Your D-Day Awaits

     On this date, in 1944, Allied forces launched the campaign that would ultimately liberate northern Europe from Nazi occupation.  A great deal has been written about the military efforts to storm the beaches of France and advance inland.  Much of this has been intended, at least ostensibly, to honor the soldiers that endured the hardships of war and the commanders that led them to victory.  Some of it also commends civilians for their labor and sacrifice in support of the war effort.
     Despite all of this, questions remain:  Have we truly honored the “Greatest Generation?”  What about the previous generations – those that sent their children and grandchildren to war, while food and other supplies were rationed at home?
     To truly honor them, we must learn and embody the lessons they have to teach us about fortitude, resilience, and character.  Opportunities to hear from them directly are vanishing rapidly.  The youngest of this generation are in their 90s, and it is estimated that we lose 372 of them each day.

     Now, to relate this to the usual context of The Third Degree, consider the experience and knowledge possessed by the most senior members of your workforce.  Has your organization honored these individuals by learning and applying what they have to offer, both to current conditions and to any future situations predicted?
     There are several ways to do this, with varying levels of formality.  Senior employees can mentor those less-experienced on a one-to-one basis, or provide training to individuals or groups.  For those less skilled – or interested – in presentation, contributions to, or preparation of, written training material may be more suitable.  A little creativity will reveal other options that can be tailored to best match the skills and personalities of the employees.
     Regardless of the specific method used for each individual, the process is valuable to the employees and your business.  Capture their accumulated knowledge and express your esteem to employees before complacency, retirement, or other forms of attrition put it out of reach forever.  You may not fight oppressive or genocidal regimes, but you can always use help slowing the advance of competitors.

     If JayWink Solutions can help your business honor its valued employees, please contact us.

Jody W. Phelps, MSc, PMP®, MBA
Principal Consultant
JayWink Solutions, LLC
jody@jaywink.com