"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."

- Dale Carnegie

What I made happen this Monday

So - since I coined the term "Make it happen Monday" just last week, I am proud to say, that although not as rested, wide eyed and bushy-tailed as I was last Monday I still managed to make it happen.

How?

1. I had a great breakfast - 2 packs of oatmeal and a banana!
2. I wore a fantastically chic outfit - black pencil skirt, leopard ruffle blouse and a tan blazer.
3. Managed to sit through a painful discussion about the fraudulent activity taking place when it comes to our employees covering ineligible dependents on health benefits.  Hey - take your grand kids, your boyfriend and girlfriend's niece off of your medical insurance right now!

There - with a smile on my face and sling back heels on my feet - I made it happen this Monday!

Is professional attire in the eye of the beholder?

Ironically on the night of "Fashion's Night Out 2010" I read a story about female sportscaster Ines Sainz and the controversial outfits she wears when performing her job covering sports events.  While the story intends to discuss the sexual harassment she endured by a couple of the New York Jets players on Sunday, by the end of the article, the issue is clearly Ines' inappropriate choice of dress when she entered the office of football players - the locker room.

Check out the article which I found on lemondrop.com and see what readers have got to say.  Whoa - and the opinions on this topic. http://www.lemondrop.com/2010/09/14/ines-sainz-sexual-harrassment-jets/?icid=main%7Cmain%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk3%7C170626

Now, I've been nicknamed Carrie Bradshaw around my office (stylish, quirky, and great shoes), but I do keep it work appropriate.  While I choose to not place judgement on Ines' outfit selections from what I've seen and read, I'll just say that sometimes people just don't know what they don't know.  It seems like common sense to know what professional work attire is, but those lines can get blurred depending on what industry you work in and also based on what is communicated to employees upon hire and through the working relationship.

At the end of the day, this article brings up lots of topics: Professional dress, sexual harassment, gender double standards, and freedom of expression or choice.  Who would have thought an LBD (little black dress - for the guys who don't know this) could cause so much drama!

Make it Happen Monday

Normally my Mondays are a drag.  I struggle to get out of bed, try on 5 outfits before I find a winner, enter the building with a fake grin on my face, take the stairs instead of the elevator to avoid small talk and then fight my way through the day making a to do list for Tuesday when I know that I will have my act together.

But not today!  I woke up from a very restful nights sleep.  I haven't sleep that good since I was put under anesthesia to have a tube put down my throat and into my stomach for a endoscopic x-ray 2 years ago, and that procedure only took about 10 minutes!  But I woke up a new person.

Anyway, this morning, I only snoozed once, and when I got up I had a new attitude.  Not sure if it was the sleep, a subconscious new look on life, or some telepathic sibling connection since today is my big brother's birthday, but by the time I was headed out the door, I singing "Ain't nothing gonna break my stride, nobody gonna slow me down, OH NO - I got to keep on movin'!"  (You know that song by "Men at Work" - OK I didn't know who sang it either, until I got to work and googled it.)  I still don't know where that came from, but let me tell you - it felt good!  I went into work hyped up and ready for anything.  Ready for the irate employee who is pissed off that I added his 3 children to his medical benefits due to a court order, ready for a colleague to interrupt my in progress phone call to ask me how to load paper into the copier and ready to debate why our company does not acknowledge common law spouses - on an average Monday, I would put my phone on mute and say "Because we don't!".  But today was different - I was making it happen - any and everything.   

Mondays don't have to be the dreaded day that its become.  So I am now making every Monday - Make it Happen Monday!  We are the creators of our own destiny - we get back what we put out and all those other cliches and phrases that mean the same thing - pick one and do that.

What's your name again?

Majority of us have them.  It could be based on our appearance, the shortened version of our name, or even our last name, the city or neighborhood we are from, something a boyfriend or girlfriend has given us, or something we were given from childhood or in our adult life.

YES - a nickname!   How prevalent are nicknames in the workplace I thought, I mean I use them for coworkers and other colleagues and they have been used in dun, dun, dun DUN, not the nicest fashion.  You could say that they are more-so created so that you talk in code about them.  I know its best to not talk about people, hence if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all, but it happens sometimes. We all have coworkers who get on our nerves and having to work in such close quarters, nicknames allow you to speak of and vent about them when they are possibly near.

