In part 1 of this series I discuss some of the questions I heard when I speak in NEO. In this article I talk a bit about what might be causing our need for regional protectionism.

In January 2003, the Plain Dealer ran a headline the said 200K manufacturing jobs lost. NEO has been hit hard by lob loss (in all sectors). In the 60s, 70s, and 80s NEO was a heavily unionize part of the country. Because of the strong union stewardship I believe the people in the region got use to the union taking care of them. The union launched some ruthless strikes against the tire industry in the 60s and 70s. It was the union taking care of their members. I don’t think NEO has recovered from the mind set the unions will take care of us – we are entitled to it. The union did some good things and some still do, but we must understand as employees we are 100% responsible for what happens. We must understand that as employees we are 100% responsible for our attitude and the action we must take to stay competitive. We must understand that it is our responsibly to keep our skills current, learn new skills as required and make ourselves employable. We are 100% responsible for providing value. Our pay should not be based on an hour’s pay for an hour of time. Our pay should be based on the value we bring to that hour. Each wants to protect the companies in their small part of NEO.

Many communities find it easier to poach business from the local community and entice them to move a few miles up the street into a new NEO city. Until we understand we are a community, we cannot see the big picture.

Out of the blue I received an email from an associate. The email stated “I’m forwarding you this quote because it’s a topic that we’ve recently discussed or touched on relative to the opinions that this region tends to have on failure/mistakes. Here’s to the small (but growing) group of people and businesses in northeast Ohio that are taking risks, planting flags, and committing to make a difference . . . even if there are risks at play, mistakes that will happen, and the potential for failure (aka learning and growth experiences).”

“The trouble in America is not that we are making too many mistakes, but that we are making too few.” – Phil Knight, Nike co-founder

I quote this because people in NEO are afraid of making mistakes. I heard repeatedly that NEO is unforgiving of people who make mistakes. I sense there is some truth to that. No one wants to be held responsible for another company leaving town. You can alway fix a misstep. You cannot fix inaction – except by taking action.

Send me your comments. Is NEO too risk adverse?

Ron Finklestein
330-990-0788
info@yourbusinesscoach.net