Goodwill for Good Works

And let us be concerned about one another

in order to promote love and good works.

(Hebrews 10:24)

Like many people, Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Love. Joy. Peace. Goodwill. Recently, I was watching the morning news and quickly became irritated about number of bad reports so early in the day. I almost turned off the TV, until I heard a story about a Christmas Angel: An elderly woman gave $5000 to a local retailer to cover the final cost of Christmas layaways. Her motivation: she remembered the year that her parents were not able to give gifts.

Here is an expression of love from an elderly woman, concerned about children having a Merry Christmas. As parents, are we teaching our children similar lessons about care and concern for our elderly? Growing up in Stuttgart, we did not give a second thought if a neighbor saw us out playing and politely asked us to go to Bowman’s Grocery, IGA, or Jimmy’s Quick Check to pick up a few items. We simply stopped what we were doing, walked to the store, gathered the requested items, and returned all left over change. As adults, we realize that those good works were valuable life lessons in developing ethics, honesty, integrity, etc. We did not have to wait until holiday season to demonstrate goodwill—it was expected everyday.

We have been graced to give our son a good life. As he enters the teenage years, we realize that we want him to have some of the same experiences we had growing up, purposely trying to avoid a sense of entitlement and instead, encourage the goodwill of character. We are advocates for preparing children for future industrial works, so we can begin by introducing them to some old-fashioned, hands-on work that can benefit an elderly neighbor. Here are some examples of good works that can be performed over the Christmas break:
Washing the dishes (or at least loading the dishwasher)
Raking the leaves (or at least using the blower and bagging)
Running errands (or at least asking a parent to drive)
Bathing the pet and cleaning out the kennel
Replacing the trash cans with recycling bins
These efforts do not cost anything, but time. Perhaps actually doing the work may spark an innovative method of performing the task more efficiently or effectively (wishful thinking on my part). And if nothing else, perhaps the effort may spark a future memory from a conversation held during the action or become a future source of motivation / inspiration during gift giving seasons.

‘Tis the season of peace on Earth, goodwill toward men. What are you doing to encourage your children to show concern for others by demonstrating love and practicing acts of good works? Let us know by commenting or sending me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Giving Good Works

Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—

pressed down, shaken together to make room for more,

running over, and poured into your lap.

The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.

(Luke 6:38)

I am writing this blog post on the evening that I learned of the death of a beloved world leader, Mr. Nelson Mandela. I can remember where I was on the day that he was freed after serving 27 years in prison and when I became a student of his great work. To go from prison to president sounds unimaginable to the faithless, but in his own words: It always seems impossible until it is done. Personally, my favorite Mandela quote is that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Education comes in various forms, as a process for acquiring knowledge and skills. Most people think of the formal classes we take to learn a particular subject matter. Personally, I am a hands-on-learner and subscribe to the conventional wisdom of “give me a fish and feed me for a day, teach me to fish and I will feed myself and my family for a lifetime.” Education, for me, takes form when I have real world experience and application.

As advocates of educating young people about the possibilities of future careers in manufacturing, we know it is just as important to begin engaging students as early as possible with relative application today. We want to give kids hands-on-experience in math, problem solving, teambuilding, assembly, and competition. Our proposal is to get more students actively involved in combat robotics. Latrobe has committed to becoming a sponsor of the National Robotics League competition to be held in Cleveland, OH on May 16^th and 17^th, 2014. (To learn more, visit the NRL website at http://www.gonrl.org/index.php or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GoNRL .) Personally, I have committed to getting more smaller school districts in my home state of Arkansas engaged in cost-effective robotics league programs. I have begun discussion with local educators and hope to have formal programs ready to launch (and fully funded) for the 2014-2015 school year. Our goal is to allow real world experience and application of manufacturing and science concepts for children who may otherwise not get the early exposure.

Pay-It-Forward is a common meme about giving, sowing into others without expectation of repayment, because of the blessings that have been bestowed upon you. My gift to the small communities that have nurtured me over the years is investing in our youth today, through robotics and other STEM-related programs, to get them to see the potential in careers in manufacturing. Personally, my hope is that a seed of good works is planted in the next generation of scientists and entrepreneurs. What are you giving to your community to educate and equip our children with lifetime knowledge to change the world? Let us know by commenting or sending me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Grateful for Good Works

Offer thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High

(Psalm 50:14)

Last week, we participated in two business expos. After fielding questions about concrete, grout, structural steel specifications, bonding capacity, and a strange yet appropriate concern for this region, the availability and reliability of drivers to meet material delivery schedules on already time-crunched projects, I was exhausted. Selling your goods and services while standing without the support of anti-fatigue mats for hours each day takes a lot of physical dexterity. I started to complain about my feet hurting; and then I was reminded of the old saying: I used to complain that I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet. Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to participate in these small business expos.