A couple that I utilized over my work history range from the person's last name or initials like "The NAG", or a physical descriptor like "Belly", "Shorty" or even "Red Face".  Now, of course, some may have some nicknames for me that are not that becoming, but I've never heard one yet.... I have been called "Precious" and I like that one!

If you would like to read more about "Nicknames in the Workplace" or if you want to confirm what nicknames you can use in the office or which ones to keep under wraps (inappropriate nicknames can spur lawsuits regarding discrimination!) give google a try.  I found that although I like my office nickname of "Precious" it is inappropriate and shouldn't be used.

Saturday Shopping Tip: Seeking Stylish Work Clothes

Banana Republic to the rescue...

Growing up, Saturdays meant hitting up the mall.  Me, my mom and my two aunties.  What fun we had - Macy's, Nordstrom Rack, Express, New York and Company, Ross, Marshalls, Old Navy and my then favorite Mervyns.  Is there a Mervyns around anymore - I know they closed the ones in my town.  Anyway - I am always on the quest for stylish work clothes, that can also double as going out weekend clothes.  Gone are the days when you had - work clothes, church clothes and weekend clothes.  If you do it right, you can pretty much mix and match for any occasion - within reason. 

Right now, my favorite store and website has to be Banana Republic because they are catering to working professionals.  Being the professional shopper that I am - I am signed up on most retail websites and get alerts literally every day!  But Banana Republic comes through each time.  Not only do they have great sales and discounts and but free shipping frequently too.  Their clothes really can transform from day to night - weekday to weekend!  Even if I don't buy anything new, their website gives me countless outfit ideas.  This is not just for ladies either - MEN - they have great business casual ideas for you too.  

So whether you are shopping your closet or actually spending the dollars - next time you seek out work attire ideas hit the Internet and hit up Banana Republic.com!

TGIF!

Today was a great Friday.  I got a couple things accomplished that were on my to do list, followed by an after lunch ice cream social organized by a couple HR Managers in my department for the entire corporate office. 

Am I greedy or does food and treats just make everything so swell!  Since my flexible work schedules idea didn't go over so well, I think I'll press my luck with suggesting weekly treat sessions!  Hey you gotta give it to me for trying...

Have a great weekend!

What's the password....

We have enough passwords in our personal lives, ATM/Debit cards, home alarm systems, email accounts, job boards, social networking site log ins, online shopping sites, and online banking - UGH!  The need for passwords are endless.  My brain is currently holding so many passwords, that I don't have room for other important numbers like my checking and savings account numbers and my license and license plate numbers!  Who knew.

Just when you thought you reached your peak of creative yet easy to remember but hard to crack, you arrive at work to have to create even more alpha numeric and symbol passwords to enter your work station, get into a Human Resources Information Systems, payroll systems, POS system, job boards as an employer, administrator and vendor sites, maybe even the building!

Do we write these down, identity theft experts say no.  They also say do not make all of your passwords the exact same or even similar - JEEZ!!  I have all my passwords for work saved in my MicroSoft outlook notes section, but what happens when the computer crashes?  Another idea is putting them all in an excel spreadsheet or word document, but then I read that unless the document or database is encrypted its still unsafe!  So - what are we password protecting our password documents, creating yet another password?  Or just print the documents and store in a safe place.

As I googled (one of my favorite things to do) "where to store passwords" I ironically found a free online password manager website that stores your password in an encrypted database.  Let me say that I didn't look into this site in any detail, but it got me thinking - is it really safer to enter your passwords into an online database - really?  I won't be doing that any time soon.

Good luck in your password generation and storage!

Bon Voyage... I think?

There have been a number of voluntary resignations at my place of employment recently.  Some off to other jobs - better in their eyes of course, some to take on their dream job completely opposite of what they were doing, others to retire and a couple to tend to their young offspring.  In this economy I think its great, when someone can decide to leave their job, for whatever reason they choose.  My question however leads to the good bye. 

The department that I work for (Human Resources) has this very strict policy to not acknowledge the person's departure if they are leaving to go to another company.  Not acknowledging is actually an understatement - sometimes I didn't even know the person was leaving until days before their last day.  I will have to do some further research on this school of thought, because I've seen departments in the same building celebrate the progression of soon-to-be former employees.  Unlike when someone retires, there of course is this great party, with decorations and a catered spread, or I even had a coworker resign because her husband received a great job offer out of state.  I totally agree that in these situations - food, some cake and punch or even an after work dinner would be in order - especially if they were a valued employee who did a great job!

