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We are all asked to help others in the business
community, and of course, we all try to make time
whenever we can. I think this story shows that you
really cannot predict the positive impacts to your
business objectives, beyond feeling good about
helping, that saying “yes” might provide.
While attending a meeting of the National Human
Resources Association (NHRA) in Orange County, I sat
at a table next to an extremely engaging fellow
named Karl Feierbacher. Karl explained that in
addition to seeking a corporate Human Resources
position himself, he was a U.S. Marine Corps reserve
officer and his volunteer work was raising awareness
about the talented individuals who are leaving the
service and can be great assets for good companies.
Karl made a very strong impression on me, as he
would on you. After the meeting Karl followed-up
with me and suggested we connect, an idea I welcomed
especially based on what a giving person Karl is
himself. As we in our firm often do, I took the
opportunity to share some ideas with him that I
thought may increase the effectiveness of Karl’s job
search, leveraging the learning from my own
transition experience and what I observe that works
for others.
I soon learned that meeting with Karl was more than
just helping a strong individual with a few ideas –
I was surprised to learn how much more it would do
for me. Unexpectedly, Karl asked if I would consider
speaking at an upcoming meeting of the Marine
Executive Association (MEA), a group of Marine Corps
senior officers who are transitioning from the
service into industry.
I was honored and truly excited about this
opportunity. Then the wheels started turning, and I
began to see this as a special chance to accomplish
a number of things important to me: first, to
contribute potentially valuable ideas to a group of
people deserving of my utmost respect; second, to
involve and work together again after many years
with my mentor and friend U.S. Navy Captain Ed
Whelan – whose own experience transitioning into
industry offers great insights; and third, to
develop a structured speech out of the message I had
been developing conversation-by-conversation since I
began as a consultant with McDermott & Bull – while
also providing the impetus I needed to launch myself
toward public speaking opportunities, something I
had long hoped for but had been too “busy” to
prioritize and get done.
So, on June 17th, Ed and I were pleased to visit
Camp Pendleton and address a very receptive and
appreciative group of Marines. In addition, a text
version of our thoughts will be shared by email with
hundreds of Marines/MEA members worldwide.
Had it not been for my discussion with Karl
Feierbacher about his career transition, I would
have missed out on some great things. First, I got
the satisfaction of contributing to the career
prospects of these great Americans. In addition, I
got another opportunity to work with Ed, a pleasure
I had not imagined having again. And if that wasn’t
enough, I have now re-shaped my messages into a
“Transition to Success” talk that I now hope to
share with other groups. I believe I got much more
than I gave.
I suggest you keep this story in mind the next time
you are asked to help. Feeling good about helping is
really enough, but you just never know how you and
your business might benefit.
Links and Resources
National Human Resources Association -
www.humanresources.org,
Marine Corps Community Services -
Whitejo@pendleton.usmc.mil for information on
Marine Corps transitioning personnel as resources
for your business. Jim White, Career Focus Section,
(760) 725-9481.
Marine Executive Association-West–
www.MEAwest.org
for
information on meetings for hiring managers and
transitioning Marines ready for management
positions.
Marine For Life Program –
www.MarineForLife.com for information on hiring
transitioning Marines across the nation.
Karl Feierbacher, Human Resources Professional -
karl_humanresources@hotmail.com |