I am grateful for industry organizations who continue to advocate for small and disadvantaged businesses to become sub-contractors in large, multi-year projects. As small business owners, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of bid opportunities, so it is wonderful to have agencies working tirelessly to match prime vendors gaps with those of businesses available to fill niche needs. We have to vow to faithfully and actively participate in these networking venues to demonstrate to potential primes our desire to take on larger projects.

I am grateful for business partners and staff who continue to support and sow, not only in the work we have today, but also toward future good works. As small business owners, it is easy to be so focused on short-term metrics, resting on current performance and resource requirements. We have to remind ourselves that obedience is better than sacrifice, that networking is a requirement for getting the word out to potential primes about our value-added contributions toward reducing labor, time, and project cost constraints.

I am grateful for other small businesses who continue to mentor and pay-it-forward by recommending bundling and joint-venture proposals. As small business owners, it is possible to impose self-inflicted limitations on growth, thinking solely of our own capacity. We have to be committed and wise to the possibilities of synergies created from combining our resources to present to potential primes a turnkey solution, instead of our individual crafts.

It took an expo to remind me that instead of thinking about what we do not have in our business to offer thanksgiving and praise for what we do have. Through all of the trials and tribulations that we have faced in operating this business, we are still here, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I have witnessed a personal increase in faith as I remain committed to do the works I have been purposed to do. Though grace, I have witnessed the possibilities become realities when the focus is less about me and more about the collective we. I am grateful to the combined efforts and supplication of small business owners. What are you most grateful for in your purposed works? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Unseen Good Works

Blessed are those who have not seen

 and yet have believed

(John 20:29)

At last year’s Women in Manufacturing Summit, I learned about the “Dream It, Do It” initiative. This is a program launched by The Manufacturing Institute that “offers local manufacturers, schools, community-based organizations and other stakeholders the opportunity to partner with a respected national platform to promote manufacturing as a top tier career choice in the United States.” Recognizing that every region is different, the DI-DI program advances a national standardized brand that can be customized to fit the needs of the local workforce. As a follow up, I was pleased to see that in August 2013, my home state of Arkansas signed on as the 23^rd member as an avenue to address the growing skills shortage across our great state. To learn more about the national Dream It, Do It initiative, please visit http://www.themanufacturinginstitute.org/Image/Dream-It-Do-It/Dream-It-Do-It.aspx

The state of Connecticut has identified a need for more machinists, assemblers, and CNC tool operators. To gain the attention of future of engineers and innovators, and to leverage the state’s DI-DI program, October was deemed as “Manufacturing Month” to introduce middle school aged students to future careers in manufacturing. At featured events, students were given hands on opportunities to experience additive manufacturing, cutting tools, and 3-D printers. Grace Sawyer Jones, president of the local community college shared that one way to increase awareness is by exposing students to potential careers as early as possible. “It’s by having students who are looking to these fields long before they come to college. And more importantly,  the manufacturing businesses are here (in CT). Those are the parts that you bring together early in their lives, so they really have a realization of the possibilities.” To read more about the Connecticut manufacturing event, please click on http://wnpr.org/post/manufacturing-event-targets-future-workforce-connecticut-made-products?goback=%2Egde_4239561_member_5800678290263916544#%21

As an advocate for careers in manufacturing, I agree that we have to introduce the next generation of workers to the possibilities of sustainable jobs as early as possible. Many kids are not aware of the products that are machined or assembled locally. More importantly, as adults, business owners, and community leaders, we should begin to challenge these young innovators to consider the unseen good works, potential products that could be assembled and manufactured in the future from local resources. We should not limit our or their focus to the types of manufacturing that we see today, instead testing their abilities to develop solutions without the benefit of tangible proof from current technology. That’s what engineering and innovation and the next generation of job creation in manufacturing is all about: believing in what we have not seen and yet have believed to be possible. How are you engaging young people in your community to Dream It, Do It, to ignite their purposed work? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Hold Out for Good Works

All the days of my struggle I will hold out

until my change comes.

(Job 14:14)

As a young girl, I knew that my great-grandfather was a good provider for our family. By day, he worked on someone else's farm, and on nights and weekends, he built houses in the community. In times of plenty, he was able to create residual income from rental properties. In times of struggle, he could sell one of his well-constructed houses to a neighboring family. Well into my teenage years, I could look down and around Lowe Street and see the results of his good works. My lesson learned: knowing how to work with your hands dramatically improves your ability to never be without work.

The U.S. employment numbers were released today. 148,000 jobs were added in September. The largest gains were in the fields of construction, wholesale trade, and transportation and warehousing. (A summary by the Bureau of Labor Statistics can be located at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm). The unemployment rate held at 7.2%, which happens to be the near the average rate for a high school graduate. Consider these statistics for unemployment based on attained educational levels. Unemployment rates for

High School Dropout = 10.3%
High School Graduate = 7.6%
Some College = 6.0%
BA or higher = 3.7%
My lesson learned: having an education dramatically improves your probability to never be without work.

