The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

While record numbers of jobs are being lost in industries like manufacturing, mining, and utilities and transportation, those jobs that remain require STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills. In fact, many fields require STEM skills, even in non-STEM jobs. So, what are STEM skills, and why are they important?

STEM skills are those skills we use to process and solve problems. When we run into a problem at work, skills such as critical thinking and active learning help us process information more quickly. We use problem-solving skills to identify the problem, develop and evaluate options, and create and implement solutions. If you ever need to troubleshoot a situation at work, analyze data, or just create a simple spreadsheet to track sales, you are using STEM skills.

In today’s world, technology is changing rapidly. Many mundane, and sometimes unsafe, jobs that used to be performed by humans are now performed by machines. However, running and maintaining the machines, as well as understanding what to do when something goes wrong with them, requires workers with STEM skills.

Technology also allows companies to gather huge amounts of data, which can be sliced and diced in hundreds of ways, targeting customers and clients with precision. As a result, many jobs that traditionally might not have required analysis skills now do. Understanding how to make meaning from big data and create solutions based on it are STEM skills.

Why bother developing STEM skills if you’re not in a STEM career? Dr. Richard Larson from MIT said it best:

Becoming knowledgeable about STEM is not about the 0.01% who might become Ph.D. researchers or the 1% who might become engineers.  In this data-informed, technology intensive 21st Century the entire populace needs to become STEM literate. We all need STEM thinking skills. Many apparently non-STEM jobs have become STEM jobs, especially in the trades.  Do you know that the average new car has about 50 microprocessors? Forget about crawling under it with a few of your Dad’s old tools to fix it! And Moore’s Law of computers, which has resulted in the iPhone being equivalent to a multi-ton supercomputer of the 1970’s, has affected most other trades as well. But perhaps the most important reason for everyone to become STEM literate is to build a more informed citizenry. In that way we individually and collectively become better decision makers about all the options that our world and we face. STEM is not only for Ph.D. researchers. It’s for all of us!

Getting to Know STEM!

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

A recent survey by the Silicon Valley Bank indicates that nearly 90% of start-ups plan to hire this year. (Startups are defined as “high-growth tech and healthcare companies with less than $100 million in revenues and fewer than 500 employees.”) Great news, if you’re looking for a job!

But, do you have the skills they need? According to the survey, 82% of executives surveyed are looking for workers with STEM skills, and 40% say STEM skills are the most critical skills they need. “Across sectors, executives are looking for workers with STEM . . . skills. Four in 10 (40 percent) say it is the most critical job skill, versus only one in five (17 percent) who say management, marketing, and other non-STEM skills are most critical. . . STEM skills are particularly critical to very early-stage companies and to hardware companies.”

However, finding the right workers will be challenging. Eighty-seven percent of executives surveyed say it is difficult to find the workers with the skills they need. Especially hard-pressed are those in the software and hardware industries. Andrew Evans, CFO of Symplified, says, “As soon as good employees raise their heads, they are snatched up.”

So, what can you do? If you have STEM skills, now is your time! If you still need to build your skills, get yourself assigned to projects at work that help you build STEM skills, or pick up a course at a college near you. (Check out an earlier LTAW blog for other suggestions on building skills.)

Happy job hunting!

Getting to Know STEM!

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

Over the past couple of weeks the debate about whether there is really a shortage of STEM trained talent has escalated fueled by a report released recently by the Economic Policy Institute  which asserts that there are plenty of US born STEM educated individuals to take the growing number of jobs.  The Economic Policy Institute receives 30% of its funding from labor unions.

In essence the report concludes that “guest workers”, those with non-permanent residency status (H-1B temporary visa program) are hired for up to 50% of the available jobs in STEM and that in computer and information science and in engineering, U.S. colleges are graduating 50% more students than are hired into those fields each year.

On the other side of the argument, Change the Equation which is a nonprofit that works with companies facing skill shortages in STEM jobs says there is indeed a real deficit in this area.  This group claims that based on their analysis, the number of STEM-focused job postings outnumbered unemployed STEM professionals by nearly two to one when health care jobs were included.   Health jobs were excluded from the Economic Policy Institute study.

I guess it comes down to who is counting and how and what is counted as a STEM job.  Based on LTAW’s analysis of the literature on this topic, which is indeed plentiful, those who predict a serious shortage of STEM trained personnel seem to outweigh those who claim you can’t believe the hype.

The jobs in the STEM field that experts say currently experience more demand than supply include the following.

