Understanding Good Works

Wisdom is the principal thing…

and with all thy getting,

get understanding.

(Proverbs 4:7)

I have had the pleasure of taking a plethora of personality tests. The premise was that people who did not know me would have me answer a battery of questions, and based on my responses, he or she could assess how I might fit and function within an organizational culture. Off the top of my head, I recall tools used like the Meyers-Briggs type indicator (where I was classified as an INTJ, which stood for introverted, intuitive, thinking, judging personality type); the DISC assessment (for which I do not remember whether I was a more dominant, influential, steady, or conscientious type); and the CORE multi-dimensional awareness profile.

For the sake of time and space, I will not debate the pros and cons of any of these assessment tools. I will, however, use CORE to provide a summary of what each personality type may indicate. For example, words used to describe:
Commanders are ambitious, focused and extremely task-driven.
Organizers tend to be linear and logical.
Relators are loyal, trustworthy and caring.
Entertainers are enthusiastic, charismatic and energetic.

To learn more, visit https://www.coremap.com/

In looking at the descriptors, it is easy to understand that no one is all of any of the above all the time. My resentment with these tools was that I never accepted an assignment to a particular box or quadrant. I adjusted my fit and performance contributions to the situation. In my current season as a business owner, I can transform into any and all of these personality types in one meeting, depending on what I am attempting to accomplish!

I used the example of personality test to illustrate what I am learning on this journey of discovering my purposed work. The tools that worked successfully before may be irrelevant in new dimensions of work. In the past, I thought people sought my help because of my technical competency in manufacturing and my work ethic as the “go-to girl” who knew all the details that no one else considered important. These days, neither of these matter as I find myself doing more creative type of works than I ever imagined. Information requires revelation, so when I prayed, I received the spiritual instruction to stop seeking the external perspective of how others saw me and expected me to work. Instead, I am discovering new skills and talents. Wisdom helps me to see new possibilities.

Carl Jung’s work is the architecture from which many of these personality tests are derived, so it is only fitting that I use one of his quotes about the importance of understanding self in discovering your good works. What’s hidden inside of you waiting to be awakened for you to live in 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/.

Faith without Good Works...

…faith by itself is dead

if it doesn't cause you to do any good things

(James 2:17)

I am so glad that February is over. Within my circle of friends, it seems to be the peak to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), where otherwise high functioning, productive leaders fall into this funk about the current state of their lives. Perhaps it is the lack of sunlight or the inclement weather that zaps the energy, leaving self reflective time to feel sad. To prevent myself from having the winter blues, I purposely use the inside time to journal about where I am and what I plan to do (when the weather breaks) to reach my goals.

Every product or practice began as a thought. I remember when I started to have serious thoughts of leaving my corporate job. It was during a period of the frustration when my natural work did not feed my passion. I thought about an exercise that I learned at a leadership conference. The attendees were asked to consider the following questions:  

What drives you?

What disturbs you?

What do you disturb? 

Your passion and purposed work should reflect what triggers you to want to do good things.

Wanting to do good works is a first step that must be followed up by actions that demonstrate wanting and planning to achieve the goal. It is natural to become overwhelmed with the details of how and when, or the doubts of fear or failure. That’s why drive and passion so important in a faith journey. In the words of Margaret Shepard: sometimes your only available transportation is a leap of faith. Keep pushing to move forward.



Image selected from the “Because of Them, We Can” Campaign
http://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/

So it is March and I have shifted into consultant mode. When my friends call and the conversation feels depressive, I turn into a coach: What drives you? What disturbs you? What do you disturb? Stop thinking about and do something. You will never get past the sadness of not living on purpose. What are you claiming by faith and working to achieve in good deeds? 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/.

 

 

Strength for Good Works

I will lift my eyes to the hills,

from which comes my help and strength…

(Psalm 121:1)

http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/. 

For all who have emailed or asked about the status of the Purposed Work blog, let me assure you: I’M BACK!!! My lived experience is that it takes a solid year to adjust to a new community. In trying to balance the requirements of being a working wife and mother, a business owner, and a blogger, something had to give. Temporarily, I made the decision to use the time committed to the maintaining a blog to making sure that the needs of my family were exceeded. All is well and I am back with a renewed commitment to using this platform to advocate for workforce readiness for careers in industrial manufacturing.

