Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Never a dull moment

You might think we have seen it all during YFN's two-plus decades in operation. In a sense that might be true, but we continue to be surprised--sometimes pleasantly and sometimes not--by new variations on old themes. With the benefit of our historical experience and the broader perspective it engenders, we seldom get rocked by the various bumps that happen periodically.

For example, our Indiana growth spurt resulted in a rapid increase in "professional" employees. I use the term "professional" referring to roles not incumbents. Until we have a chance to get acquainted fully with each new person, we cannot know whether the role fits the character and values of the occupant. There are clues, of course, in each person's work habits, stance toward work obligations, and demonstrated responsibility, as well as in the lack thereof. An obvious indication that someone claiming to be professional lacks the requisite character (in my view) emerges whenever a worker exits our employment without much notice, care for the obligations left behind, or restraint from doing organizational damage post employment.

Such leavings have happened throughout our history. I confess that I am still surprised each time it happens. Given that I come to my role deeply influenced by professionalism, I remain baffled by those who put on professional clothing yet lack a professional soul. Though we have tried, YFN has not come up with a magic formula for instilling professional character and inculcating related values. Within the limits of traditional employer-employee relationship, I fear that this may be a truly daunting task.

Though we may not successfully impart professional dictates to every person who comes our way, we can and should identify transgressions and reflect on their lessons each and every time they occur. Errors and omissions by those who pass through our organization without leaving much positive effect may prove valuable to those of us who remain, laboring on behalf of the fragile individuals we have been graced to support. Even if we cannot do much for our former workmates' professionalism, we can do something for ours.

Friday, June 22, 2007

SB Work Day


SB Work Day...a few pics....
Originally uploaded by embeal.
Work days have been a YFN tradition since our founding. If you haven't had the chance to participate in one of them I would urge you to push for a work day at a setting you know needs serious attention. When we all work together on a single project we can accomplish marvelous things. We also get a chance to become better acquainted. Somehow our various roles seem unimportant while shoveling and sweating. Our common work produces a magical link that lasts well beyond any work day.

For some pics of our 2007 FW Magnavox Way work day, see:
www.flickr.com/photos/42254846@N00/sets/72157600256427957/