Firing people.
However you want to phrase it: Separation, Termination, Fired, "Getting Quit"... they all have the same meaning. In every termination I've ever done, there's this moment. In this moment, regardless of how justified or warranted the termination is, where you and the person your terminating are just two human beings trying to make it in this world. It's in this moment, that my heart aches a little and reminds me that every manager is also a human.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
The People We're Destined to Meet
The other day at work, I was chatting with a co-worker about one of the biggest pro's of our team being the people who were hired. Our now Vice President (JD) has done an amazing job putting his team together, and matching individuals who connect on so many levels. I look at the individuals I work with- like Jamie and Jillian (okay used to work with) and it amazes me how we found each other. Now don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that the three of us would have someone found each other- even without working for the same employer- but it's just amazing to see how people come together.
It really got me thinking about the individuals in my life- and their purpose. I believe each person in my life has a purpose and was put there by God for a higher meaning. However, I've always had this thought (or rather ever since I saw "What Dreams May Come") that maybe our souls are connected in a way, that when we venture to earth- part of it is a mystery, a game of sorts to find each other in our mortal form. I don't know if this contradicts my Christian beliefs- I've heard heaven explained a multitude of ways from various members of clergy. I guess there's just something about it that appeals to me. When I think about the people who I can form an instant connection- and a bond so strong that it doesn't matter if we talk daily or yearly, or if we see each other every day, or once every 5 years- that bond and connection is stronger then titanium.
Jamie and I hit it off instantly- I think she had worked with me for all of 3 weeks before we spent hours chatting on Memorial Day and hit off an instant friendship. The same with Jillian, instantly when we both started speaking on a more regular basis we connected. And then of course there's my husband- the man whom I knew I would spend the rest of my life with almost instantly within meeting him. There was an instant connection- deep within.
I'm sure this can be chalked up to science or emotional intelligence- the reasons why we instantly bond with some over others- but I have to believe there's just a deeper meaning, a deeper connection that allows us to open ourselves up to some more then others- sometimes with very little background about them.
I guess that's just my hypothesis for the evening... what's yours?
It really got me thinking about the individuals in my life- and their purpose. I believe each person in my life has a purpose and was put there by God for a higher meaning. However, I've always had this thought (or rather ever since I saw "What Dreams May Come") that maybe our souls are connected in a way, that when we venture to earth- part of it is a mystery, a game of sorts to find each other in our mortal form. I don't know if this contradicts my Christian beliefs- I've heard heaven explained a multitude of ways from various members of clergy. I guess there's just something about it that appeals to me. When I think about the people who I can form an instant connection- and a bond so strong that it doesn't matter if we talk daily or yearly, or if we see each other every day, or once every 5 years- that bond and connection is stronger then titanium.
Jamie and I hit it off instantly- I think she had worked with me for all of 3 weeks before we spent hours chatting on Memorial Day and hit off an instant friendship. The same with Jillian, instantly when we both started speaking on a more regular basis we connected. And then of course there's my husband- the man whom I knew I would spend the rest of my life with almost instantly within meeting him. There was an instant connection- deep within.
I'm sure this can be chalked up to science or emotional intelligence- the reasons why we instantly bond with some over others- but I have to believe there's just a deeper meaning, a deeper connection that allows us to open ourselves up to some more then others- sometimes with very little background about them.
I guess that's just my hypothesis for the evening... what's yours?
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Honest Dissent or Disloyal Subversion
"Sometimes, even to live is an act of courage" - Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Aaron and I sat down this evening to watch the movie Defiance. While we weren't sure what to expect, what we got was an amazing story of courage, bravery, and community. Anyone who reads this blog knows that I have a special place in my heart for acts of defiance to the German Reich, SS, Gestapo- whatever you want to call them, and watching this movie ignited a thought burning for an outlet of expression.
My purpose for sitting down this evening was not to detail the story of the Bielski brothers- though they have my undying gratitude and respect for creating a community and allowing Jews to live as "humans" even if it meant building camps within the forest, at a time when society wouldn't allow them too persevere. My purpose was to reflect upon these individuals who stood up against those who were wrong, and protected those caught in the middle.