In taking care of my family, I also took a little time to focus on me. It is no coincidence that I chose today to begin blogging again. Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary since my last post; while today, I pay homage to Whitney Houston, whose song became one of my anthems during the period of rediscovery:

 

I didn't know my own strength

And I crashed down and I tumbled but I did not crumble

I got through all the pain

I didn't know my own strength

Survived my darkest hour, my faith kept me alive

I picked myself back up, hold my head up high

I was not built to break

I didn't know my own strength

My strength grew from a personal experience with mercy, which I heard described as the outward ability to deal with pain. Pain comes in different forms. My pain came through trying to force a fit in a community that was not ready to embrace the type of works in which we advocate. No worries… stepping outside our comfort zone, or in this case, across a county line, we found the audience and market needed to grow where we are planted, in order to educate and prepare young people for careers in manufacturing.

For the past year, I rediscovered the source of my strength. Sometimes, temporarily stepping away from something you enjoy frees you up to rediscover what you are purposed to do. Expect to see more information shared, not simply about career options, but more specifically, who’s hiring and how to get the skills need to qualify for those jobs. Do you want to pass on information about industrial manufacturing activities in the area? 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/.

 http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/whitneyhouston/ididntknowmyownstrength.html

Encouraging Good Works

And let us encourage one another to love and good works

(Hebrews 10:24)

A year ago this week, I accepted the challenge of becoming a community blogger for the Stuttgart Daily Leader and sharing my Purposed Work blog in other Gatehouse Media online editions in Arkansas. At first, I wondered if I could really come up with enough content to post on a weekly, consistent basis. Fifty posts later, I can humbly say that it is possible because of the love and encouragement received. Thank you to all of the dedicated readers and commenters.

It took a lot of courage for me to expose the mountains and valleys of building a business and a brand, while attempting to maintain my primary role as a wife and mother. One the flip side, because I know that I opened myself to more people following the journey, I have had to lean on the knowledge that others are watching to give myself motivation to persevere when unexpected life events happen (like dealing with a major relocation). My faith has been tested in this year. However, the results of those trials have been exceedingly more than I ever expected or imagined. Thank you all for your virtual encouragement.

This blog is titled Purposed Work as a testament of the journey of releasing what I thought I would do through self-effort to receiving instruction for the work I was purposed to do through divine insight. At this point, I can say Thank You for unanswered prayers, for closed doors, and for earthly no’s because I am steps closer to a supernatural yes. On days where I am lead to places I never imagined, I forge ahead on the path, standing on the promise that faith, without good works, is dead. That blind faith and encouragement from those following the journey has allowed my business to grow into areas I never considered. Thank you all for your prayers and considerations.

One of the unexpected outcomes from writing this blog is the opportunity to mentor others in their efforts to walk by faith. I have received so many calls and emails and made so many new friends along the way. We encourage each other by sharing our stories of grace, mercy, favor, love, and humility in doing purposed work that does not happen easily but is needed to improve our communities. Thank you all for your service.

Sometimes you have to encourage yourself. Sometimes you have to speak victory during your test. And no matter how you feel, speak the word and you will be healed.*** Encourage yourself and others through love and good works. Has your purposed work led you to encourage others to persevere in their 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/.

*** http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/donaldlawrence/encourageyourself.html ***

Perfect Good Works

… He who began a good work in you will perfect it…

(Philippians 1:6)

 

My son has discovered a new word: meme. Everyday, he comes home from middle school, finishes his homework, gets a snacks, googles I-funny for the latest meme of the day, and shares with his dad or me what’s trending in pop culture (especially those that have a good video or animated GIF).  We comply, because we both realize that in a couple of years, he may not be as open with sharing the latest in his world.

Currently, he is into “Deal with It.” At one point, we were inundated with every “Keep Calm” directive imaginable to a seventh grader. One day, he noticed that I was frustrated about work progress, which is unfortunately a common theme because I want things to progress faster than reality, when he looked at me and said: Keep Calm. You are exactly where you are supposed to be. All I could do was smile.

