That series of programs created by Dick Wolf is the gift that keeps on giving as re-runs on ION.
They range from Law & Order to Law & Order SVU.
The Wolf formula of earnest law enforcement/prosecutors, unspeakable evil, and the triumph of law makes those re-runs a predicable way to shake off our own trauma.
And trauma is the new usual in earning a living. Take for instance, the growing popularity of applying the Pareto Rule to our businesses.
According to the Pareto Rule, 80% of our revenues come from 20% of our clients/customers. The trick is to identify that 20% and then figure out how to phase out what burdens, not adds, to the bottom line.
More professional services are doing just that: eliminating those clients causing more problems than revenue opportunities.
The process, though, can be traumatic. Also, there is that old undertow of wondering if some slow season we will miss those clients.
Last week, I imposed the Pareto Rule. The difficulty, I am convinced, was rooted in too large a cultural difference. What I learned is that in major, ongoing projects that bill at a relatively low rate it simply isn't worth it to struggle to navigate that terrain. Never again will I accept that kind of account in that format.
But, that smart way of doing business goes against traditional concepts of excellence in customer service. I suffered. That was last Tuesday.
When I wasn't focused on operating my two lines of business - communications and coaching - I tuned in ION.
It was reassuring that Jack McCoy on Law & Order has his troubles too, both professionally and personally. His staff often creates conflicts and he is estranged from his daughter. But, at the end of the each episode there are the best possible resolutions in an imperfect world.
In addition, on Law & Order SVU, Oliva Benson never hardens. Her heart remains open, including for her colleagues and superiors.
That helps me not to become cynical.
In real life the actress playing Benson - Mariska Hargitay - is an activist and fundraiser on behalf of the victims of rape. In that, she was ahead of her time - that is, the #MeToo movement.
In my coaching I use her deep sense of empathy as a model for how to lead clients out of their professional pain. More than guidance, at least initially, they need someone to listen and to understand.
Pain associated with careers, at least in capitalist America, is usually isolating. As with rape, the ethos tends to be: Blame the victim.
Coaching, auditing, lecturing, and writing/ghostwriting thought leadership content on ageism.
For individual coaching – sliding scale fees. Complimentary initial consultation. The displaced over-50 get back to work. Mature professionals who are working advance their careers. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.
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