Job Opportunities.. In Michigan ?
I find it very interesting that it was just a couple of years ago that Michigan was perceived to be laying on the mat with the referee counting 7…8…9…….9.5! And now it is almost daily that people are discussing recruiting, whether it is ‘vets’ or ‘Genxers’ or retaining talent that might be pirated by other businesses. There are even discussions about work coming back on shore, because the Chinese can’t get it right. Maybe those of us who have been through these situations before, just have to speak a little louder than the media and say you can’t count us out!
 LET US BUILD IT
We are pretty resilient and we have a special knack that is called “innovative”. We just need time to pick ourselves up and look around and see the opportunities that are out there. I heard a person say today that we may not be on the top of the list for skills whether it is math or science, but we’ve got more confidence that any country on earth. Some people refer to that as “chutzpa”, others may say arrogance. Not sure it matters; the end result is we end up with innovation of one type or another. Then we go out and sell it. The rest of the folks buy into it and once again we are the leaders.
There are lots of leaders in Michigan, and they become known in various ways. Maybe they are shaped a bit by the struggle to rise up, but when they do show up, they make great contributions that we all benefit by. Just think what would happen if we took the pains to identify these people early on in their careers and allowed those with that special something get the training, or education or exposure and support them as they grow instead of letting our preconceived notions get in the way. This might be diversity of a new type.
 HERE IS A NEW IDEA.
Not all new ideas will make it, but a little experimentation might turn into the next best thing or make an old organization sustainable instead of fading away. How about you and I keeping a list of new ideas in some fashion, putting a date on it, and see what happens. The optimism can be catching. And studies have shown that smiling and optimism avoids heart attacks.
So! Any ideas?? What have you got to lose? Post them here!
Job Classifications
 Ardon Schambers,
Progressive Ideas
The process of job classifications has been a mainstay of Human Resource practice for many years. Every now and then, we see articles that say this is an archaic approach and doesn’t serve the organization well. The emphasis is on flexibility and fluidness to meet the fast paced changes that the organization has to deal with. It’s a little like saying, “Let’s not use job titles”. Progressive organizations don’t want to lock in titles because there is baggage and problems that come from such practices. Having no title is more egalitarian.
 Downsides
There are many problems with these open-ended classification strategies. For example, people dealing with these unclassified individuals don’t know their role or authority. The employees don’t have their responsibilities clearly articulated, so they may be held accountable for things they don’t know about or when they step over the lines. It also becomes a problem when you begin to search for people with the skills to do what the boss expects. We are seeing more of this as jobs get stretched to lower costs and reduce the number of employees. It is also becoming more difficult to determine the appropriate pay for people with unusual responsibility job sets. What is the right pay in comparison to the market and those in the organization becomes an essential ingredient in employee retention.
Don’t forget, there is still a responsibility to be in compliance with labor regulations, such as FLSA, for overtime, and to be able to classify employees for EEO compliance, etc. The government doesn’t warm up to these new fangled ideas real fast.
Don’t Be Afraid
It is really important to understand all the ramifications of employee practices, and make sure they are well thought out. Make sure it isn’t a methodology to avoid delicate decisions. Good policies and practices require maintenance and tweaking from time-to-time. They do bring order to an otherwise arena of chaos.
Social Media Reaches Strategic Level
 Its Everywhere Yesterday, we were assisting a client with their Strategic Plan, using our Strategic Achievement Index© system support tool. The tool helps organizations establish priorities, timelines and measurement methods for those critical goals that will drive the organization forward over a period of time. Our system helps the client focus on the critical components of their operation and defines the specific projects that will support the stated measurable goal for each component. Historically, we see components such as Finance, Human Resources, IT, Operations, Customer Service and Sales/Marketing or perhaps Capital Development in no-profit organizations. In the sales and marketing component the focus is frequently on reaching a particular sales volume, a certain penetration of a business sector, setting up a new sales compensation system etc. However, we are seeing a new emphasis in recent months. The number of projects that involve some form of social media strategy is gaining a much higher profile. It is being viewed on a level similar to new processes or products.
Level of Understanding
In our client meeting it was certainly seen as a critical tool and there was acceptance that it would play an important role in meeting major organization goals. The interesting aspect of the meeting discussion was how each member of the committee was using the tools and their level of understanding on how to use the various elements of social media. This client is a non-profit organization, so the committee members came from a variety of organizations, each with different applications and various degrees of understanding. But they were all involved with it. Clearly the concept of social media had arrived and was to be instrumental in this strategic plan.