• Engineers
• IT Staff
• Accounting and finance
• Mechanics
• Nurses
• Machinists and Machine Operators

Even jobs that do not require a four-year college education like machinists and machine operators require strong math and technical skills.  Based on a study by University of Phoenix called Future Work Skills 2020, computational skills is one of the top ten needed competencies regardless of the field one might be in.  The point is, that no matter what career you might choose, there will undoubtedly be a need to know something about science, technology, engineering and/or math.

Getting to Know STEM!

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

When most people think of careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) they probably imagine a mad scientist working in a laboratory, or computer programmer isolated in a room coding – never to see the light of day. While that stereotypical image of a STEM job may still be true for some, the careers today that require some expertise in science and technology are a lot less boring. We have compiled a short list of some of the not so common, but really cool, science and tech jobs that you probably never considered and may spark your interest.

1. Data Scientist – Why not work the sexiest job of the 21^st century?  Data science incorporates varying elements and builds on techniques and theories from many fields, including math, statistics, data engineering, pattern recognition and learning, advanced computing, visualization, uncertainty modeling, data warehousing, and high performance computing with the goal of extracting meaning from data and creating data products.
2. Professional Hacker – The word “hacker” definitely has a bad rap. It is becoming increasingly common to hear a news story about a company whose systems were compromised by a hacker. However, there actually people who hack for good, not evil. An ethical hacker is a person employed by an organization to attempt to penetrate networks and/or computer systems, using the same methods as a hacker, for the purpose of finding and fixing computer security vulnerabilities.
3. Food and Flavor Chemist – Love food? Love science? Then you might love being a food or flavor chemist. Few people recognize the science behind the food they consume. Food scientists are mainly concerned with the chemistry of food products. Flavor chemists use natural or artificial ingredients, sometimes in combination, to develop flavors. As a food and flavor chemist you experiment with the chemical makeup of foods to make them tastier, longer lasting or easier to ship.
4. 3D Printing Engineer – The idea of printing in 3D sounds so cool! 3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital model. The technology is used in the fields of jewelry, footwear, industrial design, architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), automotive, aerospace, dental and medical industries, education, geographic information systems, civil engineering, and many others.  As a 3D Printing Engineer you would ensure that each customer’s creations are produced as quickly as possible, and explore how new materials can be integrated into 3D printing to enhance the technology.
5. Storm Tracker – Are you fascinated by different weather phenomena such as tornados and earthquakes? Then this job is for you! Storm trackers, or atmospheric scientists, study the science of storms and specialize in gathering data on severe weather occurrences, including hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms and flash floods. Atmospheric scientists may work in the following areas: field research, laboratory studies and/or computer analysis and modeling.
6. Legoland Designer – Playing with Legos is not just for kids. And yes, believe it or not, you may need some STEM expertise to build Lego designs. Architectural and electrical design skills help to transfer the Lego models from conception to reality at Legoland. Model designers at Legoland use computer programs such as Rhino and Photoshop to aid in creating elaborate Lego designs.
7. Robotics Engineer – It is predicted that that next year there will be 1.2 million robots worldwide, one robot for every 5000 people. As robots become So this job will be in high demand! Robotics engineers design robots, maintain them, develop new applications for them, and conduct research to expand the potential of robotics.

What STEM career listed above excites you? What other uncommon STEM jobs can you add to the list?

Getting to Know STEM!

Sources:

1. 10 Amazing Jobs You Could Land With the Right STEM Education
2. 7 Unusual Career Paths in Science and Technology

Image courtesy of california.legoland.com

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

“Year Up’s mission is to close the opportunity divide by providing urban young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education.”

Year Up’s founder Gerald Chertavian, is an Armenian-American social entrepreneur who recognized that there was a huge divide between the opportunities and the number of youth who were prepared to work in our increasingly technical work world.

Founded in 2000 Year Up is a one-year intensive education and professional job training program for urban young adults (age 18-24).  The program combines hands-on skill development, college credits, and corporate internships.  During the first six months, participants focus on skill mastery in Desktop Support/IT Help Desk, Quality Assurance, or Investment Operations. In addition to technical skill development, Year Up participants also work on professional skills required in a corporate workplace, such as effective communication, leadership, and teamwork. Students are placed in internships during the second six months with partner companies.

Started with just 22 students in Boston, the program has served over 4000 students around the country. With corporate partners such as Google, Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, AOL, Aon, Domino Sugar, AutoTrader, CVS Caremark, Microsoft, NASA, Red Cross, Time Warner, Wells Fargo and Zynga, just to name a few, Year Up develops skills and matches students for internships and permanent placement.

The outcomes are rather impressive. 84% of Year Up graduates are either employed or in college full time 4 months after completing the program.

