Hey, Grandma Renate, what the heck is.. #Hands-On-Mentality?

March 15, 2023

What do you think the term hands-on mentality might mean?

Who hasn’t had such moments, you know, when that thought creeps into your head: “Oh, cut the bull already, just get down to it! You’re driving me crazy!” I smile when I think back to moving with my family into a bigger apartment – in those days when you could afford a bigger apartment. My husband minutely planned the move with detailed scheduling. He even made miniatures of our furniture out of paper, then positioned them on another piece of paper to indicate where they’ll be put in our new apartment. Well, that certainly wasn’t my approach. I always think: project planned, project executed! Let’s tackle it! I think that’s the “hands-on” type of thinking going on there, although I suppose the hands-on mentality encompasses much more, engages many more facets and characteristics of a person. I know I’ve seen the term “hands-on mentality” used in several job ads, and have always thought: the person they’re looking for should not only be versed in theory, but good in practical situations and getting actively involved.

The English term “hands-on mentality”, or “hands-on”, essentially means practical. Most employers are on the lookout for team members focused on acting and doing, those who have the courage to go for it and tackle a task. Hands-on is then the counterpart to mere theory and the “what should be done” attitude. In particular, hands-on describes a person’s ability to approach things practically and to work independently, living up to the motto “deeds, not words”. The emphasis is on acting, not reacting – it’s the initiators and movers and shakers that are sought to get a job done! Highly specialized knowledge is useless if the ability to implement that knowledge is lacking.
https://www.stellenmarkt.de/karrieremagazin/hands-on-mentalitaet

Well, what do you think of that? Is that what you were thinking? What’s your opinion of the hands-on mentality?

I’m a person who early on was already exhibiting the hands-on mentality. In my childhood days growing up with six siblings, I’d already learned and understood that everyone has to pitch in and get involved - whether with taking care of the household or looking after the younger ones. It was the same when it came to school, my very own private hands-on mentality – without knowing it was called that back then – was always there with me, throughout my entire time at school and my professional training, as well as afterwards in my career and family life. In the final report card from my secondary school is written: “Renate was the initiator and organizer of our classroom life and our class community”. I can still remember how proud this sentence from my homeroom teacher made me feel back then. Yes, even now, years later, I can proudly say that I’m still living and implementing the hands-on mentality!

The hands-on mentality is a matter of attitude towards work, towards the company, towards yourself. Staying committed to actively develop a company. You need movers and shakers on the front lines for that, with the drive and resourcefulness to implement ideas purposefully. The ones that are acquiring skills, motivating their fellow employees, getting them to pull together. You need people that are adopting new approaches and are winning over backers and investors with their convincing, inspiring ideas. None of that can happen if I’m just sitting at my desk planning….it should, it would, it could be. You can only realistically know whether an idea works and how practical it is once you’ve put it into practice! Doers boldly move forward and in most cases are greeted with success. A doer has to also handle criticism, it’s something they won’t be spared. The experiences they gather will make them stronger and give them more possibilities of how to approach things differently the next time around, perhaps with even more determination and engagement. Don’t thwart the doers, let them apply themselves and try things out – let them also make their mistakes – and then celebrate the successes together!

Don’t just stand there, pitch in!

That’s how professional life becomes successful. Moreover, many doers also enjoy a successful private life as well. They get family and friends to pull together, so that the time spent collectively is enriching for all! Let children discover their own hands-on mentality by observing yours in action!

My tip: Let the doers grow – starting from their youngest years onward! If your kids or grandkids have their own ideas they want to put into action: let them. Be there to give support if needed and cheer them on! That way, they’ll have the best chance of developing their own hands-on mentality and later on – in school or during their further education, and in both their professional and private lives – this enhanced awareness will allow them to prevail in many situations they’ll encounter!

Renate, in your opinion now, how meaningful is the term “hands-on mentality”? How many points would you award it in the boomer ranking?

I think there’s a lot of meaning in this term which is being used more and more. It can express a lot: with just three words, you can generate a clear profile of what’s desired. You replace a bunch of statements and requirements with one simple phrase! It can also project big challenges onto an individual, but by addressing individuality and taking responsibility, it’s absolutely in sync with the times. When an applicant can demonstrate their hands-on mentality with a successfully completed project, they have a good chance of securing a management position in a company.

I’m giving the term “hands-on mentality” a 5 out of 5 points in the boomer ranking…

…since I believe the term’s “statement” is convincing! In part, too, because I live by this mentality, applying it to my private and social life – and I’ve received a lot of recognition for that.