In spite of what has happened in recent weeks, I feel that we are on brink of economic recovery relative to jobs in industrial manufacturing and construction. While the manufacturing numbers remained flat in this report, my anecdotal evidence (based on my travel schedule) is that activity is picking up. Of the 148k jobs added in September, 20,000 of those were construction related. And if the Gulf Coast region is any indication, that number will see dramatic increases in the foreseeable future. Our bid activity also reflects this trend. For all those naysayers, growing weary from worry about the days of time and toil, my advice is simply to keep the faith and wait patiently. My lesson learned: holding out and enduring during trials dramatically improves your tolerability to never be without work.

In the words of Rev. James Cleveland: The way may not be easy/ You never said that it would be/ But when I get tired/ Can’t find my way/ You told me to put my trust in Thee/ Help me to hold out/ Until my change comes. That song gives me motivation to get through these struggling times on the journey to good works. Instead of worry, I put my hands, mind, and faith to work reading, thinking, studying, praying, and praising Him in advance for the accomplishment of His purposed work, learning to hold out until my change comes. How are you holding out until your appointed time for your good works? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Walking in Good Works

Whether you turn left or right,

you will hear a voice saying

this is the way, walk in it

(Isaiah 30:21)

Kenny Rogers is famous for singing: You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and know when to run. Have you ever been in a situation (work, church, or community service) where the mission of the organization no longer aligned with your personal beliefs? What do you do? Do you stay, because it’s comfortable? Or do you walk away, because the experience no longer has purpose in your destiny?

I have come to a place in my spiritual journey where I have to question the value of some relationships. As a self-proclaimed math geek, I like order of operations and try to apply the same principle to life: The people on your path to destiny should add and multiply to your efforts of good works, not subtract and divide. Some people have power, that in the natural, may appear to have the ability to help you to reach your destination quicker, but I am reminded that we should not put our trust in man. By faith, I am listening for the still small voice for guidance on the walking the right way.

In the natural, I think about all of the time and energy I have invested. Or I wonder what others will say about me. Or in the case of a business deal, I am fiscally aware of how much walking away will cost me. By divine intervention, I am reminded of the story of the king who hired troops from a foreign land to fight his battle, but was commanded not to use the army whose services he had already paid a price. The king’s obedience to the spirit was rewarded by victory. Simply put, obedience is better than sacrifice.

This is the way, walk in it. Grace and favor will guide you through various right and left turns that eventually lead to your destiny. When you have doubts about a relationship or a situation, let your conscience be your guide. Stick to what you feel from the spirit. This is not the time to start navigating by someone else's maps or expectations -- you could get lost.

Walking by faith means learning to trust in God, in spite of how it looks to others. Everyone has his or her own spiritual journey, so no one else can truly understand what you are experiencing. Sometimes people and situations shift and you will know when to hold ‘em or when to walk away. Instead of making an emotional decision, try listening for that spiritual voice saying this is the way, walk in it. How do you decide who is adding and multiplying your efforts toward your purposed work? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Purposed Work: The Light of Good Works

Purposed Work: The Light of Good Works: Let your light shine before children So that they can see your good works and glorify Your Father (Matthew 5:16) This little light o...

The Light of Good Works

Let your light shine before children

So that they can see your good works and glorify Your Father

(Matthew 5:16)

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Oh, this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. This song touched my heart as a kid, but suddenly has new meaning to me as an adult. In ancient torch races, the goal was to complete the race with the light still burning. I am constantly reminded that life is not a sprint, but life is a marathon. The race is not given to the swift, but to the one who endures. I do not have to finish my race first or fast, based on my self-inflicted timeline. Instead, I want to do the works I was commissioned to do, to be a light that shines through eternity.

It seems that everywhere I turn there is a 5k event. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For the life of me, I do not remember such communal involvement when I worked a corporate job. I gave annual financial donations, but I do not remember the most important thing, giving my time, or more importantly, involving our son in real acts of good works for a worthy cause. But since I have become independent, I am more aware of how the community supports this momentous effort. Even our middle school football team wears pink socks during the entire month as a sign solidarity and support. That’s probably what caught my eye: the number of children participating in voluntary games or voluntary races in showing care for such worthy causes.

I advocate leading by example, yet I have never attempted to run a 5k, nor have a challenged my family to participate. I asked my son if he would be interested in taking part in a 5k race, and he quickly retorted that he is a sprinter, not a distance runner. Then I had to remind him of the purpose of the races, to train to endure and complete, in support of the named cause. I told him the story of the ancient torch race and we agreed to run 5k before the end of the year as a family. I am excited. Before 2013 ends, our family will participate in a race, not for time, but to complete the event with our familial light still burning.

I want my light to shine before My Father and before children. I feel the best examples of grace that we can demonstrate begin at home with our own children. We try to involve our son in voluntary efforts as a sign of doing good works. Before the year ends, we have challenged ourselves to participate in a 5k. What are you doing to let your light and your good works shine before your children? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Self-Efficacy for Good Works

I can do all things through Christ!