Canaan Walker

I learned about Year Up from one of the current students who lives in Maryland. Canaan Walker is 19 years old and admittedly did not perform very well in high school.  “I had to overcome limitations I was putting on myself”, Canaan shared candidly in a recent interview. “In Year Up I am finding myself, what I love to do and I am excited every morning that I get up to go to the program on the campus of NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College)”. As a matter of fact in March Canaan received an award for perfect attendance. This is particularly significant because Canaan takes the Metro daily from his home in Maryland to the Northern Virginia.

Canaan exudes focus, excitement and high hopes when he talks about Year Up.  He was recommended to the program by a high school counselor and he says it is just perfect for him.  He admits that Year Up is rigorous and requires you to follow the rules. The program is very strict about attendance, earning good grades and showing overall dedication and commitment.

Canaan shared that you start with 200 points and are held accountable for obeying the rules of the program relative to dress code, professionalism and proper behavior such as showing respect. “If you lose too many points, you can be kicked out”, he declared. Additionally, you have to maintain at least a C average in each class to remain in the program.

At this point, Canaan is within the first six months and admits to struggling a bit with the technical training. “We have to actually assemble a computer so that we understand the hardware, software and operating systems.  It is hard but I love it,” he enthusiastically offered.  Students also learn to use programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

In the area of professional skills, Canaan is working on how to manage his personal finances, business communications and the intangible aspects of being successful in the workplace by learning more about himself. “We learned about the Johari window which I found fascinating because it helped me to think about things that I don’t know about myself and how I might be perceived by other people.”

Canaan, an accomplished writer of prose and poetry, has a keen desire to pursue a career in game development.

Year Up proclaims it is a hand up, not a hand out.  This is one outstanding example of the many programs that are designed to bridge the skill gap.  It is truly a win-win.

Kudos to Year Up and we at LTAW wish Canaan Walker all the best. He is a wonderful role model and a testament that you can turn your life around with a hand up!

Getting to Know STEM!

Year Up Logo image courtesy of yearup.org

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

I am a woman. I have a degree in computer science and a degree in electrical engineering. So what wonderful, exciting, glamorous engineering job am I working at today? I’m not. I’m no longer working in the technology / engineering field. And, believe it or not, I’m not an anomaly. In the US, only 26% of women with STEM degrees actually work in STEM jobs. Working as a female in a STEM field can sometimes be very challenging.

Even though more women are entering science and technology, they are also more likely to leave the industry in their mid-thirties when they are well trained and of great value to the organization. A Harvard Business Review report found that over time, in the US, 52% of women leave science and technology jobs. The reasons women leave their STEM career for something else is because of hostility, isolation, work styles and conditions. The same report cited the following key reasons women leave STEM:

1. Hostility in the workplace
2. Isolation associated with being the only woman on a team
3. Difference in work styles between men and women
4. “Extreme” jobs with long work weeks
5. “Mystery” around what it takes to advance

So what can be done about this situation? There are a lot of programs devoted to getting girls interested in STEM, which I think is great! We definitely need to continue the work to spark interest in this field with young girls. We also need to focus on those women who are working in STEM and making sure they do not experience one of the five situations listed above. If you are a woman in a STEM career dealing with one of the five issues above, here’s what you can do:

1. Hostility in the workplace: Hostility can take many forms from little micro-inequities to downright harassment. In male dominated environments, there can be resentment to the need to be more careful with language, protocol on business trips, etc.  It is best to first be aware of the differences and to be willing to have open, honest and respectful dialogue about how you feel. The key is to be in an environment where you have the ability to do your best work…where you feel valued and respected.  Many companies have training programs to help managers create inclusive environments.  Hopefully your leaders are receiving this type of training.
2. Being the only woman on a team: Last year we wrote a post about what to do when you’re the only woman on a team full of men. Some of the tips offered to help a woman cope with that  situation included speaking up about what bothers you and establishing boundaries at the outset.
3. Difference in work styles: Work style differences between men and women exist in any field. It’s just a given…men and women are wired differently and therefore are going to have different work styles. Don’t minimize your differences or try to act more like your male counterpart thinking that it will help you get ahead. In the end, you will likely feel worse because you are not being true to who you are. Instead, have a dialogue about the differences.
4. “Extreme” jobs with long work weeks: Negotiate with your manager a work schedule that is suitable for you. Nowadays more and more organizations are recognizing the importance of flexible work schedules and work life balance. So it may be easier to find the balance that you need, while still making a valuable contribution to the team.
5. “Mystery” around what it takes to advance: Ask more questions. Seek out someone that you trust, who is in a higher position, that can be a mentor and you can discuss with them what they did to advance and any advice they have for you. Also, talk with your boss about what stretch assignments he or she would suggest to help you gain some of the skills you’d need to move up in your career.