But - then a part of me says, although an elaborate send off is not necessary for the employee who is mentally screaming "deuces" from the top of their lungs, off to their bigger and better job - an acknowledgement and thank you for their work and skills they brought to the company would be a nice courteous and ethical gesture.  No matter their choice - you can't deny their contributions to the company, you just can't.   

This clearly is not a direct science as to how you part ways with your staff/colleague, because some employees may have not have been the best employee anyway, but a little thought and your best judgement can come in handy when their last day arrives.  Even if it's just some bagels and coffee the manager can gather the team to say thank you for your services and best of luck to you in your endeavors!  OR if the company would be better off without them, an email blast to your team to say thanks and encourage the staff to drop by and say good bye and good luck.

That's not hard to do - it's really not.

Sitting Pretty...

Here are some pretty (cute huh?) interesting findings regarding good looks and securing a job.  It's not enough to dress the part, this article says you must have an equally appealing face. 

I started wearing make-up to work 5 years ago to look more mature and be taken more seriously (I've always looked young for my age), but must I keep up this charade to keep my job??!!  

Check out this article about "How much beauty is worth at work". 

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/07/19/poll-how-much-is-beauty-worth-at-work.html?GT1=43002

10 Attitudes of Successful Workers
By Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor

I love careers section on msn.com.  I can always count on them to publish some really good career advice.  Here is one to check out:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/custom/msn/careeradvice/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=666

Not so happy Monday

So today was the first day of work without my colleague, who resigned and her last day was Friday.  Although she left to go take on a great opportunity, I still wish she was right here beside me cracking jokes, lending me 25 cents for the vending machine and working with me to knock out implementation projects.  We were freakin' rock stars with our team work!

If you've ever made a good friend at work, you would know exactly how my day went - tremendously sad.  Last night I dreaded the fact that I would come into work and not find my BFF in the cubicle next to me.  No one to reciprocate my good morning, no one to recap the weekend, no one to mock our boss with (and this was the most important daily ritual we shared).   

I used to think that the friends I already had (a whopping) were all the friends I needed.  My best friend since 7th grade and then my college girls who double as my sorority sisters.  Yup, 3 that's it.  But boy, was I surprised when 2 years ago, I encountered a new good friend in of all places - WORK. 


Don't underestimate the genuine friendships and relationships that you can develop at work.  You are spending 40 plus hours a week with them, which is more than I am spending currently with my family who all live out of state along with my 3 besties! 

At the end of the day I spoke to my now former colleague, but even better my friend.  She had a great first day and since her new job is less than 3 miles away, I will still get to see her through the week.

Gracefully Unhelpful

When I sought out clarification on data provided to me in an excel spreadsheet at work today, I realized that sometimes you just aren't able to be helpful. 

This applies to any situation:  You may just not know the answer due to lack of knowledge on the subject, you may be familiar but it's not your expertise and you don't want to commit to an answer, or you may simply be new to a city, neighborhood, company and just clueless altogether.  No one can fault you for not knowing. 

BUT....there is a courteous way to be unhelpful.

Here are a couple of pointers:

1. Don't have an attitude and get irritated that someone had the audacity to ask you something you don't know.  They may not have known you didn't know.
2. If you have a suggestion on who might be able to help - share it. 
3. Don't tell a tall tale just to get the person off your back - it's OK if you don't know and you shouldn't send them down the wrong path trying to make yourself look good.

401(k) Guys and Gals!

Happy Monday!  This week my department is putting on 401(k) educational seminars as part of our financial education initiative for our employees.  Although I've gotten pretty knowledgeable about 401(k) plans since my first job 6 years ago - you can never know too much about your plan.

So, after sitting through my 3rd meeting today (when this is complete I would have sat through 6 meetings total!), I thought to share my two cents on the subject. 

