Collaboration Requires Different Perspectives

 Skilled Trades and Vocational Training are important elements of the manufacturing base in the United States, as well as in the rest of the world. Recently, many government and manufacturing entities have come together to highlight the need to reintroduce skilled trades into schools. Offering a vocational path not only supports the business needs, but it supports the individual who finds joy in moving their body while also using their brain.

Parents. It has been my experience that parents hold children back from exploring Vocational Trades. They are afraid the child "won't get a job." Many in the current generation were told to get a college degree in order to "get ahead." Yet, many people in corporate jobs have lost them as companies change focus or location. Job loss is not related to degree level.

In this podcast, Kevin explores his past with a degree that did not serve him. In contrast, I tell my story of success through...

On a recent adventure, it was my son's turn to navigate the trail. The map was challenging. The trails weren't always marked correctly. We took solace in taking [A LOT of] trail photography. I discovered that he is/was fascinated by the snails. We're talking maybe 100 photos of these little guys along the trail.

When we discussed the snail, I loved how he recognized the importance of simplicity and resilience of carrying its shell on its back. It got me thinking...

What is resilience? It is the ability to overcome. Snails are able to hitch a ride to new homes by surviving being eaten by birds. It's an amazing and fun fact, and it's true. It is a great example of resilience.

Landing in a new area, snails already have their home with them.  Their self-reliance helps them survive being eaten and dropped, both literally and figuratively, into new situations.

As leaders, we need to look for inspiration for ourselves and support others as they develop their own resilience and...