We need more women in STEM but we also need more inclusive work environments that foster growth and development for women.

Getting to Know STEM!

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

There seems to be a lot of buzz about the demand for STEM workers. As a result, many of us probably have some assumptions that “demand” for workers translates to “more money.”

A recent Georgetown study found that pay for those in STEM fields is high, and it continues to increase. People who major in STEM for undergraduate studies make nearly $500,000 more over their lifetimes than non-STEM majors. In fact, STEM workers have a pay advantage at nearly every level:

• For workers with a high school education or less, over 75% of those who are STEM workers make more than the average for the group;
• For workers with an Associate’s degree, 66% of those who are STEM workers make more than the average for the group;
• For workers with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, over half of those who are STEM workers make more than the average for the group.

All of this sounds promising for those with a STEM education. However, future workforce projections indicate that worker shortages will not arise in traditional STEM jobs. Instead, the need will be for workers with STEM competencies in non-STEM areas. According to the study, STEM majors can earn more over their lifetime in non-STEM careers, especially in Professional and Business Services and Healthcare Services. In addition, while overall employment in industries like Manufacturing, Mining, and Utilities and Transportation is decreasing, technological changes in these fields require those who survive to have STEM competencies.

So, can you make more money in STEM? It depends on if you’re talking about the competency or the job. For those with proven STEM competencies, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

(And for those who are curious about what STEM competencies are, watch for an upcoming blog – “STEM Skills – Not Just For STEM Careers.”)

Getting to Know STEM!

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

Sometimes, after working for awhile, we want a change. Maybe what we’re doing wasn’t quite what we expected. Maybe we feel like we need a new challenge. But often, when we’d like to make a career change, we don’t want to start all over again for a variety of reasons – it’s too expensive to get another degree; it takes too much time to learn something new; we have to take too much time away from the workforce.

If you’re feeling this way, what should you do?

If you’ve been working for awhile and are considering a career change, you might want to look into STEM careers. The STEM designation covers a broad range of disciplines, from chemistry and physics, to life and environmental sciences, and not all require that you start over again with another 4-year degree. Here are just a few ways to consider getting knowledge and experience in a STEM field:

• Get certified. Not all STEM fields require a 4-year degree. According to a study by Georgetown University, by 2018, 35% of people in STEM jobs will not have a bachelor’s degree. Instead, they will have certifications or Associate’s degrees. Many STEM occupations – like computer networking, actuarial science, and automotive technicians – require professional certifications. It may be necessary in some of these jobs to have a 4-year degree, but if you already have one, you’ll only need to add on the certification. Also, some of these programs and certifications may take time, so consider working on them while you have another job. (Who knows – maybe your current job will help you pay for continuing education!)

• Volunteer to gain experience. In your current job, you may be able to request to be on projects that require STEM skills – like collecting and analyzing data, forecasting production needs, or projecting budgets. If you are not able to build your STEM experience in your current job, consider volunteering outside of work by helping a community organization with their financials, teaching a class at a local nature center, or leading an after-school program in science or math.

• Get an internship or apprenticeship. You may be able to job shadow someone at your current place of employment to learn more about STEM jobs. Or, consider an internship or apprenticeship to learn more about your field of interest. After all, there is no better way to understand what is required than to actually do the job!

As with any change, be realistic. Learning new skills can be challenging, and it may take some time. Also, don’t expect to enter your new career at the same level you are leaving your current career, especially if you’ve been working for awhile. You will need to prove your knowledge and build your experience again, which may prove frustrating for some people.

However, if you are looking for a challenge and a way to build skills critical for future success, a switch to STEM may be for you!

Getting to Know STEM!

The fields of science, technology, engineering and math, collectively known as STEM, have gained a lot of attention in the recent years the United States. The US is lagging behind several countries when it comes to math and science education. STEM is critical for global competitiveness; however the field is not attracting or retaining as many professionals as in the past. This month at LTAW we will be talking about this field in particular – what is it, how can you get into it and why STEM is critical to the future.

By now you have probably heard the buzzword STEM flying around aggressively in both educational and corporate settings. Even the government has been talking up STEM. The President has addressed STEM in his State of the Union speeches, there is government funding set aside for STEM related interests and many congressmen are seeking to pass legislation related to STEM in their states. So what is it and why all of the fuss?

What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym used to collectively describe the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM has received a lot of attention recently with recent studies and reports revealing how the US is falling behind in STEM education. The number of STEM jobs predicted in the future is increasing making it an imperative to focus on STEM education. To be successful in the future we need to focus on closing this STEM education gap and creating a pipeline to fill future STEM jobs.