Today, I have to remind myself of those words: I. AM. EXACTLY. WHERE. I. AM. SUPPOSED. TO. BE. I have been grounded more than I prefer this year due to the unexpected amount of ice and snow. As frustrating as that is, it has also afforded me some much needed time to reflect on the journey of where I am compared to where I thought it would be. God does not call the qualified, but he qualifies those whom He calls. I thought I would be focused in one area, but I have been chosen for some things never imagined. One of those areas is to be a witness and encourage others to endure and persevere as we live through the season between now and not yet. So

• to the grandmother who wants to work, but is needed to help with her daughter’s children,
• to the daughter who wants to practice her trade, but is needed to assist with aging parents,
• to the wife who wants to start a community program, but is needed to support her family,
• to the son who wants to open a restaurant, but is needed to work in the family business,

I am here to remind you that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. The vision for your good works shall come to pass. You have been chosen, but you have to have the faith to go through the process and trust that everything, including the setbacks and roadblocks, will sooner or later turn in your favor.

As I minister to you, I minister to yourself. Have patience that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. My job is to share with others that the road to purposed work does not always lead to where I planned to go, and to witness that He will perfect that concern in me...He who began the good works in me. Has your purposed work led you to the unexpected? 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/.

Expecting Good Works

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,

 according to the power that works in us

(Ephesians 3:20)

It is hard to believe that the first month of 2014 is already considered the past. This is the coldest winter that I can recall. Despite the gray and overcast days, my outlook and disposition for what is coming can only be described as filled with expectancy. In fact, I am having an EX-theme word season. To explain, I refer back to an older blog post from 2013 where my theme was GREATER:

http://ltr-latrobe-mfg.blogspot.com/2013/05/greater-works.html

Four weeks into this year and my world has been filled with subtle and overt examples of EX-themed prophecies of what is coming: EXCELLENCY! EXCEPTIONALISM! EXCEEDINGLY!

EXCELLENCY: By favor, I recently took my car into the dealership for routine maintenance. While sitting there, I had an epiphany about customer expectations for premium quality and service. For our business interactions, we used this word for robust, honest debate on whether or not our clients and partners see Latrobe as a premier industrial service provider. The internal response was underwhelming, forcing us to examine our work processes and our company’s Code of Conduct to explicitly include the following: Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your actions show integrity, dignity…

EXCEPTIONALISM: By grace, we have been operating for four years. Most days are not easy and we have made many mistakes along the way. But the shouting moment is that we are still here, despite some of the challenges that we have faced. I went to a bible study were the pastor reminded us that the will to endure and never quit is the basis for exceptionalism: But He chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; He chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; He chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring from nothing things that are (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). My explanation of what we have been able to accomplish in these few years: except (the root word), because He chose us... 

EXCEEDINGLY: By faith, because He chose us, the expectation is that our self-efforts are not required to do the good works that He is perfecting in His time. The harvest will be abundantly more than anything we could have imagined, because He is able to do exceedingly (Ephesians 3:20).

Expectancy is one of EX-theme words that I am using in 2014 to describe my purposed work. Despite the cold temperatures that have momentary slowed the pace, we are preparing for a harvest that includes excellency, exceptionalism, and exceedingly more than we could have imagined for our customers and our communities.  Do you have any EX-themed or guiding principles to align with your good works in 2014? 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/.

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/.

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 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/.

Stress-Free Good Works

In all things, show yourself to be an example of good works.

In your teaching, show integrity, dignity, and sincerity.

(Titus 2:7)

Every weekend in July has been committed to reunions of sorts. We have invitations to gather with family, classmates, community, and friends to celebrate. There was a time in our lives when we would limit such interactions, claiming that we were too busy or coming up with some excuse. However, now we are at a point in our lives where we recognize the importance of celebrating and making sure our son knows his village.