 Increasing your Knowledge We see the application on many fronts in our work with Human Resources Consulting and have decided it is notable enough that we have included it in our up-coming event Ask-the-Pros Q&A Forum. In the event, clients and other interested business owners and those in leadership positions get to ask questions of our pros in the four disciplines of Social Media, Legal, Insurance and Human Resources. Should be an interesting evening. No costs, no lecture, no sales pitch, just information.
Equal Pay Day For All?
 Last week we had ‘ Equal Pay Day’ as an official day to recognize variations in pay between men and women. www.dol.gov/equalpay. So I’d like to comment on the matter as a person involved with the issue for many years. I choose not to say how many, for fear you might discriminate against me, a person in a protected class. This a no-brainer and an issue that should have been put to bed a long time ago. It doesn’t matter whether we are talking about women or minorities or maybe even in the two tier pay systems that are developing as companies are trying to get costs under control to remain competitive in an international market. The basic issue is fairness that seems to be raised in just about any context, whether we are talking about pay, taxes, being in the 1%, job opportunities, profiling for speeding tickets or airport security. The issue happens because a new group of people come into play, or a new circumstance develops that must be considered. Almost in any case the solution of how it is handled becomes the critical factor. People want to be handled in the same manner as those perceived to have the better circumstance. Those who do have the better circumstance believe they earned it and programs designed to bring equality are ‘give-aways’ and not fair.
 Solution So is there a solution? Maybe not, or at least not one that is 100% acceptable to everyone. However, I believe there are some critical steps that might be in the right direction in every case. 1. Admit there is a problem 2. Commit to resolving the issue 3. Determine a reasonable timeframe for implementing the solution. 4. Concentrate on the transition process. (This is the one most often over looked) For example in the case of unequal pay. If pay is distributed based on a standard process that is tied to the same base for all employees (not their salary), over time the inequities will be minimized. Starting salaries for women or minorities may be different based on what they bring to the job, but what they do on the job has to be viewed impartially and paid accordingly. That becomes fair, and over time you achieve equality. HELP ME – HELP YOU Got a good and fair solution – please share it. Perhaps we can add it to our up-coming Comp Basics program under construction.
Governor Snyder says we have his attention!
 Workability In Michigan is an organization of volunteers from a variety of professions who share the common goal of preventing needless work disability and helping people stay employed. Recently, a team of volunteers with Workability in Michigan (WIM) sent a letter to Governor Snyder. The intent was to draw his attention to the mission and resources available through WIM, and push for action to bring a heightened awareness of Return to Work / Stay at Work initiatives that will save Michigan and Michigan businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Governor responded, and at light speed. The WIM volunteer team was told “you have the Governor’s attention” within hours of submitting the letter. The next step for WIM is to coordinate with the State of Michigan to become a good example of how to manage disability better with state employees. Once that process is under way, WIM will work with the state to promote best practices in managing disability to businesses within the state. The intended result is the State, as one of the largest employer in Michigan, takes the lead in cutting enormous costs and brings significant credibility in championing the initiatives. For more information on Workability in Michigan, go to http://www.workabilityim.org.
Ford Museum Health Care Presentation 4-11-12
 Highly Informative Last night I attended the Ford Museum presentation Health Care: What We Want, What We Need & What We Can Afford. The presenters, who expressed “opposing” views, and the moderator, were all very knowledgeable well credentialed people. The program was very interesting and informative, as you would expect. Of course it centered on the Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act (PPACA) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patient_Protection_and_Affordable_Care_Act) and associated Supreme Court legal process. As background they discussed the history of how we got to this point; a long torturous route. Each side quoted surveys and analysis that supported their point of view. Ever the less, it was of value to hear both sides presenting their case with more than just sound bites. I of course believe the presenter that supported my views had the most valid arguments. However, the other presenter did get me thinking about some of the other side’s position. So that is a good thing.
 The Audience
But perhaps the most interesting part of the program resulted from the audience questions and the related responses. If I could sum up what I thought I heard was that folks want the issue of health care cost and services to be fixed. One presenter said surveys showed that most individual elements of PPACA are very popular and will likely be more respected once we get to 2014 when most elements “kick in”. This assumes it will still be constitutional. But the general impression is this is not good for the country as it stands. However, they feel that the real culprits in this process are the politicians. They have done a lousy job, special interests seem to be first consideration, and they are playing political games, rather than really trying to solve the problem.