Starting out in your career retirement can seem like a very distant destination, but whether your company's 401(k) record keeper is Fidelity, New York Life, Vanguard, ADP or any other administrator here are 5 things you might want to consider now and throughout your career:

• Contributing $$
• Contributing to the company match max - so that you don't leave free money on the table.  If your company does not match - still contribute your pre-tax dollars.
• Staying educated.  If you know how to pick your funds, or you set up a pre-selected fund based on your retirement goals, make sure you revisit and reassess your or selections as time passes to make sure you are staying on track.
• Avoid taking a loan against your account if you can - it's possible you'll be subject to twice the tax implications as you repay it.
• Rollover eligible 401(k) accounts from previous employers if your plan allows, to keep all your accounts in place.

Happy Saving, preparing for retirement, or whatever else you may want to call it!

I have to admit, I don't watch the local news too often nor CNN or MSNBC.  However, I will read www.cnn.com or even www.msn.com for world news to keep current as to what is going on around the globe.

For those of you who do make it point to watch Anderson Cooper, Diane Sawyer and your local newscasters - kudos to you.  But don't stop there, it is also very important to stay in the loop of what is going on in the industry in which you work.  I often read Human Resources themed periodicals and magazines.  It is important for me to keep up with industry innovation, newsworthy leaders and benchmarking standards that are being set in my field.

As an HR professional I read:

• HR Magazine
• Staffing Management
• Diversity Executive
• Risk Management
• Employee Benefit News

While I don't subscribe to all of these magazines, my employer does!  Try to get your employer to subscribe to those magazines that are applicable to your job function as well.  Assure them that their investment in you staying current in your field is a win-win.  Depending on the industry these subscriptions can get pricey, so you can always check them out at your local library, or go online to get digital version or ezine versions of the publication within your career field, if subscribing is not an option.

With the click of my mouse (Google Queen Alert) I located resources for magazines in a couple other industries, take a look: 

Marketing

• Advertising Age - http://www.adage.com/

Medical

• Advance - www.advanceweb.com - this is a good find as it caters to a wide array of medical professionals.  Some of the magazine subscriptions are FREE for those licensed in the field.  FREE is always good.

Engineering

• Mechanical Engineering - www.memagazine.asme.org
• Civil Engineering - www.asce.org

Business

• Forbes - www.forbes.com
• Business Week - www.businessweek.com

Science

• Science - www.sciencemag.org

Information Technology

• Computer World - www.computerworld.com
• Information Week - www.informationweek.com

Next time you contemplate something to read, pick up or log on to some industry info and while you do that, I will put forth some effort to watch the news!

Hobby = $$$ 

It's a good thing to have a side gig!  Check out the article "Why 3 jobs are better than one" from CNN.com.  Author Paula Caligiuri, says "...it's no longer smart to depend on one job or one source of income."

So it's simple:

You + like to cook = catering on the weekend $$

You + loves fashion = work at the Coach store (I'm sure the employee discount is grrreat!) $$

You + passionate about writing = write and self publish a book $$

You + great html skills = web designing for local start ups $$

This may be a way to start working on your entrepreneurial spirit while still holding down your main job, not wanting to fully dive in before knowing if that's what you really want to do.  Or, you may just have a hobby that can bring in some dollars!

http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/worklife/06/02/cb.3jobs.better.than.one/index.html

Ode to mute...

Oh do I love the mute button on my Cisco Systems telephone at work.  The button is similar to the "no smoking" sign, except it's this little microphone being crossed out instead of a cigarette.

Now, why do I love this feature on my phone - well, in my line of work, I administer benefits for over 2,000 employees in the US and Canada.  Benefits are important to people - hey, they're important to me....So it is to be expected that I receive numerous calls ranging from - where is my benefit card, why was my dental claim denied, I want to drop my ex-wife, I want to add my newborn baby, why am I getting a spousal surcharge taken out of my paycheck, where is my pension check, why did the retiree medical costs increase so much, and so on and on and on and on.....

So with that said, I use the mute button at least 3 times a day:

When my phone is on speaker so I can multitask - type an email, file documents, or even eat my lunch.  I just read that the latter task is rude - but au contraire mon frere - I'm muting my smacking with the mute button!

When an employee, retiree or pensioner is talking out the side of their neck.  Sometimes I can't understand why someone would go off on someone who can help them.  That is my job - to solve problems.  I am all for fighting for your rights, venting your frustrations - I do it all the time, you should hear me talking to my cell phone company - but really, sometimes you need to just listen.

