There's No Labor Shortage
I hate what the pandemic has done to our world.
From lives lost and families devastated to the erosion of humanity and the decimation of dreams for many business owners, the burden is heavy in life and business.
To make matters worse, this season of crisis has become a convenient excuse for some as it relates to work - a catch-all for lousy service and poor performance.
And the latest spin-off is a labor shortage. We hear and read about it every day. More jobs than workers, we are told.
It makes me angry.
And before you crack your knuckles and hammer out a nastygram to send my way, please understand this is not a political statement. I am tired of all that BS too. It's nauseating.
I'm talking about the overarching attitudes toward work that are wreaking havoc on businesses today.
I absolutely understand there are serious issues facing organizations from Main Street to Wall Street.
I get it.
I am a small business owner who came out of a big business. A labor shortage is not the crisis we are facing, and we should stop referring to it as such. How we language about our challenges directly impacts the solutions, we find… or don't.
We do NOT have a labor shortage.
We have an ambition shortage.
Some of you won't agree, and that's ok. We can still be friends.
I travel for a living, sometimes as many as 200 days in a year. Millions of other people do as well.
Every road warrior out there will tell you that travel isn't the same, but not for the reasons you might think.
The most significant change isn't how we travel… it's who is traveling.
Most of the airports I've been in lately are packed with leisure travelers and vacation goers—folks who don't typically travel.
How do I know?
They're easy to spot.
From security lines where they're patted down for not taking the loose change out of their pockets to the boarding process where lining up and waiting your turn apparently needs further explanation.
They are the same passengers onboard, pelting knees and armrests with their roller bag and whacking people on the head with their backpack every time they turn around to see why their roller bag isn't rolling.
There is a stark contrast between "non-travelers" and the pros who've mastered the intricate dance from concourse to touchdown.
Why is this important?
Because I'm a people watcher.
I've been watching and listening (read: eavesdropping) on the conversations being had among those jetting across the unfriendly skies lately.
Specifically, conversations about work.
Just the other day.
"When are you going back to work?"
"Why would I go back to work? I make more money staying at home."
Or this.
"I'm just not comfortable going back into the office right now."
"Where you headed?"
"Taking the family to Disney World for a little vacation."
Is it just me!?
(Didn't think so.)
Look, I'm not against supporting and helping those in need. We absolutely should take care of each other. Nor am I against taking vacations and enjoying life to the fullest.
However, conversations like these will bring bigger challenges to the future of work and the economy, and the quality of life itself.
How?
Think about it for a second...
On the horizon will be a returning workforce that has been out of the game for nearly two years. Skills, talents, disciplines, and habits are like muscles. They strengthen with use and atrophy when ignored.
We will have a new workforce of old talent. We will face a massive retraining crisis as a tsunami of employees flood the workplace with stagnant skills. (Don't get me started on all of the technology changes that have occurred while they were out of pocket.)
The net effect on everyone?
Higher prices for the same poor service while everyone is trying to get up to speed. The only difference will be an entirely new list of excuses.
I believe there is an enormous opportunity to win the talent game right now and create separation from the competition.
While most organizations are trying to entice players from the sideline of life to rejoin the game, great leaders create a compelling storyline that attracts top talent from the competition. They are using their story to draw them in. They show them how to grow to the next level and achieve their most important goals by joining forces with a new, more tapped-in team.
Listen, we live in a country built by hardworking people who forged this country with bare hands and bent backs. Perhaps we should get back to the fundamentals of greatness that give us all a chance to win.
The underpinning of all outstanding achievements is work.
As leaders, I believe we are responsible for using our influence to remind people why work is so vital to the human condition.
WORK...
Develops your strengths.
Fortifies your resolve.
Gives you purpose.
Grows your confidence.
Builds your wealth.
Expands your connections.
Creates your opportunities.
Protects your family.
Amplifies your reputation.
Models your values.
We were born to work.
We are here to make a difference and to use our gifts in the service of others.
Life is hard. It takes work, and yet it's always worth it.
There are endless opportunities right now for those who are willing to go to work on purpose, with a mindset of gratitude and optimism.
It is time to embrace a future that is rich with growth and prosperity, just waiting for those who are willing to step up and claim it.
Labor shortage or ambition shortage?
You decide.
This article is part of a series called The Hero Effect® At Work: A monthly newsletter to guide organizations in creating a culture of heroes at every level in their workplace.
My new book, Unleashing Your Hero (HarperCollins Leadership, October 2021), offers a guide to this future, inspired by The Hero Effect®, to help readers to get back in the box, dare to dream big, and become the Hero the world needs.
Head to pre-order before October 19th, and receive exclusive access to:
3 Superpowers That Make Good Leaders Great Video
50 Power Quotes to Make Every Day Extraordinary PDF
UNLEASHED Journal* (*first 500 orders only).
Copyright © 2021 Kevin Brown. All rights reserved.