The global economy is bringing change to the way we work. You all are aware of this, I am sure. It is in the news all the time now. We will need to gain a global perspective to be successful in the next century. We will need to acquir e an understanding of how technology, international competition, and communications affect the economy. I won’t be defining those issues today. I couldn’t possibly do that in 10 minutes. But, because of the effects of a global economy, change is inevit able. That is what I am here to talk to you about today. To thrive in a world where change is the only constant, we must become adaptable. To be adaptable, we must continually add to our skills by continually seeking education and training. David McN ally, author of The Eagle’s Secret says, "The circumstances of our lives have as much power as we choose to give them." So, I am here today to challenge you to take charge of your life and make your own destiny in the new century.

Knowing our strengths, values, priorities, and how to apply skills productively is very important. But the most potent combination for personal and professional achievement is a sense of purpose and vision; the sense of purpose inspires us and the vis ion motivates us. I know this to be true from experiences with good and bad bosses. When my boss has been able to give me a sense of purpose and vision, I have had direction and momentum. If you think of people who you have admired most, chances are th at the people you think of as successful contributed to the well being of others. So, to start with, to be successful, look around, find a need, and fill it!

Sound easy? Well, it may be for some; those who are analytical naturally, critical thinkers by nature. It will be very important in the next century that we continually assess the value we bring to those we serve, striving to increase our contributio n.

Many have said that in the next century it will be more important than ever to live within our means, save, and invest. Others say it will be a survival of the fittest, that mentally, physically, and emotionally we must be in tip-top shape. David McN ally claims that we must find a way to earn a living while drawing fully on our gifts, talents, skills, and abilities.

Some of you may think that making a living is just about putting in your time at work so that you can put food on the table and pay the bills. Work – you know that stuff you wouldn’t do unless they paid you! A lot of times, my son Travis, will come h ome from work exclaiming, "That place sucks! I have to find a new job. I hate work!". And I always answer him the same, "Of course you hate it; that is why they pay you to do it!" But we have to change our way of thinking. David McNally says that our best self should not be separated from how we make a living. He claims, "Through our souls we express ourselves spiritually, through our hearts we express ourselves emotionally, through our minds we express ourselves creatively . In the next century, to thrive, you will need a deep desire to be involved, to discover, to learn, to expand, to achieve, to enjoy, to laugh, to love, and to contribute.

What you are and where you are right now is a result of how you have thought and behaved to this point in your life. You will be what you will be and go where you go because of your willingness to adapt, to change, to learn, and to grow. My daughter’ s class motto in high school was, "What I am to be, I am now becoming." I really like this saying but it can be a bit passive. We all have the power to say, "This I am today; that I will be tomorrow."

To help you understand the value you bring to the world you might want to read, Multiple Intelligences: by Professor Howard Gardner. He is a Professor from Harvard University who has identified 8 different intelligences. Being fully aware of your par ticular gifts and talents, the characteristics, aptitudes, and qualities that define you is critical for thriving in the new world of work.

Cooperation, collaboration, and respecting and honoring differences in others will be crucial to achieving success. The new contemporary leader will need to create an environment in which trust is dominant. There are four specific behaviors that do m ore to create trust than any others; Do what you say you’ll do, be straight-forward, be tolerant of other viewpoints, share information/your thoughts/your feelings openly. When people feel their intellect and skills are valued, their trust skyrockets. W e need to value and respect different ways of learning, hearing, and processing information.

What can you begin doing now to be ready for the next century?

Invest in yourself – Learn about globalization – take seminars or workshops to become aware of how you, your organization, or your country will be affected fiscally.

Expand yourself – Read foreign publications, watch the Learning/Discovery channel

Educate yourself – Learn about Asia, Africa, India – 50% of the population lives there. Learn a foreign language.

Enrich yourself – At social gatherings talk to people from other countries. Communicate via the internet with people from all over the world to help understand them and their cultures.

Incultrate yourself – (That was a new word for me!) Go to ethnic restaurants, visit museums and art galleries.

Inspire yourself – Many of us read inspirational books/articles but read books about people who changed the world like Gandhi, Madam Curie, da Vince.

Karen Lamb is quoted as saying, "A year from now you may wish you had started today." I challenge you to begin your journey into the next century by setting a goal to become a thriver, making it a priority to set yourself up to be adaptable for the perpetual changes that are coming.