Being an apprentice has historically been a route to craftsmanship.  Yet, formal apprenticeships have fallen by the wayside, except for some of the trades.  On this episode we talk about how you can reap some of the same benefits of an apprenticeship using modern technology and programs.

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On This Episode

Rhythm of Life – It’s Meant to be Scary
Random Riffs – Everything’s Relative
Feature Segment – Building Craftsmanship: Apprenticeship

Today’s Quote

Things are never quite as scary when you’ve got a best friend.  –Bill Watterson

Rhythm of Life – It’s Meant to be Scary

In the book of 1 Samuel in the Bible, King Saul and the Israelites are hiding in caves from the Philistines.  They’re outnumbered about 10,000 to 600.  Jonathan, Saul’s son, decides to take action.  Even though he doesn’t have any promise that God will intervene on their behalf.

It’s easy to think that Jonathan just had super-human courage.  But what if he’s just as scared as your or me?  And took action anyway?  I look at my own life, and see how often I start to take action and then back off.  Play it safe.

And yet I know that what it means to live fully alive is to go full out.  Make big choices and live them out.  So I’ve started taking steps to live that way.  I started writing songs again.  And I’m posting them on YouTube.  Even though I don’t feel ready.  Here’s a link to the channel.

Random Riffs – Everything’s Relative

Since this is episode 101, I got thinking about the number 101. And you know how dangerous that is…

It really is all about the context.

Feature Segment – The Artisan Life: Building Craftsmanship – Be an Apprentice

What kind of craftsmanship could you develop if you had 12 years to learn from a master?  Amazing, that’s what.

Most of us don’t get that kind of mentoring.  College and on-the-job training don’t even begin to teach us what we need to know.  Since apprenticeship has all but died out everywhere except in the trades, what options do you have to learn not only the ropes of your chosen craft, but also the nuances?  Let’s evaluate them based on 3 criteria:

1. Skilled craftsperson and teacher
2. One-on-one or small group with feedback.
3. Affordable

What are some options?

1. Company-sponsored mentoring program
2. Professional organization sponsored mentoring program
3. Coach or paid mentor
4. Mastermind group
5. Live Course
6. Online Course

It turns out there are ways to be an apprentice in the modern era.  Find the one that’s right for you and try it.  Don’t be afraid to say it’s not working and try something.  Also, don’t expect it will be a silver bullet.  Building craftsmanship takes time and work.

If want to work with me, I’d love to help.  If you want to be better at the craft of expressing yourself, whether it’s using your voice, crafting a presentation, or telling your story on your website, I can help.  I have years of experience in software design, presentations to senior leaders, and performance. I can help you express yourself in a way that others will listen and take action.  Just fill out the short form below, and we’ll find a time to talk about whether working together is right for you.

Whatever you do, stay committed to building your craftsmanship.  What got you where you are won’t get you to the next step.  No matter how good you are now, can always get better.  That’s what makes it fun.  There’s always room for more.  Now go out there and build something.  Be an artisan.

Artisan Series

090: Why You Should Be an Artisan at Work
091: The Three C's of Artisanship
092: Are You a Creator, Consumer, or Critic?
093: Where to Start as an Artisan? With a MAP.
094: What's Your Signature Scent?
095: The Foundations of Craftsmanship
096: Follow Your Curiosity to Build Craftsmanship
097: Craftsmanship Requires Change
098: Building Craftsmanship – When it Gets Hard
099: Building Craftsmanship – Take Care of Your Tools