(Philippians 4:13)

Yesterday, I was in a business development class and the facilitator told all of the participants to walk over to the window and in one little word, describe what we saw. Collectively, we blurted about a lot of tangible things in our view. After a couple of minutes, she reminded us of why we had assembled for the day, and prophetically, one of my class mates yelled out: OPPORTUNITY! When he said that, I was suddenly transformed back to that little girl who used to sing: I’m looking for a miracle / I expect the impossible / I feel the intangible / I see the invisible / Just believe and receive it / God will perform it today***. What happened to her?

I can tell you what happened to her. She started to believe that all of the miraculous things that happened in her life were because of her own self-effort. Self-efficacy is defined as the belief in one's own ability to complete tasks and reach goals. People with high self-efficacy tend to take on challenges that may appear difficult to others and determine the best plan of action, or process, to perform the work. Her motivation and drive came from learning to persevere and making it look easy to do the impossible. Success increases self-efficacy, so her response to questions about how she’s able to reach her goals: I can do all things!

Yes, I can do all things…but the most important words of that verse is through Christ. I actually believed that I could develop a new business model, unlike anything commercially successful in industrial manufacturing today, on my own self-effort. So I stepped out on faith, pressing toward what I believed was my purposed work, and for the first time in a long time, not reaching the goals in the desired timeframe. I was operating at a lower self-efficacy, yet seeking encouragement to continue the work. Just believe and receive it / God will perform it today. My new phrase: Through Christ-in-me-self-efficacy: Grace and strength to endure His purposed work and reach the goal comes only from the Holy Spirit, through increased faith that comes from a continuous prayer life. So on days when I am feeling fearful or doubtful about the progress or the process, I know the source of the helping hand that allows me to be strong and courageous to do the work. No good thing will He withhold from those who are called by purpose.

The end of self-effort is the beginning of grace. God cannot work where you have your hands. Through Christ-in-me-self-efficacy, I have the confidence to believe and receive the good works He has purposed in my life. What intangible or invisible miracle do you believe to receive? Remember: OPPORTUNITY. The sky is the limit! Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

***: I'm Looking for a Miracle lyrics by the Clark Sisters

Due Season of Good Works

And let us not grow weary of doing good works,

for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

(Galatians 6:9)

I can always tell when it is harvest season in Stuttgart. The whole town is busy with work. When I talk to anyone from home, somewhere in the conversation is a proclamation that Producers or one of the other mills is hiring. Though sometimes seasonal, there are employment opportunities for any one desiring to work.

I had two good aha moments of due season yesterday—first, when one of my cousins text me a picture of herself, clad in her Riceland uniform (so Vidia, if you read this, you share responsibility for bringing me out of my funk). Secondly, I was sitting in the airport, killing time between flights, when I saw a random picture of my late father-in-law in my Facebook newsfeed, reminding me that if I am still here, He has plans / work for me to do. I have been in a mood lately, tired and frustrated that work activities are not moving as fast or in the direction that I would like.  And that is when it hit me: do not grow weary of doing good works, for in due season, you will reap, if you do not give up. Keep pushing and stay in the race.

Everything happens in due season. I am in a pruning season currently. I do not profess to be a farmer, but spiritually I understand the process: He is cutting off every branch in me that bears no fruit. Meanwhile every branch that does bear fruit, He is pruning so that each one will be even more fruitful (John 15:2). This is an uncomfortable season, but it is necessary for years of continual blossom. I am having some natural experiences that I never would have imagined in my life. However, through faith and grace, I trust the process for gaining peace, wisdom, and understanding. I recognize that I am frustrated because things are not working according to my plans and where I think I should be at this point on this journey. However, I realize that God is breaking down my personal strongholds and perfecting me to do His work and to receive His glory.

Just as Stuttgart experiences every year, in due season, the harvest will come and the crop will be plentiful. It is natural to get tired, but the key is keep working and running. The race is not given to the swift, but to the one who endures. What do you do to keep from growing weary while waiting on your good works to bear fruit? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Numbers of Good Works

…You have given him dominion over the good works of your hands…

(Psalm 8:6)

The job numbers were announced this week. In August 2013, 169,000 total jobs were added and unemployment fell to 7.3%. Specific to manufacturing, the Institute for Supply Management reported the fastest factory expansion index rate since June 2011. It sounded like positive news, until I saw this graph, illustrating that 6 million manufacturing jobs were lost in the United States between 2000 and 2009:

 

There is a lot of talk of a resurgence in manufacturing, but is it realistic to think that the US can return to pre-2000 employment numbers in industrial manufacturing?
 

As I pondered about the return of manufacturing jobs, the first thought that came to mind: with man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. I thought of the story of Peter and his efforts to catch fish, resulting in literally nothing for hours. But with one touch, suddenly a divine intervention of time, place, and a mass of fish, allowed Peter to exercise his faith and obedience, by putting down his net, and receiving his reward for his service. If God performed that miracle for fishermen, He can do the same for manufacturing.