When I have to laugh - as serious as I am, I am equally goofy and love to laugh.  At times I find humor in difficult situations and to prevent upsetting or frustrating the caller on the other end, I use my trusty mute button to get out my chuckles.

Beware of checking that the button is pushed before saying something smart.  One day, a medical vendor made my colleague very mad and irritated, while she was shouting over the cubicle to me to come over and assist her with this annoying customer service rep for a vendor, she uttered, "this lady is irritating me and I'm tired of talking to her" well, when I got over there, the rep responded to my hello with "although your colleague thinks that I am annoying and irritating...." Whoa - Not good - my colleague did not double check the mute!

So make sure you check and re-check that button.  In a perfect world, we would not feel the need to say smart aleck things and not allow our buttons to be pushed - but at least until I reach my ultimate level of Zen - I will continue to use my mute button. 

Yea!!!  Summer is near!  This California girl, has waited oh so long for everlasting sunshine (ok at least 4 months).  If you are anything like me, you already have your "fun in the sun" wardrobe lined up.  But....What to wear to work?

Gals - Check out Banana Republic's idea of summer chic!

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=5002

Guys - Check out Ask.men.com's "6 summer combinations" that can be worn to work.
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/trends/14_fashion_men.html

When the Cat's Away.....*

This mouse does not play.  My boss is out of the office on business for the next 4 work days.  And boy did I raise the roof, shout hallelujah and did any and everything else to celebrate my much needed break away from the "man".  But the funny thing about me - is that I get my best work and the most work done when my boss is out of the office.

Unlike the idiom - I generally do my playing when my boss is in the office.  It is better to maneuver the "play" aspect: shuffle papers, pick up the phone and pretend I am taking a business call, and take a long stroll to the vending machine when my boss is in.  No one else is keeping their eye on me, because if I look like I am chilling and my boss is in, no one will think any of it.  They think, would I dare play around with my boss in town??  However, beware, one false move when your boss is out, you will sure call attention to your schemes!

My boss's absence allows me to work without any interruptions, my to-do list actually serves its purpose and my talk breaks to my colleague are shorter, because I am so motivated to get the things on my agenda done! 

Later in the day, a colleague invited me to a slack fest, but I declined; she was shocked that I had the audacity to actually get some work done during this so-called vacation!  If you don't listen to nothing else I say, don't fall victim to this idiom.  Handle your business with or without your boss or supervisor around.  If you need a break to surf the net, talk to your friends, or try to leave early - do it when your boss is there.  This leaves you free from unwanted speculation and it's easier to talk your way in or out of something when it comes straight from the horses mouth.  How is that for another idiom!

*Idiom: 

Without supervision, people will do as they please, especially in disregarding or breaking rules. For example, As soon as their parents left, the children invited all their friends over—when the cat's away, you know. This expression has been a proverb since about 1600 and is so well known it is often shortened, as in the example.

XOXO Gossip Girl

So today I engaged in some workplace gossip, not trying to, but completely walked into it (which I normally do).  I have a rule to not go seeking out gossip at work.  Unless it is with people I completely trust - which are very few, but in that case we are just trying to stay in the loop of what's going on in the office.

Check out my 5 office gossip rules before you listen if you dare.  (Everyone may have their own, but these work for me!)

1. There are people who just like to stir up the pot.  I will not lie, I like to know what's going on with other people's business, I do.  But you must recognize when someone is being plain hateful or manipulative and trying to add fuel to the fire.  Once recognized - RUN.
2. Stay away from the trouble makers who may make the gossip session look like you started the whole rumor mill - when in fact you were just trying to find your missing fax! 
3. Try to limit or refrain from questions.  Take in the information that is volunteered to you and never inquire further.  This makes you look bad and can work against you. 
4. Stay away from it altogether if you can - stop the perpetrator in their tracks, so that the spewing doesn't even start.
5. If you can not stop it, take in the information, nod or shake your head in good timing and end the conversation telling the gossiper - "Well it'll all work itself out" or "that's too bad" or "maybe it's not as it seems".  All of these responses are very good neutral and deflective responses that can keep you from getting sucked into nonsense.

 

Office Space is my life!