One of the things that I hear most from family and friends is how relaxed I appear. I will be the first to admit that since I left corporate America, I have a sense of peace and purpose that I did not experience in my former work. The pressure to live up to a standard model of success that was never meant for me took a toll on me physically. I laughed when I did a search for studies and articles to support this post and found titles such as “how women experience stress: what the research tells us about feeling anxious or sad,” “chronic stress linked to health problems for middle-aged women,” “stressful jobs could leave women unlucky in love,” and my favorite: “stress decreases attractiveness in women’s faces!" Really? So I am happy to tell my story of being graced to focus on my purposed work, which has allowed me to release stress and to start living my life like it’s golden! Ain’t it funny that the way you feel shows on your face…no reunion is complete without timeless EWF music. I dare you to listen to this song and hold on to stress or sadness (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiMH6MegYEY)

There are a lot of triggers of stress in the workplace. I started to exhibit signs of stress when I knew it was time to step into the work that I was purposed to do, although I was not committed to do the work. I was doing a job that had a lot of man-made and self-inflicted deadlines, except it had nothing to do with my destiny. When I accepted that all things work for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose, I realized that all of my experiences had prepared me to walk by faith and focus on my good works. Since then, I have a different kind of worry, save I have peace that the work is from the heart, sincere. More importantly, I found balance to relax and celebrate the good times.

Stress is a natural part of life. Sometimes, its purpose is to trigger a need for a change. Can you identify the stressors that you need to release in order to focus on your purposed work and your personal race? Remember, stress bears no remedy for the problems in your life, so while you’re running your race, keep a smiling face! 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/.

Remembering Your Good Works

Though your beginning was small,

your latter will be greater…

(Job 8:7)

Our college advisor used to remind my sorority sisters to “remember from whence you came.” I gave Dr. Clark credit for this nugget of wisdom until I read a James Baldwin inspirational quote: Know from whence you came. If you know whence you came, there are absolutely no limitations to where you can go!

Bishop Jakes has a sermon about saving the scraps. The story is taken from the miracle of feeding 5000 and collecting the twelve scrap baskets of leftover bread and fish (Mark 6:42-52). The morale of the sermon is that the scraps are not to be eaten on the boat, but to remind you that when you are in the middle of a storm, of what your God can do, as evidenced by the previous miracles. It took me a moment to understand this message, or to slow down to remember some previous times He made a way for me go and grow. Every step in life has a purpose and requires you to go through The Process.

I have been in business for myself for three years now. The other day, I saw an old check stub from my days in corporate America. I had a momentary thought that maybe it would be easier to just go back to working for someone else. However, I remembered the leftover scraps of imbalance in my purpose of being a good wife and mom and in fulfilling my purposed work. Then I remembered how far we have come in three years. Yes, we are small today, but because of God’s grace, we have made remarkable progress and have accomplished more others gave us credit for being able to achieve. I stand on the promise that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, what God has prepared for them that love Him. By remembering from whence I came, I have the confidence to wait patiently and go through The Process.

I have a box that I call my treasure chest where I keep pictures and small mementos of my life’s journey. All of the memories are not happy, but they are keepsakes that remind me that even with life’s obstacles, I'M STILL HERE, so I am victorious. Someone once asked me why I hold on to some thoughts and trinkets from the past and the answer is simple: when I get to a place in my present when life feels heavy, I can go to my treasure chest and pull out a past reminder of something that I thought was the best, or even the worst, and remember from whence I came and know that my latter will be greater on my journey to good works.

I have a treasure chest of remarkable gems that I go to when I need inspiration for the work I am purposed to do. What do you use to remember how far you have come on your journey toward fulfilling 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/.

Who Benefits from Your Good Works?

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas.

She was always doing good works and acts of charity

(Acts 9:36)

March is Women’s History Month. It’s 2013 and I am both confused about the debates over protecting women from violence or protecting women’s reproductive rights, while I celebrate Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the historical number of women elected to office or running major corporations. As a working mom, I know that we are making progress and preparing a better way for the next generation of women leaders.

In my own industry, I see phenomenal changes taking shape. In 2011, I participated in the inaugural Women in Manufacturing conference. It was rewarding to network with high-powered women who shared my passion and experiences. I left the 2012 conference feeling less enthusiastic. It appeared to me that affluent women had decided to become champions of manufacturing by using their position to influence policy. Their efforts are sincerely needed, however, I question if a person who has never worked in the environment understands the real world needs. I was actually turned off when I heard references to the “pink ghetto,” a take on a term assigned to jobs or functions typically filled by women. In their minds, it is not enough that women are ascending to C-level appointments in functional areas like human resources, finance, and marketing—that more women are needed in research and development, engineering, technology. The premise is true, but my lived experience is that the road to CEO is through the financial/commercial side of the business, not the operational side.