I live in the Energy Capital of the world. Pre-2000, one of primary deterrents of operating an industrial manufacturing factory was energy costs. Fast forward to 2012, and this region has started to gear up its construction efforts to produce more shale gas, natural gas, or heavy oil into usable products. The petrochemical industry in this area is booming and I can see the positive trends falling over into other areas of manufacturing: steelmakers, pipe and tube manufacturers, concrete accessories, and glass manufacturers. In fact, a recent IHS study confirms that manufacturing related to producing unconventional oil and gas will support over 500k jobs (or 4.2% of all manufacturing jobs) by 2025. To read the entire study, visit http://www.ihs.com/info/ecc/a/americas-new-energy-future-report-vol-3.aspx.

With the 500k jobs forecasted to produce oil and natural gas, there is still the matter of where will the remaining 5.5 million job derive. To be honest, many jobs will not come back. A significant portion of the jobs losses in the United States were due to productivity improvements in manufacturing. Larger companies who have invested in automation and robots are able to do more with less, freeing up resources to focus on more value-added activities like research and development. The goal is to innovate the next generation of industrial goods and services needed by the global economy. On the other hand, this effort to innovate is also in process locally, among smaller companies and communities.

I began this post questioning whether or not the United States could ever return to pre-2000 employment numbers in industrial manufacturing. Six million jobs is a large gap to close. As believers, we have to place our faith in The One who has dominion over the good works of our hands. We have to invest our efforts, time, and talent until we are commanded to cast down our nets to receive work that He has purposed for us to do. Feel free to comment about your thoughts on the return of manufacturing jobs, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Perceptions of Good Works

…whatever you do, do it from the heart,

with good will…

(Colossians 3:23 )

Today is the day we celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers! Notice the use of the word workers in the definition, because today is really about the good people who get the job done. So today, I dedicate this blog post to the millions of hardworking men and women who show up every day and give 100% for the cause. Happy Labor Day!

I ran into a college friend and former colleague from Cargill in the airport last week. We shared a few stories about our struggles and successes in getting to where we are in our lives and our careers. He said something that struck me: we may be raising a generation of children who may not be prepared to do better financially than the parents. When we went to college, leaving our small Arkansas hometowns, in many cases, the move was a step up for us. Many of our first apartments were better than the houses in which we grew up. Fast forward twenty-five years, and our kids may not have the same drive and motivation that we had. What happened in one generation?

During the flight, we talked about our similar backgrounds. We had real jobs in high school: he worked on his family’s farm while I worked as a hamburger hostess (fancy title for cashier at Mr. B’s). These were not perceived as good jobs by our teenage peers, but we showed up every day, learned some life skills, and began to develop a real good work ethic. In college, we HAD to work, period. We took various routes and jobs--many in our shared social circle have stories about working at either the Mexican Original or Campbell Soup plants in Fayetteville. These were not perceived as good jobs by some of our “educated” friends, but real bills require real hours and teach real humility and perseverance. We began our careers at Cargill after both graduating with degrees. These were not perceived as good jobs by some of our engineering comrades, but the starting salary was really great for the opportunities and experiences presented. We left Cargill in the mid-90s, taking different paths in our pursuit of careers in production. We have achieved executive level status and success, yet still encounter the perception that manufacturing is not perceived as good works. Manufacturing is not for everyone, but when you can look around and can see the fruits of your hard work and labor in the products, you feel the passion in your purposed work.

 

As parents, we have to instill in our children that you don’t just wake up one day and achieve success. George Takei gets credit for this illustration of success:

We have to demonstrate by our example that purposed work requires some key personal characteristics: drive, motivation, work ethic, humility, perseverance, dedication, commitment, and passion.  

We have to exemplify by our actions to the next generation of workers that social and economic achievement begins early, begins from the heart, and begins with a desire to do good works, and not what is perceived to please man. What are you doing to prepare your children to do better in life socially and economically? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Executing Good Works

US Airways has become my airline of choice as of late. Even with the inconvenience of knowing that I will probably have to connect thru the Charlotte airport, I appreciate the value tradeoff between time and cost. This week, as I was waiting on a flight to take off, I casually picked up the latest copy of the US Airways Magazine and was pleasantly surprised to read the 50 page spread introducing a large audience to the nation’s HBCU colleges and universities and their longstanding traditions of curriculum for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing) related careers. To read more about the schools, visit the full article found at

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/usairways_august2013/#/50

Just as I hope the US Airways article helps to shatter myths associated with HBCUs to a broader audience, I feel the need to do a better job of executing our plans of educating the masses about the good works and careers available in manufacturing. There is an information gap about the jobs that are available in the industry. Part of the lack of knowledge is that when people think of manufacturing, the connotation of a dirty, oily, smelly work environment comes to mind. Based on my experiences in manufacturing, I can tell you that:

§  Manufacturing productivity is at an all-time high.

