Kay Stout

Local Oklahoma City Resident Recognized for Mentorship http://ping.fm/iwrk6

Captain Mike Abrashoff - - It's Your ship

Had the opportunity to listen to Mike today.  He was the keynote luncheon speaker at the Oklahoma SHRM Conference in Norman.   Here's a link to a youtube that gives an overview of what he accomplished.  Amazing results of his management style that changed the lives of 300+ military personnel.

As a member of the OKHR BlogSquad (#okhr)...I interviewed Mike after lunch.  In between signing autographs, here are the questions I asked - and the answers he gave:

#1)  What has been the most rewarding achievement since leaving the ship.  His answer:  Starting 3 small companies, one of which is owned by veteran who has minority contract advantage.  When I asked why he considered this achievement so important, his answer was:  I help create jobs for Americans.

#2  Where does he see himself in 3 -5 years.  Answer:  Continuing to speak to others so they'll know they, too, can be leaders who shape the future of those with whom they work.

#3)  How many of your former sailors stay in touch?  Answer:  200+ 

#4)  What is the key ingredient for success as a leader/manager?  Answer:  Be visible to your people, help them do their jobs and show that you care.

As he closed his speech, it was clear he still gets emotional when he talks about leaving the ship.  He did not have a big, audacious ceremony.  He looked them in the eye - said  "You know how I feel"  - - Saluted - - then got in a small boat to go to shore.  He later learned there wasn't a dry eye on the ship when he left.  That says it all.

Now that you've read the above, add this to the equation:  He did not select WHO would be on his ship - he had to work with what he had inherited. Hmmmmmmmmmm  so all those pre-employee screenings, hire to skill set options are only important if they're followed up with a leadership style like Mike's.  This book should be on your desk:  It's Your Ship - Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy. 

Parade Magazine - Low Cut Tops - Cleavage and Common Sense

I recently had the opportunity to sit and watch people come through the door to go to work in an 18 story office building.  Many of the tenant companies are recognized corporate names, but to look at the attire of the people coming through the doors, you would have thought most of them, especially the women, worked for the cleaning crew.

I made a quick check sheet - men on one side - women on the other with a plus or minus each time someone came through the door.  Of the 40 men who came through the door, 3 could have improved their appearance.  Their clothes were either rumpled or they looked as though they'd just jumped out of bed.  Of the 65 women who came through the door, 55 of them could have improved their appearance.   The numbers tell the story. 

Today, reading Parade Magazine, I saw the following question written by a man:

"Someone in my office wears low-cut tops that are inappropriate for work.  I don't know where to look when I talk to her".   It's a tough call for a guy.  If he looks - he may get slapped with sexual harassment; if he doesn't look at her - she may go to HR saying she is being ignored.

His question confirmed what I had witnessed.  Women want to be taken seriously, but their attire conveys an entirely different message.    Seriously!!!!!  Women do themselves (and other women) a tremendous disservice when they do not dress appropriately.  Professional athletes would not think of showing up to play a game dressed inappropriately.  They get it - and a paycheck as well.  The world of work is no different.  If you get a paycheck - dress as a professional.  For women, leave cleavage and short skirts for off-hurs; men - - don't flaunt your abs.

What we wear makes a statement.  Good or bad - it is a visual that says a great deal to the person looking at us.  I cannot ever remember having to look away because a male co-worker had ripped abs you could see because his shirt was unbuttoned, but I can't count the number of women I've had to advise because they didn't get the "cleavage/legs memo. 

The world of work is competitive.  If you want to play the game - dress the part.  Men you get an A+ in this category.  Women - - D- at best.