I was frustrated because the affluent women most likely to have a voice in the political world are least likely to know what really happens in the lower levels of manufacturing. One of my favorite songs has these lyrics: You don’t know my story. You don’t know the things that I’ve been through. These women do not know my story of a college educated, front line supervisor/manager in manufacturing,  and what it is like to work in a wet, sub-50 degree turkey processing plant, taking both vitamin B (to ward off pain in my hand from holding a knife for hours at a time) and vitamin C (to prevent colds) tablets daily or to work twelve hour shifts or to be pregnant and trying to navigate across a production floor covered with hydraulic fluid. These are the jobs you take throughout your career to prove yourself, to get the real experience to qualify you for those promotional opportunities en route to the C-suite or corporate board appointments.

I thought about this after last week’s controversy surrounding Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, and the flack she’s catching for her presumed inability to understand the challenges of women less affluent than herself in attaining professional achievement and financial prosperity. I applaud her attempts, but I question if she understands that it takes more than Lean In Circles for women to achieve their professional goals. To learn more about Sandberg’s movement, visit her Lean In community at http://leanin.org/

My self-reflection is asking what I am doing in preparing a better way for future leaders in manufacturing and technology. I can turn my frustration into a voice in the community I work and serve. I can use my participation in industry associations to discuss real world needs. I can mentor young women, advising them of career possibilities and sharing my experiences of navigating in and out of functional assignments. I can share with them the benefits of the work I have been graced to accomplish.

Sidenote explanation of the scripture reference: I remembered that my club alias, back in college, was Tabitha. Little did I know then that the name represented a woman of the bible or that the name is synonymous with a woman who does good works (Acts 9:36).

 

 

How Will You Measure Your Works?

What must we do to do the works God requires?
(John 6:28)

It’s been almost three years since I left my corporate job in pursuit of my purposed work. Rarely a week goes by without a LinkedIn request to join a former colleague’s network or an inquiring email to see how things are progressing. Today, I was honored to receive a call from one of only a handful of female executive peers (she has a PhD in Material Science) who wanted to talk to me about my experience as an entrepreneur. She informed me that my exit email (of which I had forgotten) had an impact on her.

I honestly don’t remember my parting words, so when I found an archived copy of the 2010 email, I smiled at what I had written: I wish you and the team all the best. As leaders, I challenge you to consider your personal measure of success. To guide you in the thought process, I am attaching a recent article published from Clayton Christensen, known for his research on disruptive technology and well as management practices. Today, that article in its entirety is no longer available (without purchase), but here’s a link to the Executive Summary: http://hbr.org/2010/07/how-will-you-measure-your-life/ar/1

Christensen’s theory is that your best business thinking should not be reserved for your career, but should be applied to your personal goals. He is an openly religious leader who uses his own faith-based experiences to get his students to think introspectively about their purpose by asking: First, how can I be sure that I’ll be happy in my career? Second, how can I be sure that my relationships with my spouse and my family become an enduring source of happiness? Third, how can I be sure I’ll stay out of jail? (To appreciate the third question, you have to read the article.)

I have used a bit of Christensen’s roadmap in determining how I measure the success of my works. A few of his guiding steps that resonate with me include:

1.      Creating a strategy for your life.

2.      Allocating your resources.

3.      Remembering the importance of humility.

4.      Choosing the right yardstick.

As I continue this journey of faith, I know that progress is not about my natural abilities. My personal measures of success are no longer tied to the title on the organization chart or the income bracket. My time and resources are no longer prioritized by corporate or community politics. Today, I measure happiness and success relative to my husband and son. Three years ago, these were not my goals and objectives. However, when I look at how far we’ve come, or how many people are encouraged by the testimony of our works, I know we are on our way to doing the work we are purposed to do.

No matter how many mistakes you make or how slow you progress,

You are still ahead of everyone who isn’t trying-Unknown.

Note: I encourage you to read Christensen’s 2012 New York Times Best Seller book How Will You Measure Your Life that was written as a result of the above mentioned article. To learn more, visit
 http://www.measureyourlife.com/