I found this article in Psychology Today.
Tatoo And Piercing Culture Meet Self Mutilation
July 2nd, 2009![[Post to Twitter]](http://elementaltruths.com/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter.png){kind=icon}
12 Ways to Leave Them Loving You
June 26th, 2009
Two times I have been let go from a job. The first was working on the docks at Lowe’s hardware when I was about 16. The second was my most recent position in Clarksville-Montgomery County School Systems.
In both cases I made certain to leave on positive terms with the administration. By positive terms I mean that, anyone calling to inquire about my work history would, in all honesty, have to receive the following statements of performance.
- always early or on time
- always worked through and usually beyond required hours
- rarely took time off
- always completed tasks in a timely manner
- always courteous
- actively participated in projects
- fully supportive of the mission statement
- customer/client interest always at the forefront
- willing to take a stand
- unafraid of potentially hostile situations
- flexible
- ready to implement specific changes
As testament to the effectiveness of these strategies, on my last day my supervisor embraced me and said, “I wish it could be different.” Was her sentiment sincere? I cannot with all certainty say. However, I can say I left the things much better than I found them and my team was upset to see me go.
Reg Takes A Peaceful Break
June 18th, 2009
I needed a break. So I headed for my favorite spot to recharge. Pine Island, Florida. The photograph is the middle of the day. No tourists, no vendors, no distractions.
I often go on and on about the importance of taking time for yourself. I keep nudging (pushing?) others to honor their underlying temperament of self. So, when the opportunity presented to take some time and devote it to family and friends, I leaped at it.
If you are interested (or terribly, terribly bored) you may select the photo and view the rest of my vacation exploits. But, I warn you they are very low key as it my own temperament.
Gird Your Loins for the Employment Seeking Campaign
May 23rd, 2009
I understand that “girding of loins” could sound risque in a society that infers innuendo everywhere. Rorschach inkblots leap to mind.
Bye the way, I do have a favorite quote related to the inkblot tests.
“Nobody agrees how to score Rorschach responses objectively. There is nothing to show what any particular response means to the person who gives it. And, there is nothing to show what it means if a number of people give the same response. The ink blots are scientifically useless.” (Bartol, 1983).
Oops. Where did that come from? I think my counselor is showing. Back to the business at hand.
Bye the way, Rorshcach never intended his research to be so utelized. He was working in a psychiatric hospital. Not exactly a good norm for a study. His recommendation was only for more study. Study he died before being able to carry out. The broad use of the test with the general population was work of John Exner.
Back to the path.
In the original context to “gird up your loins” did not mean to put on armor. It did not mean display your symbolic commitment to begin combat. It didn’t even mean fortify yourself for battle. Basically, it meant to pull up your pants. Somewhat of a let down, don’t you think? I know I was a little deflated at the actual meaning; at least until I thought about it.
When I do take the time to reflect I was a little astounded. As I began to look back and remember the onset of any worthwhile task that had long range goals I unconsciously performed a ritual.
I vividly and distinctly remember physically:
- taking a deep breath
- righting my posture
- aligning my tie
- shirt buttons
- trouser button and
- tightening my belt
The memories brought a smile as I realized what an unconscious “tell” of my intention I was broadcasting.
What ritual do you perform before you begin a campaign? Think carefully before you say you have none. I would have said the same before I began to think about my preparations to begin a project.
What does this ritual mean? For me it is very similar to Scott Alexander’s philosophy of “Putting on Your Rhino’s Skin.” It symbolizes I am fully prepared to:
- take action
- focus
- learn from setbacks
- laugh
- take chances
Next we’ll look at what I expected versus what I actually experienced in my seach.
10 Pro-Active Employment Steps
May 20th, 2009First, I was surprised to notice my bloglines subscribership had dropped off drastically. I usually see some drop as the summer approaches and many people change out computer systems and work stations, but not usually so drastic as this. Perhaps my readers fear I will wander into the woe and throws of desperation posts due to the ending of my current employment position. If so, fear not. I plan to continue to offer you as much quality for content as I can always with an eye to provide something you can you.
