By Mary Ann Faremouth, CPC
I recently had the pleasure of speaking at the National Association of Steel Pipe Distributors convention in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I titled the speech “Thriving With Change in the New Work World” because from my side of the desk as a recruiter, I’m seeing so many employers and candidates struggling with change. Whether the employer trying to find the right candidate in a tight market or candidates unable to secure the right offer or the upward mobility they want, in my many years of doing this job, I’ve never quite seen the market as challenged as it is these days.
After the next day’s meetings, presentations and group discussions, I decided to explore all the art and charm that Santa Fe holds. I ventured out to an art fair right outside my hotel.
As I’m a real lover of art of many forms, I was excited to walk around to all the tents with oil paintings and sketches, lamps, hanging objects and jewelry. I found myself drawn to dragonflies of many colors, shapes and sizes that were painted on canvases or soldered on a variety of jewelry pieces. These lovely creatures have always held a special place in my heart as they signify transformation. And then I started thinking about how the dragonfly has a fascinating life cycle. It goes through three phases in its metamorphosis: from egg to nymph to spectacular dragonfly. Much of its existence is spent as a water creature, a nymph that breathes through gills and feeds on worms and tadpoles. Later it undergoes some 15 skin changes until its wings emerge.
Aren’t both dragonflies and human beings constantly adapting to life? Like the dragonfly, to survive any environment, we need to shed our skin and let go of old forms. It’s only then that we can become our best selves.
Being vulnerable to change just might be our superpower. Wings might take time to develop, and the flight path might not necessarily be linear. But a willingness to adapt may be just the ticket for success in this new phase of life we are all experiencing these days. So what can dragonflies teach us about our own transformation? Let’s take a look:
1. Dragonflies See It All.
Scientists are studying dragonflies in ways that might very well make sense in the New Work World and beyond. In a recent Wall Street Journal article, “Scientists Tap Dragonfly Vision to Build a Better Bionic Eye,” author Rachel Pannett writes that dragonflies have a wide field of vision — 360 degrees. They see everything around them. Are you seeing all the resources around you if you are dealing with major change? Where have you had blinders on? What have you not been seeing? Are you willing to widen you vision to utilize more of the resources available to you? Could a trusted mentor or consultant be helpful to you in these changing times? Managers and supervisors, could a workshop allow you to work better with your teams, ending the great resignation from your company?
2. Dragonflies Know How To Adapt.
Dragonflies’ adaptations make them one of the most successful predators on earth. In an article called “Not a dragon, not a fly — just nature’s most effective predator,” author Morgan Barnes describes how dragonflies can usually fly with a damaged or even missing wing, among other incredible feats. If you are feeling stuck in an unfulfilling relationship or your personal or work life is not as fulfilling as you would like, how can you mimic the dragonfly and make the best of the situation?
3. Dragonflies Make Haste Slowly.
The dragonfly is a speedy yet methodical predator that knows when to dive and when to take its time. Have you analyzed your situation in a way that allows you to be strategic in your efforts to improve your career journey? Have you demonstrated determination and patience in going after the results or progress that you want and need? There is not a “one step fits all” method in any of these endeavors, but progress is possible if you put forth effort to gain your own new set of wings, or even perhaps work with the ones that may be broken.
Dragonflies can change direction quickly. We are all dealing with various situations that require us to change our flight patterns to achieve success. Take the lessons of the dragonfly to be motivated, flexible and adaptable in all your personal and professional endeavors. Ignite a newfound hope and confidence as you lay the groundwork for new opportunities.
I was so grateful I attended that conference in Santa Fe and ventured out to that art fair. I came away with so much good information and my own expanded creativity in the New Work World. Let the beautiful lessons of the dragonfly allow you to embark on a journey of transformation and soar to new heights of fulfillment. With the right attitude and a plan of direction, you can create success for your new adventure in all of your personal and professional endeavors!
Mary Ann Faremouth
Mary Ann holds a CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) credential, was certified by the Board of Regents of the National Association of Personnel Consultants in Washington, D.C., and was awarded an Advanced Communicator Bronze, Advanced Leader Bronze Awards by Toastmasters. She cofounded Jobs: Houston magazine in 1997. Mary Ann maintains affiliations with professional organizations, including oil and gas, financial, construction, IT, and structural, mechanical, and civil engineering. (www.faremouth.com)
Mary Ann’s award-winning first book Revolutionary Recruiting has been listed by Book Authority as Number #1 Best 100 Recruiting Books; #1 Best Seller, Non-Fiction, Amazon (2019); Top 20 Recruiting books, Recruitics; Readers’ Choice finalist (2019), Houston Literary Awards; Best Non-Fiction (2018), Best Cover (2019), and Best Self-Help (2018), Authors Marketing Guild. Her books support individuals and corporations, tap into each candidate’s unrealized potential to find the right person for each job, maximizing both employee satisfaction and the employer’s bottom line. Mary Ann showcases her expertise of the recruiting world on a monthly podcast for The Price of Business and weekly articles for USA Business. Her new workbook, Revolutionary Reinvention, was recently released on Amazon. Mary Ann lives in Houston, Texas.
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