I am sitting at home watching the movie "Office Space" for the umpteenth time and I still find it a direct parallel to my real office life experience.
- Sitting in those infamous cubicles
- Stupid copier/fax machine that never works no matter how many times the repair guy comes to fix it
- Clueless managers like Lumbergh
- Rewarding and promoting slackers like Peter - it was only when he didn't care about his job anymore, that he got a promotion. What's up with that?
Although I have many favorite parts, check out this one - the death of fax machine. Go ahead, get your laugh on!

Thanks BigAndy488 for the You Tube clip!

FOOD LUGGAGE

So my plastic Target bag is not hip and stylish enough to carry my lunch to work in? No!



I remember having at least 3 lunch boxes growing up prior to graduating to a brown paper bag.  

1. I had this huge purple box which resemble in a way, an igloo cooler that people take on picnics and to amusement parks like Great America!  That was way too big for a little petite 5th grader like me.
2. There there was my red Mickey Mouse steel or tin lunch box.  Looking back it could probably be considered some vintage type piece.  I should have kept it, shoot!
3. Lastly, had this green polyester-ish material lunch bag, and since lunch bags weren't as sophisticated as they are now, this bag allowed seepage of condensation and things just soaked through the bag sometimes - yeah I don't know what that was about.  

Now the brown paper bag, I liked.  Not cost effective, but cool in my opinion.   Once I was done, I threw it away, no extra baggage to carry around.  Some lunch boxes/bags were so bulky that it was impossible to fit it into my backpack!  I don't like to lug around too much stuff, I didn't then and I don't now.  Now, if you ask my mom how cool it was to buy brown paper lunch bags each month, and she may tell disspell my cool theory. 

What I do now - I always end up with a random plastic bag, or better yet, I just throw my food in my over sized purse!  Which means I risk having a smashed sandwich.

Take a look at the latest styles in food luggage, thanks to MSN's feature titled "Happy Meals"! 

http://glo.msn.com/living/happy-meals-2413.gallery?GT1=49001#stackState=0__%2Fliving%2Fhappy-meals-2413.gallery%3FphotoId%3D3009

COBRA - Not the Commander from G.I. Joe!

Although it seems as if this slumping economy and job market has finally hit rock bottom, there still may be rounds lay offs and downsizing at your place of employment.  I've known too many people who lost their medical benefits as a result of losing their jobs - months later to say I really need medical coverage right now.  That is where COBRA comes in.  The first response to the word COBRA is its expensive.  I understand that being unemployed makes it hard to afford lots of things let alone COBRA, but before ruling it out, please weigh all of your options.

Who: You - if you recently lost your job that provided medical benefits.  Whether you quit, were laid off or unfortunately fired (hopefully not for any type of gross misconduct - that's another story) you are entitled to the offering of COBRA.

What: COBRA - The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events.

When: Immediately following your termination/last day worked. 

How: Complete the COBRA enrollment paperwork that is mailed to you post termination.  It will be mailed from your former employer or from a third party COBRA administration company.  If you want to continue your medical coverage and you don't receive it within 3 weeks of your last day worked, contact your former employers HR department.  There is a deadline for enrollment and payment of premium.  Once you miss the deadline - you won't be able to sign up.

Why: If you or your eligible dependents i.e. children, spouse have medical needs or maintenance prescriptions that you need to continue, you should sign up for COBRA until you secure another job with benefits or find an independent medical plan that is more cost effective.  

Note: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was implemented to provide a reduction in medical premium costs for individuals who experienced an involuntary termination; see if you qualify.

Review before you recycle that COBRA packet.  You just might need it and it's possible it can be financially feasible. 

For more detailed information click on: www.dol.gov or contact your former employer.

Game Time!

In the final days of the Final Four, the conclusion of the March Madness festivities, and the championship game on Monday many of you may have taken part in your office NCAA tournament brackets with hopes to win big.

By the time I was old enough to participate I already knew the deal, as my grandfather used to be a football pool champ! I would watch him fill in his squares and turn in his money. But what I best remember is him collecting his winnings - which is the part I looked forward to when I began to participate.

I unfortunately missed the deadline for my company's brackets this year, I suppose because of its illegal nature I missed out on the silent announcement. I only came to find out about it when I ran across someone folding it inconspicuously and putting it their pocket. I was devastated that I was too late because I have to say, that I've won in the past (woo-hoo)!