I have noticed that once I reached a level of relative success in my profession that the positions become less permanent. From an employers point of view it is much more cost effective to hire me for a year or two, incorporate my skill set into their organization then release me and hire two that are new to the field for about the price of keeping me on staff. I harbor no ill will, it is simply the way of business.
I have begun the initial stages of making a transition to a new position. Depending on your temperament some will come easier to you. Specifically the common steps you can take are:
- begin checking postings (phlegmatics and melancholies)
- send letters of interest (phlegmatics, melancholies and supines)
- send follow up emails (phlegmatics and cholerics)
- forward a resume or vita ,if you receive a response from an email (phlegmatics, melancholies, cholerics)
- if interest is expressed, fill out specific applications (phlegmatics, sanguines)
- call the human services departments to be certain your records are complete and on file (phlegmatics, melancholies)
- reconnect with representatives from other positions you have considered in the past (melancholies, sanguines)
- send one or two inquiry emails a day (phlegmatics, melancholies)
- make one or two telephone calls a day,an email is somewhat anonymous a phone call is personal (sanguines, cholerics)
- remember to collect all the benefits you are currently due; you earned them, they are yours (phlegmatics)
If you are reading this, be sure to add ElementalTruths to your bloglines reader.
Say Reg, How Did You Lose Your Job?
May 14th, 2009
To begin I would like to address the title of this article. I didn’t really lose my job. I actually know exactly where it is. So, it isn’t really “lost” per se.
No, I haven’t lost it. No need to begin a tedious and cumbersome search. We needn’t call Baker Street and Mr. Holmes (pictured above) is free to return to his opium den and await the next confluence of unlikely events.
I know where the job is. It simply belongs to someone else now.
As you know, there are many of the standard and cliche’ reasons for losing a job. Some of the more common are:
- arriving late
- leaving early
- absenteeism
- incompetence
- criminal activity
- fiscal cutbacks
- department changes
- restructuring
Although, these are some of the more common, they are by no means all inclusive. Some causes seem to intentionally defy classification. In fact,I am uncertain exactly how to categorize my own displacement but as a person who enjoys having a mental handle with which to process things, I will open it to you for categorization. Here follows some of the information you may need to make your classification.
Of course, it will only be from my perspective rather than that of the individual who chose not to invite me back.
Bye the way, that is one more thing I have an issue with. I don’t find it is unreasonable, if I am being released from a position, to be able to make a direct connection with my release and the person who is chose to release me from my position. Am I wrong in this?
In my field, as I am finding is the case in many others, it is extremely rare for a person to be told “You’re fired and here’s why.”
Far more commonly the process is much more fuzzy. Perhaps you will receive a letter from some retention committee stating something along these lines, “while your service is appreciated we are unable to invite you to return.”
I suppose that is intended to make you feel better. However, it didn’t make me feel better. It annoyed me (and sort of amused me as well). I began to analyze the thinking behind a notification like that which worked so hard to third person and action and avoid any responsibility.
Does anybody else find this somehow less than forthright?
In any case, such was my circumstance. But, I must tell you I was not at all surprised, mostly due to two factors.
- I was hired by someone other than the person I would be working for.
- Upon my arrival I noticed every person my supervisor hired was completely new to the profession.
- Early into my contract I took a stand to correct a practice that was wrong, illegal and of course long practiced.
After item number three the elephant in the room became nearly all encompassing for my supervisor. A fact which illustrates my long held position that being and doing the right thing does not guarantee the outcome will be “right.”
The point being, that one of the few things worse than taking a stand againt the person responsible for continuing you contract and losing, is taking a stand against the person responsible for the continuation of your contract and winning. Such was my circumstance.
With that laid to rest the remainder of the series will explore my search for gainful employment as it unfolds. I hope you find it useful and interesting.
Jobless
May 13th, 2009
You and I have read volumes the experts have written detailing the proactive steps you should take if you are at risk for losing your job. Here are some of the nuggets you can pan out.
- Make a list of all your work responsibilities.
