Fighting Fires at Work
Copyright 2006 Marshall House
Out in the forest or in our neighborhood, we recognize a firefighter rather easily: a heavily-clad person, holding a fire hose, walking up or down a ladder, or performing some other tasks that reduce or end a conflagration.
Managers, consultants, and others are often expected to be "fire fighters." Here we do not wear hip boots ? although, come to think of it, this is a rather nifty idea. The water we apply to the fire is taken from our pool of resources and skills. We use ladders to reach our goals and comprehend the hierarchy. Fire fighting in organizations usually means solving crisis problems or calming interpersonal flare ups.
As a customer, I recently had a series of problems (fires) while working with a plant manager in a small company. I tried all the strategies I know as a consultant and manager and conflict mediator.
I even resorted to complaining about him to his secretary ? I shamelessly admit that I stooped that low. She responded with a trace of empathy with me, as she rose to his defense. She mentioned how hard he works. With that comment, visions came to my mind of the cat I had in childhood who chased his tail. He worked hard ? no question about that! He usually did not reach his goal, but when he did, he hurt himself.
In thinking of this plant manager as a fire fighter, here is the scenario that leaps to view in my mind: With limited facts, he looks like a fire fighter because he fights fires.
With additional facts, we discover that when no one is watching, he sets the fires that make him look like a hero when he douses the flame. So, the truth is he is an arsonist!
I do not want to imply that all organizational fires are set intentionally by the firefighters or by anyone. Many occur by internal combustion. Or carelessness. Or ignorance.
Or because something needs to be burned.
Inside or outside organizations, fires and firefighting offer a range of possibilities and growth opportunities. Fires and firefighting can be planned or unplanned. Fires can be destructive and/or purifying. Fighting fires can be draining and/or satisfying.
What is your fire? Are you a firefighter? An arsonist? Burned? Fired up? On fire
Escaping "Paid Slavery"
February 3, 2003 I remember that day well. I even celebrate it every year. That was the day I finally decided to make my escape from the Rat Race. For Ten years I lugged Welding Equipment up and down Train Car Ladders, doing the repair work on them so the company could make a fortune in their shipping business. Corporate downsizing required me to work 12 hours a day 6 to 7 days a week to fill the void of layed off workers.
And any complaining I did was met with the same response: "You should be lucky you even have a job". But the pain in my legs and back were telling me something different. It was telling me to GET OUT, NOW!
So I did (God Forbid we should listen to our own Instincts) But every ending is a new beginning. Thus started my two years of Internet Marketing Purgatory. Buying every product promising me financial freedom.
Throwing failed project after failed project out there on the internet while I paced the floor at 4:00 A.M. wondering how I was going...
Escaping "Paid Slavery"
Ladders > Escaping "Paid Slavery"
Dock Ladders
Dock ladders are used on docks to transfer material or people from the boat to the dock. They consist of several straight, simple steps. A dock ladder needs to be permanently fixed to the docks that are wooden platforms, sea walls or stationary docks with floating water lines. Most of these dock ladders come with hoop handles to make climbing in and out as easy as possible. In case the dock space is limited, it is a better option to purchase a ladder without handles.
Dock ladders come in a variety of models.
Some of them are fixed and some removable. Removable types can be lifted out without use of many tools and stored safely for later use. This helps in avoiding unnecessary exposure to water. Dock ladders can generally take up to 200 lbs of weight. But some special ones come for industrial docks that can take up to 500 lbs.
Dock ladders have a range of 2 to 10 steps to accommodate varying dock heights. For safety, dock ladders are often found in a yellow...
Dock Ladders
Ladders > Dock Ladders
With Pretendables Young Careerseekers Research And Role-play A Range of Dream Professions
The Professional SeriesVictor & Vikki: VeterinarianLet Victor and Vikki Veterinarian take your pooch's pulse or check Miss Kitty's blood pressure.
Acting as kindhearted vets, kids don lab jackets and sling stethoscopes around their necks while playing along with an interactive CD-ROM featuring veterinarians Victor and Vikki.
The two tend to their feathered and four-legged patients in their very own hospital and along the way take care of Mister Bulldog, Miss Turtle, Miss Python, and even scary Mister Lion. Through Victor and Vikki, children learn about a variety of fascinating animals, medical tools, and the various responsibilities of a real veterinarian.Peter & Peggie: PilotWith Pretendables, children can opt for a more "lofty" experience: flying a Boeing Jet. With a pilot's shirt, toy headset and airplane, youngsters can play along with Peter & Peggie Pilot.
Through the interactive CD-ROM, children will attend flight school to learn to become pilots.
Ladders > With Pretendables Young Careerseekers Research And Role-play A Range of Dream Professions
Graphic Designers Save Time Using Digital Camera and New Measuring Tool
LA MESA, CA (ContentDesk) July 17, 2006 -- Emerge Industries announces that graphic designers and sign makers report savings of up to an hour on every sign job using The Amazing Sticky Yard" Digital Measuring System.
For about the price of a tank of gas, sign makers and graphic designers can easily take measurements of any size object in a snap with a digital camera, a computer and the Sticky Yard software.