The Port Strike… Are They Really Asking for That?

Now that we have seemingly dodged the supply chain bullet, conversations are ongoing about what the ILA (International Longshoreman’s Association, aka The Union) is demanding.

They wanted a 77% increase in pay?!?!?!?

Who the f*ck do these guys think they are?!?!?

77%. Seems like a lot, and it is.

It is a common perspective that Longshoremen are some of the highest-paid blue-collar workers in the world. That might be the case for some of these guys and gals, but only some of them.

Let me also start this by stating that I am NOT a fan of Unions as a whole. I think there is some shaky shit going on with many of them, and I have some of it firsthand. I also see where a voice fighting for its members can be a very good thing.

But here is where an interesting life lesson begins: one that involves the difference between Perception and Perspective… and an even more valuable lesson in marketing and sales.

In our perception, asking for a 77% increase in pay is almost unthinkable.

However, a broader perspective makes this seem request relatively reasonable, if not a little late to the party.

Here are the numbers…

The average Heavy Crane operator makes $20.00/hr. TWENTY DOLLARS an hour.

When we put that into perspective, the entry-level pay for a burger flipper at In-N-Out Burger is $23.00 per hour. In some states, the minimum wage for certain industries, such as hospitality workers and hotel maids, is $18.00/hr.

So, now that we put that into perspective, doesn’t it seem like a person responsible for a multi-million dollar piece of equipment being asked to move billions of dollars of goods, equipment, grain, oil, automobiles, and any other part of our massive import appetite is being reasonable by asking for a raise to $35.40/hr.?

When you compare what the crane operator is being asked to do and measure the value of their responsibilities… and, more so, measure the value of their absence, does paying someone $35.40 per hour, or $73,642.00 [er year is reasonable if still not a bit low for the position?

How is someone supposed to attract and keep quality employees when they can make much more money doing something much easier, less risky, and critical to our nation's economy?

I think you get the point.

We all see things through our own eyes, filtered with our own set of data, understanding and biases. That is our perception.

When we get a single piece of information, all our experiences and understandings to date will see a 77% increase in pay and ask, WTF?

However, when we pull back and look at things from a different and more elevated perspective, our opinion and understanding take on a new view of the matter.

There is a debate format called Lincoln-Douglas. It is a competitive one-on-one debate that focuses on logic, ethics, and philosophy. It is the standard format of For vs. Against.

To master perspective, one must be able to argue convincingly from both podiums. 

Gaining a full understanding, of where the other person is coming from, and even argue their side is the beginning of a level of empathy that will carry you through life and your career with great impact and success.

In my Mastermind named Thursday Night Boardroom we go deep into a topic we call ValYOU.

ValYOU is defined as being able to articulate the needs, desires, challenges, fears, and aspirations of the other person. Not better than they can to you, but better than they can to THEMSELVES.

ValYOU is the ultimate perspective, empathy, and understanding.

It is what the world's most productive, profitable, and enduring brands have been doing since the beginning of time.

The ultimate practice is to grasp the difference between perception and perspective and then use it to gain a greater understanding of the situation, our clients, constituents, and ourselves.

There is a place where you can practice this skill. It is called Thursday Night Boardroom and it is located right here in the Success Finder.