Mexican Worker Tips

   I have a story to tell you about a Green industry magazine Editor that had the guts to tell me the truth about who he/she really answers to (no names or gender mentioned to protect the innocent-but the editor is well-known).  

   The editor and I were discussing my respectful Mexican workforce strategies and tactics.  I was looking for a sponsorship from one of their magazines, BUT the editor said “it looks like you’re racially biased.”

   I was floored. It felt like I was in the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and all-of-a-sudden the zombie is screaming and pointing at me.

   Racially biased? According to one definition, racial bias means a “pre-formed” negative opinion or attitude toward a group of persons who possess common physical characteristics.   

   I said to the editor, my clients employ Mexicans and Central Americans (I won’t list all the countries). AND my clients want respectful, yet no B.S. specific tips, tactics and strategies to quickly and successfully manage their workforce.

  So if I don’t talk about the “symptoms” my clients experience with their workforce, how would they know if they had potential or on-going profit killing problems?” 

  The editor said if he got one phone call regarding racism, that would be one call too many.  Then I said “you wouldn’t want that call coming from an advertiser like Caterpillar or Bobcat.”

  The phone went silent. 

 I didn’t press the issue. I thanked the editor for the phone time. The editor did say they were willing to revisit the subject if I “changed” my information.

The editor didn’t offer suggestions or define change.

 Can an editor serve two masters- the advertisers and the subscribers?  If the magazine is free, who pays the Editor?  You know the answer.

What I talk about is very specific to quickly and respectfully managing by knowing and celebrating the CULTURAL differences of your workers.

 Unfortunately, not understandable to  people who don’t own or manage businesses with a Mexican labor force – or Guatemalan or Honduran, etc. 

   Today’s Takeaway: What we discuss here the industry media won’t effectively  touch with a 10-foot pole. Watch out for the watered down, no real specifics, politically correct, articles you’re served up in your trade industry publications, online or paper.  I’ve seen and recommended articles in other publications, but usually as gentle reminders.

 I understand the editor’s position. He/she must look out for his and his employees’ best interest. Even if it means compromising on the important.

 Thank you for your loyalty. I refuse to compromise my clients and subscribers.

  Give me your opinion. Click on comments or shoot me an email. If you don’t want me to share your comments, let me know. Do you want specifics or just feel good watered-down ideas?

 To Your Success,
 Emeric