Robert Van Arlen

Over the next few weeks, I will have the opportunity to speak to hundreds of HR professionals whose role is to hire and train staff for organizations of all shapes and sizes. I wonder what I should say. What can I say to inspire individuals that have to deal with budget and personnel cuts, higher fuel costs and sluggish real estate? What should I say to those that are on the front lines of hearing the stresses of change and how it affects their staff, families and friends?

What do you think? I’d love to hear from you.

The job market has changed once again with numerous individuals scrambling to find work, let alone something that they might be passionate about. Last week I gave a speech to 75 individuals who found themselves in a period of change. I was moved by their confidence and desire to take advantage of the opportunity to do something different. Challenging times bring about frustration to some and new horizons to others. It’s all about how you look at it. 

The most important thing for you to do in a downturn economy is to quantify your value to the organization. You must appear valuable to your employer, and who knows your value better than you? If you can’t quantify it, how can someone else?

One year ago today I started a networking group of a different kind. The purpose of the group is not only to make connections but to do something good in the community. The group has achieved goals that have exceeded my expectations. I want to share in my blog one of the most compelling stories related to making a difference I have heard in a long time. The story is true, but I have eliminated the name of the individual for obvious reasons. 

Robert, I am a relatively new member of the Igniters Group. The more I think of the concept the more I appreciate what the group is contributing on an individual and group basis. 

I’m currently working as a government contractor in Afghanistan. I’m part of a small team that travels around Afghanistan teaching the officers of the Afghan Army and National Police critical thinking skills and analytical processes to assist them in protecting themselves against the Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgency. I’ve spent time in Kabul, Khost and Gardez.

So why am I writing you and the group? It’s to say that there are millions of people who live in conditions beyond belief. I’ve seen poverty, children and adults sleeping on the streets of Kabul, women attempting to educate themselves and become leaders in a society where they are fighting everyday to just be recognized as human beings. I can go on and on. It gives me an opportunity to ignite someone everyday and I live with that mantra.

I realize that the group cannot touch everyone, but I believe we should never give up and always try to ignite someone every day.

Thank you for the opportunity to meet some of the greatest people on the planet. Please tell everyone hello and that I appreciate each of them.