- Make a list of all those responsibilities you excel at.
- Make a list of all those responsibilities you are the “go to guy” for.
- Begin building to your best of skills.
- Do everything you can to become, or at least appear to be, irreplaceable.
- Set ever higher bars of accomplishment for yourself.
- Be respectful and helpful with everyone you encounter
Those are all great things. If you do them you will add value to your organization and yourself as a person. This, in any fair environment, will make you too valuable to let go.
The work place is not a fair environment.
In fact, many of us will only experience “fair” if we attend the farmers market in the fall.
Even, if you do all those wonderful things, and are the exemplary, leader from your position, circumstances beyond your control can result in the loss of a job.
However, I believe, you can overcome this obstacle. I believe you can find a way to continue to grow. I truly believe you can build on stumbling blocks and turn them into the keystones of new doorways.
What do I know about it?
After being sought after in my profession for more than 25 years I have recently become unemployed. And I am now in the process of rebuilding.
I will share that process, its ups and its downs, here in the hope that you will be able to profit from it and might share it with others who may find it useful as well.
At the very least, it should make for some therapeutic writing interesting reading.
Where Truth Comes From
May 4th, 2009In the absence of A
most people will create their own version of A,
in order to fulfill their primary need for A.
A = Data
A = Ethics
A = Truth
A = Information
A = Knowledge
A = Leadership
A = Love
A = Morals
A = Wisdom
How to Catch Swine Flu
May 1st, 2009
Abbott And Costello in the 21st Century
April 25th, 2009
I have been having some challenges with hackers and maintaining updates on this site lately. It was really begining to get me down until a good friend from my age group sent me this little scenario to nudge me back to my proper perspective. Allow me to share it with you.
You must be old enough to remember who Abbott and Costello are, or at least have access to a nice nostalgia video collection, to truly appreciate this scenario.
If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their famous “who’s on first” routine might have gone something like this:
Costello calls the computer store to buy a system where Bud Abbot is a sales associate.
ABBOTT: Super Duper Computer Store, how may I help you?
COSTELLO: Yeah, I’m setting up a home office in my basement and I’m thinking of buying a computer.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, this is Lou Costello. I don’t know anyone named Mac.
ABBOTT: I mean your computer?
COSTELLO: No, I don’t own a computer. I calling because I want to buy one.
ABBOTT: Mac?
COSTELLO: No, I told you, my name is Lou.
ABBOTT: What about Windows?
COSTELLO: Why do I need windows? Will the computer make it stuffy in here?
ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO: Windows? What will I see through a window on a computer?
ABBOTT: Wallpaper.
COSTELLO: Never mind about the windows. I want a computer and software.
ABBOTT: Software for Windows?
COSTELLO: No! I need software for the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office. Can you recommend something?
ABBOTT: I just did.
COSTELLO: You just did what?
ABBOTT: I recommended something.
COSTELLO: You recommended something?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: For my office?
ABBOTT: Yes.
COSTELLO: Okay. What did you recommend for my office?
ABBOTT: Office.
COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! Wait. Never mind. Let’s just say I’m sitting at my computer and I want to write a proposal. What do I need?
ABBOTT: Word.
COSTELLO: What word?
ABBOTT: Word in Office.
COSTELLO: The only words in office are of, off and ice! Do I need ice?
ABBOTT: No. The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue W.
COSTELLO: I’m going to click your blue w if you don’t start coming up with some straight answers! Okay, lets forget the proposal. What financial bookkeeping? Do you have anything to track my money?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: Yes, my money. Do you have a way to track it on my computer.
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO: I need money to track money on my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO: I get money bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT: Yes, sir. One copy.
COSTELLO: Isn’t it illegal to copy money.
ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us license to copy Money.
COSTELLO: They can gave you a license to copy money.
ABBOTT: Why not, they own it?
………….. A few days later………
ABBOTT: Super Duper Computers, may I help you?
COSTELLO: Yeah. I need a little help. How do I turn off my computer?
ABBOTT: Click on “Start.” …