The stories of Tuvia Bielski (and his brothers), Oskar Schindler, and Hans and Sophie Scholl are often not the stories taught in classrooms- but maybe we'd benefit from learning about their courage and willingness to question what is popular, and defy what they know in their own to be wrong. These are individuals who risked their own lives to save others. While the Bielski brothers and Oskar Schindler have countable lives saved- Hans and Sophie Scholl unquestionably brought a new light to the German people on what was really happening under Adolf Hitler's reign.
These individuals who can be counted one fewer fingers then I have, effected the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals- literally saved thousands, and yet, very few are household names until Hollywood makes a movie about them. In fact, if I were to poll 50 high school seniors, I'd be willing to bet that 75% would know who Oskar Schindler is, but maybe 5% would know of the Bielski brother's, and less then 1% of Hans and Sophie Scholl. In a world where everyone has an opinion of our current government and its policies, how many are truly educated and understand what each of these policies mean. How many individuals voted for Barack Obama because of his catchy slogans, convincing speeches, and media perception of his revolutionary plan to change America. How many people didn't vote for Sarah Palin because of Tina Fey's popular skits on SNL, media comparisons to "Caribou Barbie", and film (which may or may not have been edited) of her stumbling on her words- as apposed to the true understanding of who she is.
I know, you're thinking, "Jenn, if you have a point, make it." Well here's my point- if you think that the millions of non-Jewish/gypsy/whatever citizens of Western and Eastern Europe didn't know what was going on- think again. This is the power of propaganda, the media, and a savvy politician pushing their own agenda people. Millions of people believed that the persecution of these people was not only "okay" but beneficial! That these people were the cause of Western Europe's (primarily Germany and it's allies) down fall- they had somehow caused this, and therefore by eliminating them, they would again prosper. One man started a campaign that changed world history as we know it. One man started a campaign responsible for the deaths of millions of Jews, soldiers of all nations, and countrymen alike. As a society we have more access to information then we ever had before- but how do we use it? How many people know how to look up a bill and its formal reading, or to view how their congressman/senator voted? How many people know where to find majority and descending opinions from Supreme Court cases which shape and interpret our constitution to make law? Very few right? Yet, how many people know how to log in to Facebook- I mean shoot, there's an app for that.
These individuals deserved the memorialized ad honored for their contributions- yet I would imagine that their idea of being honored wouldn't come from statues or parks named in their honor. It would come from every day citizens having the courage to stand up for whats right, and stay informed- before it becomes a much larger task then anyone could imagine, costing the lives of millions, to make a change.
So the burning question I have is- why do we not share these stories? Is it because we feel we have so much more history to cram into our World History classes that they're of less importance? Or in our own way, do we fear teaching our children that it can be considered a heroic act to defy what society accepts as the norm?
I'm not sure I can answer that question for you tonight.
"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels--men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, we may never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion." --Dwight D. Eisenhower, May 31, 1954
Aaron and I sat down this evening to watch the movie Defiance. While we weren't sure what to expect, what we got was an amazing story of courage, bravery, and community. Anyone who reads this blog knows that I have a special place in my heart for acts of defiance to the German Reich, SS, Gestapo- whatever you want to call them, and watching this movie ignited a thought burning for an outlet of expression.
My purpose for sitting down this evening was not to detail the story of the Bielski brothers- though they have my undying gratitude and respect for creating a community and allowing Jews to live as "humans" even if it meant building camps within the forest, at a time when society wouldn't allow them too persevere. My purpose was to reflect upon these individuals who stood up against those who were wrong, and protected those caught in the middle.
The stories of Tuvia Bielski (and his brothers), Oskar Schindler, and Hans and Sophie Scholl are often not the stories taught in classrooms- but maybe we'd benefit from learning about their courage and willingness to question what is popular, and defy what they know in their own to be wrong. These are individuals who risked their own lives to save others. While the Bielski brothers and Oskar Schindler have countable lives saved- Hans and Sophie Scholl unquestionably brought a new light to the German people on what was really happening under Adolf Hitler's reign.
These individuals who can be counted one fewer fingers then I have, effected the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals- literally saved thousands, and yet, very few are household names until Hollywood makes a movie about them. In fact, if I were to poll 50 high school seniors, I'd be willing to bet that 75% would know who Oskar Schindler is, but maybe 5% would know of the Bielski brother's, and less then 1% of Hans and Sophie Scholl. In a world where everyone has an opinion of our current government and its policies, how many are truly educated and understand what each of these policies mean. How many individuals voted for Barack Obama because of his catchy slogans, convincing speeches, and media perception of his revolutionary plan to change America. How many people didn't vote for Sarah Palin because of Tina Fey's popular skits on SNL, media comparisons to "Caribou Barbie", and film (which may or may not have been edited) of her stumbling on her words- as apposed to the true understanding of who she is.