 The Take Away
Each fix to the health care situation adds another layer of complexity, because we are not good at the issue of transition and we have the wrong priorities. The fix should be patients first, cost management second, institutions last and war after health. Applauds from the audience seem to support this strategy.
So, How About 'dem Ducks?
Time Is Passing, So, Get it Done!
What am I talking about? Preparing for the next stage in your life, that’s what! Younger people know the steps that are required, if they are going to make something of their life; study, go to the right school, do an internship, join the army for training or do an apprenticeship, etc. But once you start to work through the career, life sort of takes over and the planning stops. Then we get to middle age, whatever that is, and we begin to wonder what we are all about and maybe question earlier decisions. We may even think seriously about changing a few things. Generally these are pretty narrow in their focus.
The most typical broad focus change usually takes place when you retire. For many, the issue of retirement comes when you hit some milestone that triggers a financial lever, and you perceive you can get by without working. For some it is a medical matter that becomes the trigger. For few it happens when they have their “ducks lined up”. This latter group is pretty small. But, it doesn’t have to be.
 What Is The Strategy?
There are two methodologies:
1) Work on a “Bucket List”
2) Paint a Picture
The first strategy is often a bit fragmented, in that the items on the list may be unrelated. But it has good possibilities. You’ve identified a number of goals. That is the most important part. However it requires a few more things. The list has to be reviewed on a regular basis, at least annually, if not more frequent. It needs to be supplemented and culled as your interests change. Next you have to set priorities. Then you have to set a timeframe. Now, you have to put the plan in place: Line up your ducks.
 The second strategy, typically involves constructing a flushed out scenario of what the next phase of your life plan is going to look like. This is usually more integrated than the bucket list and therefore perhaps a bit more complicated, but not necessarily more difficult to achieve. It requires more up-front thought, and more vision. Following this “picture” it is necessary to fill in the particulars with objects, colors, and shading. Now that you know what it looks like, you follow the same methodology as the bucket list, review, modification, priorities on filling in the picture and timelines. Some people refer to this as pre-retirement planning. Perhaps that is a misnomer, it depends on the plan, and how you view what you have been doing for a number of years.
 Line up your ducks! Pre-retirement Planning
Is this a company program or your program? Smart people and smart companies integrate everyone’s elements and needs. My next article for the Grand Rapids Business Journal, will explore this topic in a bit more depth.
Medical Adventures Part III
Not all medical experiences are life or death options, but of course those are the ones that you hear about and they get your attention. When the medical event occurs outside your home area or perhaps outside your home country, it makes you stop and think about how much we take for granted. If it is a real emergency such as an auto accident or a heart attack, the local system, however structured, will usually kick in, and hopefully resolve the situation effectively.
When you don’t have a known Doctor to call and your medical degree is a bit lacking, what alternative do you have. We frequently hear about how “illegals” or those without insurance are driving up the cost of care, because their resource is always the emergency room of the local hospital. Perhaps this matter will be resolved as the Supreme Court works through the arguments regarding the Patient Protection & Affordability Care Act (PPACA). However, if you have insurance but you don’t want to go to emergency or you are in a location where the emergency room is not close, what do you do?
 Don’t forget this Option
If you have been following this blog, you know I’m in Costa Rica, so I, like many Americans these days, am getting exposed to a new set of rules when they leave the country. However, I’m also learning that maybe I can apply some of these lessons back home.
There is a link in the medical chain that I think many of us, often overlook. It is the pharmacy. For many of us the pharmacy is a place we go to pick up the pills or salves that our doctor or their nurse calls in. We don’t give full consideration to their training and never think of them as someone who can share their knowledge. In the US the rules for prescribing drugs are pretty strong and often prevent simpler and less costly solutions. However, on three different occasions, the local pharmacist came to the rescue.
One case involved curing a rather strong infection from stepping on an unforeseen insect. After working through a vague description of the insect, a salve, that immediately went to work, was prescribed by the pharmacist. In the second instance a guest became quite sick with a throat infection. The pharmacist again had the solution. Over-the-counter solutions are more available here and seem to be more effective, since they are frequently those that require a doctor’s prescription in the US. The last situation involved a guest that was a diabetic who used an insulin pump. The pump quit working during the visit. A replacement was shipped the same day, but overnight has a different meaning here. The backup solution was again the local pharmacy. The technical discussion was more demanding, but language was not a problem. The pharmacist had the proper sized needles and appropriate medicine.