§  Manufacturing jobs continue to pay very competitive wages and benefits.

§  Modernized facilities have excellent working conditions and plant safety procedures have improved.

There are typically four career pathways in manufacturing: production workers, skilled trades, engineering, and support/managerial services (which include a wide variety of functional, professional, and executive-level vocations). What are the typical functions of production workers, whose work is generally a measure of time and cost? In other words, let’s answer the question of what are the best entry level jobs and training to begin a career in manufacturing. For example:

• Assembly Operators tend to manually put together or operate equipment that produces a finished product (just this morning I have seen ads for jobs ranging from assembling Igloo coolers to super microcomputers).
• Packaging and Filling Operators set up or tend machines to prepare industrial or consumer products for storage or shipment.
• Material Handlers or Conveyor Operators control equipment or conveyor systems that move materials or products to and from various production processes or locations within the plant.

So looking at the job functions, I agree that the responsibilities are not exciting, initially. If you can read basic instructions, perform basic math operations, and meet basic safety/quality/production goals, then there are job opportunities waiting for you. What if I re-engineered the job description to read that we are looking for people for good works with the ability to Measure! Anticipate! Communicate! Correct! Execute! Would that get you more excited about the good works that are available?

Most people do not recognize the humility of beginning as an entry level production worker and advancing their way up to executive level. I have gained some of my most insightful experiences in work and life because I have been there, done that, and can call a spade a spade. I value time and cost, two essential elements for executing good works. What do you value, tend to plan/measure, in your pursuit of your purposed work? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Promotion for Good Works

…promotion does not come from man.

It is God who judges…

(Psalm 75:6-7)

It’s back-to-school season. We registered our son for the new year and realized that our family is entering a new season, with a higher level of expectancy. Middle School is a lot different than elementary school. Our first reality check came when we saw his class schedule. In 7^th grade, his courses include pre-algebra, conversation Spanish, robotics, and athletics. Initially, it looked like a heavy load, but after consideration, we realized that this was a reward for all of the previous hard work and efforts. He has been prepared for the new challenges. In other words, he has been promoted.

 

Promotion is defined as advancing to a higher level. Back in school, we learned via a pre-determined process. Our math teachers always reminded us to show our work, that way, there was a record to see errors in our efforts (for correction purposes). We became obedient to following the process in the given examples, and over time, we learned the material. Our reward was promotion to the next challenge, the next course, or the next grade.

 

Promotion, in life, follows a similar process. Remember all of those previous tests and trials? That served to prepare us for our pre-destined purpose, that painful suffering is where glory is revealed. Remember all of that praying about how to solve a problem? That served to remind us to place our burdens at the altar, that He opposes the proud but gives grace and wisdom to the humble. Remember all of the pressing ahead when there seemed no way? That served to remind us of our faith, that all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. Remember that praising when we passed the test? That served to remind us to trust in His process, that He who has begun a good work in us shall perfect it. Promotion for our good works requires us to pray, to press ahead, and to offer praise. In other words, in mathematical expression:

Promotion = Prayer + Pressing + Praise

 

At the beginning of the school year, our pastor reminds us of our responsibilities as parents: Raise your children in the church house, so that they can do well in the schoolhouse, never have to visit a courthouse, and one day, will invite you to their house (J. R. Adolph).  God will never give you a heavier load than you can bear. He gives you challenges to prepare you for your purposed work. What are you doing to prepare yourself or your children for the challenges and responsibilities that come with promotion to a higher level in life? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

"The very thing that makes the best female leaders very successful can also make them less visible." http://t.co/1Iy38oBdEq— Harvard Biz Review (@HarvardBiz) August 16, 2013

Ready for Good Works

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works,

to be generous, and to be ready to communicate

(1 Timothy 6:18)

I find it both disturbing and unacceptable that this country has 600k (yes, 600 thousand) manufacturing jobs that are not filled in this current economic season. I spend a lot of time in small-to-mid-sized shops and often hear business owners and operations managers say that they cannot find good talent to fill open positions. At the same time, I spend a lot of time in low-to-moderate income communities and often hear people complain that they cannot find good paying jobs. If the jobs are available and the people who desire to work exist, where is the disconnect? My theory is that there is a lack of awareness about manufacturing and career opportunities for non-traditional employees.

When I first started Latrobe, one of my goals was to increase consciousness among women and girls about the potential careers in manufacturing. As I have spent time in the field, my vision has broadened as I realized that parents, as well as young people in general, could benefit from knowing more about 21st century manufacturing, the cultural expectations of working in an industrial environment, and the work ethic required to be successful. As a result, our team developed a training and education program on workforce readiness in manufacturing.