I know, you're thinking, "Jenn, if you have a point, make it." Well here's my point- if you think that the millions of non-Jewish/gypsy/whatever citizens of Western and Eastern Europe didn't know what was going on- think again. This is the power of propaganda, the media, and a savvy politician pushing their own agenda people. Millions of people believed that the persecution of these people was not only "okay" but beneficial! That these people were the cause of Western Europe's (primarily Germany and it's allies) down fall- they had somehow caused this, and therefore by eliminating them, they would again prosper. One man started a campaign that changed world history as we know it. One man started a campaign responsible for the deaths of millions of Jews, soldiers of all nations, and countrymen alike. As a society we have more access to information then we ever had before- but how do we use it? How many people know how to look up a bill and its formal reading, or to view how their congressman/senator voted? How many people know where to find majority and descending opinions from Supreme Court cases which shape and interpret our constitution to make law? Very few right? Yet, how many people know how to log in to Facebook- I mean shoot, there's an app for that.
These individuals deserved the memorialized ad honored for their contributions- yet I would imagine that their idea of being honored wouldn't come from statues or parks named in their honor. It would come from every day citizens having the courage to stand up for whats right, and stay informed- before it becomes a much larger task then anyone could imagine, costing the lives of millions, to make a change.
So the burning question I have is- why do we not share these stories? Is it because we feel we have so much more history to cram into our World History classes that they're of less importance? Or in our own way, do we fear teaching our children that it can be considered a heroic act to defy what society accepts as the norm?
I'm not sure I can answer that question for you tonight.
"Here in America we are descended in blood and in spirit from revolutionists and rebels--men and women who dare to dissent from accepted doctrine. As their heirs, we may never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion." --Dwight D. Eisenhower, May 31, 1954
Monday, May 10, 2010
Prop 100
May 18th is just around the corner, and regardless of how you feel about it, the important part is that you get out and vote in this special election. So whats up on the ballot? A $.01 sales tax that would help "bail out" education (2/3 of the money goes here) and public services (1/3 goes to first responders and senior health care). It's a temporary tax, 3 years, that's set to add in excess of $1.7 billion dollars to the books.
While there are many different theories behind those who oppose and support Prop 100- the main supporters are the usual suspects: education, the universities, local municipalities. Those in proposition are those against additional taxes, and the most vocal proponent would probably be the Goldwater Institute, who believes education needs reform, and bailing them out only enables their poor behaviors.
While I agree that our education system needs a major overall (so does our entire state budget and tax flow- for those who are unfamiliar, Arizona has a "designated" tax fund, meaning that even if an entity has a surplus, it can't "lend" cash to another entity because our Constitution is set up as so money that portioned for one department, stays with that department). Additional School Districts need to get a major handle on their expenses, primarily their administrative expenses. Unfortunately, if we allow Prop 100 to fail, in order for the message to be heard and acted on, years and possibly generations of Arizona children will be effected by our educational short falling. It's a lose/lose situation.
As stated earlier- regardless of how you'll vote for Prop 100- the most important thing you can do is get out and vote for this special election May 18th.
While there are many different theories behind those who oppose and support Prop 100- the main supporters are the usual suspects: education, the universities, local municipalities. Those in proposition are those against additional taxes, and the most vocal proponent would probably be the Goldwater Institute, who believes education needs reform, and bailing them out only enables their poor behaviors.
While I agree that our education system needs a major overall (so does our entire state budget and tax flow- for those who are unfamiliar, Arizona has a "designated" tax fund, meaning that even if an entity has a surplus, it can't "lend" cash to another entity because our Constitution is set up as so money that portioned for one department, stays with that department). Additional School Districts need to get a major handle on their expenses, primarily their administrative expenses. Unfortunately, if we allow Prop 100 to fail, in order for the message to be heard and acted on, years and possibly generations of Arizona children will be effected by our educational short falling. It's a lose/lose situation.
As stated earlier- regardless of how you'll vote for Prop 100- the most important thing you can do is get out and vote for this special election May 18th.
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