about sensitive topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Has it come to this, or has it always been this? Just some thoughts from an educator, not political.

 

Dr Flavius A B Akerele III

The ETeam