Little Boy Blue and The Man on the Moon...

I believe I'm on record for stating I like music and it tends to resonate through me in different way. Heard an old favorite of mine by Harry Chapin recently and reflected on some of the words. As a father I can certainly understand and relate to the juggling that has to be done between all the priorities that can get in the way of quality time with my kids. But, the words, "..He'd grown up just like me, My boy was just like me," made me stop to think. For whatever reason my mind drifted towards envisioning someone being exactly like me, yea I know, scary thought.

I wondered, is that a good thing...? Most definitely in the work place, I'm convinced that I'm not interested in "clones." While there are great advantages to having some similarities in certain areas, (hard working, dedication, commitment), there is still greater value in having surrounded yourself with those of different skill sets. My belief is that a good leader/manager will "hire towards their weakness"....that is, hire folks who have the skills in areas you do not. For instance, if you are strong in logic then hire someone who is strong in creativity; if you are rash or quick to react then hire someone who is more methodical.

The advantages to such a style I think should be obvious to most. One person can not be all things to all people....but together and if many diverse skill sets, personalities, etc. are represented, the combined effort (product) will most likely be more successful because it has the best of everyone represented. Not to say, one person cannot have great ideas that are of value, quite the contrary. I'm saying there is value to having a workforce that is not cookie cutter in design. We can learn from each other and I tend to believe that the more we know, the better chance we have to arrive at the best solution.

...now back to Harry....I continued my thinking about the work force in Technology Services.... I asked myself are we clones? ...do we all think alike? Quite similar to the outcome in Harry's song, (growing up just like me) and having a non-diverse work force or not taking advantage of the diversity..... is NOT a good thing

My conclusion is that no we are not clones....we do have DIVERSITY represented in our group. We have different skill sets represented, different styles, different goals/likes/dislikes/tastes/motivation/interests...etc. That is a good thing! As different as we may be...we are all similar in one distinct way---our desire to work for MDC. That fact has brought us all together in this place.

We should capitalize on taking advantages of our differences, but focus on utilizing what makes us the same....our desire to see MDC succeed. We should understand and recognize what makes each of us different and devise ways to utilize those differences to improve our output...our product...our service. For example, as a Developer, say you're writing code to help with a waterfowl hunter check in/out and bag check system and you've never hunted ducks. We have staff members who have....visit with them, understand how duck hunters think, understand the obstacles, the opportunities that present themselves....and as a result perhaps the application will be even better because you have a new level of understanding. The diversity of whom we have on staff can and will help in those cases.

We are a diverse group of individuals who share many common interests and the most common denominator of which is that we all work and love Conservation. Let's use that common bond to fully utilize our diverse skills, our unique personalities, our different abilities. I guarantee that if we do that, our products will improve.....noticeably.

So the challenge to each of us is--- what can we bring to the table to add value to this group. Each of us should understand our own strengths and develop the ability to see where those skill sets fit into the Team. Be an active part of the Team and use your different skills/experiences to improve the work we do. Give thought to how your past experiences can help? (Education and knowledge is a wonderful thing!) Learning new things from each other just makes all of us more informed and perhaps as a result, a better decision is reached.

...and although Harry's song didn't necessarily end on a happy note, I'm confident that if we all work together and take advantage of the work place diversity and learn from each other that this story line......will end much more successfully....

coming:....Telework, New technologies, Fiscal responsibilities, The Edison factor,

TAFN