You’re Smarter than You Think

I’ll share an observation with you. In graduate school and later in corporate life, I met many people who had a special gift - the ability to communicate verbally. I envied people (I still do) who could talk before a crowd naturally and exude confidence. I wished often that I had the same gift.

I’ve always been shy, traumatized by losing an oratorical contest in high-school. People said I wrote a beautiful speech, but I didn’t even make it to third place. That sealed my fate. To this day, I’m still frightened about speaking in front of an audience and avoid it at all cost.

But I had another observation. When it came to writing down their thoughts, many were paralyzed. I discovered this huge gap between their ability to articulate verbally and to articulate in writing. Encouraging people to “speak up”, to “stand up and be heard”, and to “say it like it is” has given rise to a group of skillful speakers, some of whom can’t write. Alas!

For those of you who were born with the ability to speak publicly, make the most of it. You won’t run out of admirers. And for those who believe they’re better off writing, continue on that path.

There’s one situation, however, where everyone – no exception – will have to take pencil and paper and start writing: that situation is losing a job.

Find Out How Much is in the Kitty

Emotions can cloud our thinking so set aside some time to grieve and be angry.

After grieving, take stock of what you have. Just as families scour their garage and attics for things to sell after the economy turns sour, you should be “inventorying” your skills, even if those skills aren’t job-related.

For example, if you’re an architect but dabble in content management systems (CMS) for fun, do you know how many people could use your skills? People setting up web sites, managing large databases and setting up blogging platforms for clients need CMS specialists.

If you’re a gym manager but have been involved in fund-raising activities in school, you could offer your services in logistics, mass mailings, and public relations. Many charitable organizations need fresh talent and new blood.

If you work in a food distribution company and speak a foreign language fluently, your language skills could land you in some exciting work places like schools, community organisms, radio and tv stations, and in political campaign offices.

It’s ironic. When we’re laid off, our first thought is that we’ve become an obsolete entity. In fact, losing our job is the best time to find out just how much is in the kitty – or how much we’re worth. You’ll be surprised at how many hidden talents you’ve uncovered. If you’ve been working in a highly disciplined field like accounting or engineering, you could have suppressed creative juices you thought you never had.

A motivational coach related the story of a man who worked for 35 straight years as a carpenter. Then he had an accident at work and was advised to retire from construction. It depressed him because he suddenly felt useless. But after an hour’s conversation, the motivational coach managed to extract from him that:

· he makes the best artisan bread in town (he had been baking loaves for his church and giving them away)

· he makes fly-fishing gear for friends and supplies two fishing shops during the summer (imagine if he advertised his services)

· he once had a licence to be a home inspector (he reads blueprints as well)

· he refurbishes the faces of antique clocks (a skill he learned from a cousin) in his spare time.

What about you? Start your inventory and dig up those hidden talents. You could have a pleasant surprise!

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