Why all the hullabaloo about STEM?

Consider these statistics:

• 80% of jobs in the next decade will require technology skills.
• It is projected that by 2018 the US will have more than 1.2 million job openings in STEM fields.
• STEM occupations are growing by 17% while others are growing at 9.8%.
• 64% of companies reported having positions for which they often cannot find qualified applicants. After management positions, science, engineering and computer programmers/IT positions top the list.
• 30% of job openings in large cities are in a STEM field, however only 11% of the population has a STEM degree.

Here’s the dilemma: the demand for STEM professionals is continuing to rise, but the number of students pursuing STEM degrees is not matching this increasing demand. The number of STEM bachelor degrees awarded in the US has remained relatively flat for the past 15-20 years. And then when you look at those who actually DO have STEM degrees, they are not choosing STEM jobs: 40% of men with STEM degrees work in STEM jobs and only 26% of women with STEM degrees work in STEM jobs.

What are the benefits of choosing STEM?

I recently read an article that said STEM should stand for “Students That Earn Money”. It is true, most STEM related jobs are very lucrative. However, choosing a career field solely on salary is not the best idea. We all know that money doesn’t make you happy – really, it doesn’t! One of the benefits of having a background in STEM is that your opportunities are endless.  I actually have degrees in computer science and electrical engineering and I have worn many hats when it comes to jobs – some in STEM and some not. The skills I obtained through my course of studies (i.e. critical thinking and reasoning, analytical skills, attention to detail, communication, creativity, leadership) were attractive to hiring managers. So even though I may not have had a degree directly related to the position for which they were hiring, they still wanted me!

The key skills needed in today’s workplace, and the future workplace, are all related to STEM. If you choose a career in STEM, the world is your oyster!

Getting to Know STEM!

Everybody who works has a boss. Sometimes it is challenging to establish just the right relationship. Some of us fear our bosses, or constantly try to please them. We may not like the boss or think he/she is qualified.  Or maybe you think your boss is a downright jerk.  Whatever your scenario, this month we will focus on issues that may arise in your relationship with your boss.

Most depictions of great bosses in popular culture are of powerful, fast-paced individuals who can confidently and efficiently bark out orders while multitasking on the phone or computer. Americans have historically idealized bosses who when they bark, people listen.

Rarely however, do we see images of bosses who are just as intently and actively listening. But ask any employee about their experience with great bosses, and great listening skills will almost always outweigh traits like great confidence, great delegation, or great multitasker (although all important). People, especially those under authority, long to feel respected, listened to and valued.

My own experience with past bosses is no different. Bosses who have made the greatest impact and shaped me the most, have always been those whose ability to listen was more powerful than their words. Or more accurately, their ability to listen is what gave their words power.

Years ago, while working for an unnamed organization, my fellow employees and I felt ignored and frustrated in regards to what we thought were unfair and restrictive vacation-day policies. Months of explicit (through formal complaint channels) and implicit (employees calling out “sick”) attempts to communicate to management continuously proved futile. One day, during a casual conversation with a particular manager who had gained the trust of many employees (we’ll call him Tim), there was finally a breakthrough in our frustrating circumstances. Tim expressed his frustration and confusion over why so many employees were constantly taking “sick” days at unexpected times to attend family functions, children’s obligations, or personal matters. Although I was not directly involved in the conversation, I jokingly added from the side that our vacation policy was “sucking out our humanity.” (My casual relationship with Tim and my known inclination towards sarcasm and humor meant my comment was laughed off and largely ignored.)

I completely forgot about the conversation until the next week’s meeting when Tim raised the issue of our vacation policy and referenced my exaggerated comments verbatim. He said, “I know we laughed at Travis’s comments last week, but after some thought, our vacation policy really isn’t being fair to your ‘humanity’.” Tim’s ability to listen deeply turned a passing sarcastic joke into an opportunity to address the larger issue behind the punch line. What followed was a series of “listening” episodes in which Tim began to listen and take seriously the particular time constraints of our widely diverse team of employees. He listened to the single mom who had to balance child care, the college student balancing their class schedules, and other employees balancing outside medical demands.

Of course, listening to each individual meant more work on the part of management, but it also meant higher morale, loyalty and commitment by employees. In an ever changing diverse workforce, “one-size-fits-all” approaches to management will no longer suffice (if they ever did). Instead, bosses should strive for greatness by improving their listening skills in order to account for and meet the demands of a workforce that varies widely. Great bosses are those who have all bite (i.e. impact) without all of the bark. Listening will be the defining factor of the great bosses of the future.

It’s All About the Boss!