What is workforce readiness? Our working hypothesis is to address how we can help to equip and prepare potential employees to be productive in a manufacturing environment. Employers are looking for more than just skilled workers with technical competencies. Most companies have on-the-job-training programs and procedures specific to their operations. Our workforce readiness training focuses on the critical skills required to be successful in industrial manufacturing environments, which differs from working in a service or retail organization. Interactive training and assessment includes the following:
 

1.      The four career pathways of manufacturing
2.      Manufacturing 101
(safety, basic shop math, gauging and measuring, and problem solving)
3.      Industrial Environment
(employer expectations, personal attitude and behavior, work ethic)
4.      Communication
(verbal, written, listening, social media, and networking)
5.      Life Management Skills
(time balancing, conflict resolution, and decision making)
6.      Financial Literacy
(job vs. career and the difference in lifetime earning potential)
7.      Prepare for Success
(resume writing, interviewing etiquette, proper dress/attire/hygiene)
8.      Onboarding
(matching prospective industrial employers with qualified entry-level employees)

I have to admit, that none of this training is rocket science. In fact, much of it feels like topics that should have been taught in high school. Employers expect young people to arrive with a core set of basic knowledge and the ability to apply those critical thinking skills in the workforce – but the reality is not matching the expectation. I know that not every young person will develop an interest and passion for manufacturing, so this training also serves to give those participants who successfully complete the program a confidence booster that they can succeed in this sometimes challenging environment. As parents, we have a requirement to make sure that our kids are ready for the good works available for them today and to prepare them for the future. My purposed work is to educate and inform about potential careers in manufacturing. What’s yours? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Repeatable Good Works

…the same yesterday and today and forever.

(Hebrews 13:8)

My favorite Maya Angelou quote is “when you know better, you do better.” I am learning some things about myself in this process of walking in my purposed work. One thing that I have realized is that I have to have order and structure. I get up at the same time every morning, I start my day enjoying two cups of coffee while I record my daily reflections, and I follow what’s on the calendar. The other day, I had a 6:30 am teleconference scheduled. One of the participants called me at 6:15 to ask about the dial-in number…before I finished e-journaling and drinking my second cup of coffee. After the call, I was driving to my next appointment and wondered why I prefer to do things the same way.

In a manufacturing environment, we say that a process is in control if you can predict the outcome. How do you increase the probability of success? The best method is to develop a repeatable process, where the functions are performed the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow. This allows you to monitor the progress, measure the performance, and make adjustments for further improvements. This same repeatable process methodology can be applied to address everyday life problems.

When I first made the commitment to blog, I was concerned about the time requirements to post consistently. We happened to have a visiting preacher at our church, and ironically, I had a hard time following his sermon. He delivered on style and pageantry…it’s just that my preferred learning method is for the preacher to present a three point message (introduce the subject, give three to four supporting facts from the bible, and close). This is the same process that I learned for writing good essays in elementary school. As I started to write more blog posts, I realized that I was following a similar pattern that allows me to have the order and structure I need for consistency. Since I practice writing daily, I noticed that I have reduced my process time for blogging from over three hours to less than an hour to come up with a topic, write the blog, edit (although I tend to update grammar mistakes throughout the week) and hit PUBLISH. The next frontier for me to conquer (besides grammar edits) is identifying a consistent day of the week to post, in lieu of this busy family and business season!

When you know better, you do better…the same principle applies in business and customer satisfaction. Customers prefer to transact with people and organizations that are consistent in the delivery of goods and services. Why? Because it allows them to predict the outcome and the probability of getting what they expected. Repeat customers tend to share their positive experience with others who could benefit from what you offer. Over time, the predictable outcome is an increase in activity, and prayerfully, revenue for the business.

How do you use order and structure in order to have consistency in your relationships with your family, co-workers, and customers? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

The Gift of Good Works

A person's gift opens doors for him,

bringing him access to important people.

(Proverbs 18:16)

Do you know the origins of the modern day handshake? I cannot say for certain, but all indications are that the gesture dates back to ancient times. One explanation is that in historic times, an outstretched handshake signaled that neither participant was carrying a weapon. In other words, I come in peace, to do you no harm. I started thinking about handshakes yesterday as I participated in a business development meeting and wondered how I gained access to the audience and the people in the room.

In my head, I hear the words: You were born with grace. That grace is your gift, a divine enablement that gives you confidence to do the work you are purposed to do. So, I sit in these meetings with companies that are much larger than Latrobe, who have more resources, yet I have no trouble communicating what we bring to the table. One of the exercises in the business development accelerator is to be able to visualize, write, and articulate the future state of your business three years from now. In other words, I have access to this audience, not because of who I am today, but because of what we are being prepared for…GREATER WORKS!!!

 

I used to be afraid to share my vision with others, thinking that someone might steal my idea and implement it before I could. As I learn more about grace, I realize that because my talents are enabled from On High, I do not have to worry because what God has for me is for me. My gift works only for me. Sharing the vision demonstrates confidence that I trust and believe what God He is doing through me. And when people see my confidence, they want to help. My divine gift, what I was purposed to accomplish, opens doors for me and allows me to meet the people who are pre-destined to enable these good works.