 Think About It
Not sure if this is how we picture medicine to be in a “third world” country. We should know the practice of medicine comes in many forms. The important thing is the outcome, not the system. So my adventure has taught me that one part of the system, the pharmacist, should not be overlooked. You may not always know where to find the emergency room or an MD, but I’ll bet just about any where you are, you can find a pharmacist.
Costa Rica dental services - part two
The Work Begins
Let me explain two medical conditions that affect my treatments: I hate shots and the resulting numbness; I have an extreme gag reflex. In preparation for the work, Dra. Cubero asked if she could receive recent x-rays from my US dental team. No reason to incur the expense if things were available; and they were.
With the first procedure, replacing a rather large cracked filling, I was given a shot after some modest
numbing substance was applied. Never felt the shot. Dra. Cubero took out the old filling and replaced it. The filling replacement cost $50
Next she took impressions for the bigger job: the repair of a broken molar. She used a half plate for top and bottom impressions, taking each independently.
No gagging occurred. I could not believe it, another plus.
The initial intent was to do an in-lay procedure; the cost would be about $300-$400, considerable less than a crown in the US at an approximate cost of $1500.
 The Big Job
It turns out that after further review of x-rays and mold impressions the in-lay would likely be unsatisfactory for an extended period. A crown was a more suitable solution. At this point I was wondering if I was getting the bait & switch strategy. However, it seems that the crown was generally the same cost. Also the same discussion regarding gold vs. porcelain, gold was less but more durable.
Now, however, a time factor has come into the picture, I would be leaving Costa Rica in 3 weeks. Not long enough to complete the work and have time for follow-up procedures. My return schedule was also unclear. In the end, it was decided that Dra. Cubero would file the tooth a bit and add some material to protect the tooth, with the expectation it would last 6-9 months, followed by a periodontal check.
The next appointment is yet to be decided, but total cost for the above services was $60. I will be submitting the two charges for $110 to my dental insurance carrier to see what, if any, reimbursement I will get. Even if they deny everything, I’m still ahead, and I feel very positive about my encounter with the Costa Rican dental system.
Consequently, I may utilize Dra. Cubero’s services for regularly.
Costa Rica dental services are surprisingly good
 In the past I have written articles and comments regarding the cost of health care in the US and whether we should support the Obama PPACA legislation. I’ve also discussed the potential of getting some services done outside the US for significant cost savings. I’ve further pointed out that if Medicare allowed payment for such services, the country would save a tremendous amount on its health care costs. “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is” Most have heard the statement above, or maybe it was: Put up or shut up. Well, I decided the time had come for me to take the step and put my money and my mouth together. I live currently near Jaco Beach in Costa Rica and have been here for a few weeks, coming with a chipped a molar and an old filling that was cracked. I do have regular checkups, some periodontal work and I have dental insurance. I expect that for the filling and the tooth repair with a crown the cost would be around $1600 in the US. With deductable and my co-pay, it would cost me close to $900 even with my insurance.
 Selecting a Dentist in Costa Rica On a previous trip to Costa Rica, I spoke with a US colleague, who was having all his fillings replaced by a local dentist. I called him when I arrived to see how things went. He was very pleased and would not hesitate to recommend the doctor. Unfortunately, the local dentist was not in Jaco. So, I was forced to find an alternative. If possible, it would help show that the system has a range of good providers, just like the US. So I began to ask around, as to who is good and who should be avoided. I was surprised at the amount of choice I had in Jaco, a town of probably 15,000 people. One of the options was a practice that included three females “Dentistas”, all trained at local universities. My First Visit The Doctor I met with on my first visit to the Premier Dental Care Center was Dra. Selena Cubero, a dental surgeon, who is on the national board of dentists. It should be pointed out to US readers, in Costa Rica the dental doctors and the medical doctors are all together in the practice of medicine, not separate like in the United States. In this instance her practice is associated with CIMA Hospital, one of three private hospitals certified in Costa Rica by JCAHO, the same organization that certifies US hospitals. My first visit was exploratory: meet the doctors, learn the services, how they operated and who is their clientele, English language skills, etc. I believe it is very important in health care that mistakes or misunderstandings don’t occur as a result of language skills. Dr. Cubero took a fair amount of time giving me answers to all my questions, gave me a short tour of the facilities and then examined my teeth. We then talked about what she thought that needed to be done. I didn’t give her any details of the specifics, as I wanted to see how her review would line up with my dentist of many years, a second opinion of sorts. She hit all the key points including a question of getting periodontal work. I was impressed. A half hour later I left without charge, but with another appointment.
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