I have been graced to have audiences with influential people to discuss our vision for educating and training through workforce readiness initiatives. These are the decision makers who have expressed a need to fill manufacturing or industrial jobs, either today or in the near future, and have the ability to hire. We agree on the next set of shared deliverables and expectations and we shake hands, signaling that we are not carrying weapons (or competing). In this instance, concerns of harm are replaced with a shared desire to help both companies succeed and to improve employment conditions in our community.

Each of us has a gift or a talent that was divinely designed for His purpose. I challenge you to work your gift, operate in your grace, and watch it manifest into good works. What is your gift? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Preparing Kids for Good Works

Every writing which is written by The Spirit is profitable for teaching,

correcting, and training in righteousness;

that children may be perfect, thoroughly furnished for all good works.

(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

This weekend, we dropped our son off for his first sleep-away-camp. It sounded like a good idea, when he first got the invitation for the leadership academy. During the week of preparation, I realized that this was the first time that he would be away from us and not in the presence of our family, friends, or church members. I was a little apprehensive, until I thought about my first camping experience…

I was not a member of 4-H or FFA (Future Farmers of America) but somehow, during the summer between my sophomore and junior year of high school, I was selected to attend a summer leadership program at Camp Couchdale, near Hot Springs, AR. No one else from Stuttgart participated during the same week as me, so it sounded like a good idea to ride the camp-sponsored bus. My parents were told to have me at a designated gas-station at the Hazen exit on I-40 for pick up. During the wait, I realized that I would not know anyone once they drove away. I was nervous when I first stepped on the bus, but a group of kids from Cotton Plant immediately invited me to sit with them, and they became my friends for the week (and for a lifetime).

I researched Camp Couchdale to see if it was still in operation and I was happy to learn that the mission continues--to educate and inspire lifelong leadership through horticultural service learning. I do not remember much about the horticultural activities, but I do remember the impact of knowing that my parents trusted me enough to allow me to go to this camp and not wanting to disappoint them. Now that I am on the other side of this experience, I realize that as parents, we try our best to teach our kids to do the right things and hope that they follow suit when not in our presence. I pray that our son has watched our example of when we do not know what to do, we know who to call upon for correction and guidance. I look forward to hearing his stories about his camping experiences and leadership application.

My grandmother told me that parents know their children, who is a leader and who needs to be lead. I feel confident that we are doing good job of preparing our child and appreciate the confirmation from his teacher, who nominated him to participate in this leadership academy. I am no longer apprehensive. Instead, I am excited as my son takes an initial step toward his journey of leadership and training for his good works. What childhood experience do you remember having an impact on your desire to do good works? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.

Employee-Owned Good Works

Well done, my good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful in handling this small amount,

so now I will give you many more responsibilities

(Matthew 25:23)

I get to tour some fascinating manufacturing operations in my travel. Last week, the intended purpose was to conduct voice of the customer and market research for a specific industrial sector. When the visits were over, I realized that I was blessed to experience a rare phenomenon in my career: I interviewed employees from two companies that were both American-Owned and 100% Employee-Owned.

 

The premise behind employee-owned businesses is that these companies tend to perform well financially as well as stand out as an employer-of-choice in their respective communities. According to The ESOP Association, ESOPs (employee stock option programs) exists primarily exist in small businesses. Because I come from a large, corporate background, I was surprised to learn that manufacturing firms represented 22%, construction 13%, and engineering 9% of the industry participants (http://www.esopassociation.org/explore/employee-ownership-news/resources-for-reporters).

I walked away for the interviews feeling the employees’ pride in their work, not simply because of their jobs, but because of ownership awareness of processes, costs, customers, and market conditions. There was a sense of commitment to the entrepreneur who originally had the vision for the business (ironically, both companies were started about forty years ago) that has transcended over time to employee-driven innovation of premium, high value products and services for their customers and markets. Another big takeaway for me was a genuine concern for safety (for employees and consumers/users of their products) and on the impact to the environment. This did not feel like a company sustainability message, but a true desire to do no harm. This pride manifested, as indicated above, in that both of these companies are predicting profitability and continued growth in spite of the uncertainty of the current economy. To learn more about the benefits of employee-owned business for growth and job creation, read http://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/?p=6816).

 As a newly formed small business, I had not considered employee-ownership as a segment of the business model. However, this is a noble way to reward the people for their efforts in these good works. We used to sing the more you give, the more He gives to you, just keep on giving, because it’s really true! What a wonderful example of sowing into the lives and families of those who support the vision…who by becoming stakeholders may take on more responsibilities for accomplishing these greater works.

 
Are you a small business owner who participates some form of employee-ownership or profit-sharing? If so, will you share your experiences of the impact to your business, the community, or your customers? Feel free to comment, or, send me an email at latanyua.robinson@gmail.com. If you like this post and want to catch up on some of my previous discussions, please visit the full Purposed Work blog at http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/.