Take a look at this article which actually proves the benefits of office pools. Although illegal in nature-yeah, the whole betting money at work-this article actually has survey results that say office pools whether, NCAA, Superbowl or a pregnant colleagues' due date, brings about positive morale around the office. So, with that said - let the games begin!

http://www.chicagobreakingbusiness.com/2010/03/study-sports-pools-can-lift-morale-at-work.html

Here comes the boss! How to stay out of trouble when surfing the internet at work.

Lately, I've found numerous websites that want you to look at their websites at work and not get in trouble for it! Websites like, http://www.tnt.tv/ provides a "Boss Coming? Dramatic Pause" link to a bogus MS Excel spreadsheet, so while you are watching a show, if your boss walks by or into your office you have an immediate solution to your wrongdoing. Who is catching up on episodes of their favorite TNT show at work - I don't know, but I find this hilarious and diabolically clever!

How did I learn about this you ask, not at work! One weekend a while back, when I was trying to catch up on TNT's police drama "Dark Blue" (which I like and hope comes back this summer, hopefully I wasn't the only one watching it), I discovered this interesting marketing tool and job saver.

I work in a cubicle with my back and computer screen facing the walk way. This could cause lots of problems for me, if I'm too slow to turn my head, peep the intruders, and click on a work appropriate website or document and commence working. Working in a cubicle, for the past three years, I've fine-tuned my hearing so that I can effectively surf the web or online shop and stay on my toes!

There are some job boards that also have these faux documents that allow you to search for jobs and always escape the job hunt with one click, when the coast isn't clear. This particular job board I was on, actually took you to a document that was about developing management styles. Now listen very closely here - I would never suggest looking for a job at work, ever. Unless you know how to delete your internet cookies and files completely and without a trace - I suggest you leave those activities for your home computer. Companies already have internet guidelines, and to tell you the truth yahoo and hotmail sometimes are against the rules too. Please don't lose your job over facebook.

While you should stick to more safe websites like msn.com and cnn.com, you can always make your own "boss is coming - getaway vehicle" by opening up actual work documents you are working on or have a standing new email message template from outlook and there you go. After that, you must, I repeat must, master the mouse click or the ALT - TAB combo to get you out of the inappropriate screen in enough time!

Good Luck!

What's on your desk?

I watch a lot of HGTV and one of my favorite shows is "Designed to Sell". Homeowners who are having trouble selling their homes get help from design pros who reposition and stage their homes. This staging gives off a perception of a lived in home, if the house is empty or a less personalized decor feel, leaving the potential buyers feeling like that they could see themselves living there.

Ironically, I have been staging my desk at work long before I had even known what HGTV was. I have incorporated what I call desk staging into my daily work routine and you should too.

Every morning when I come into work, I turn on my computer, open up my MS Outlook, unlock all my drawers and then I begin the staging process. I pull out my notebook with my to do list on it, some file folders, a couple of HR forms, pension forms that need processing, perhaps a benefit survey that needs to be completed and any other items that I may possibly work on throughout the day and neatly and strategically place these items on my desk.

Now, I initially started staging my desk to give the impression that I was busy. So you could say the items were more like props, so while I was catching up on the shows I watched the night before with coworkers, I could always easily pop back in my seat and get straight to work or appear to be working.

But more recently, I find that staging my desk, helps me prioritize my tasks for the day. Because I am a visual learner, putting the things I have to do out in the open where I can see them allows me to stop the chitter chatter sooner with my coworkers, and get to work.

So, I say - try it, whether you are trying to find a better way to effectively complete your tasks each day, or to to present the illusion that you are super busy, when actually you are checking your hotmail account, paying your bills or talking about what Ellen said on American Idol.

Thank Goodness it's Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday...

It is so funny to me how the attitudes of office workers progress throughout the week. I have memorized the responses to my over the top "Goooood Morrrning" during my 3 floor ride on the elevator each day.

Monday - Ugh - It's Monday...

Tuesday - Is it Friday yet?

Wednesday - It's hump day - we are almost there!

Thursday -Isn't this week going by slow?

Friday -Happy Friday!

I am proposing that those of you who take on this weekly transformation from down in the dumps to on cloud nine, try something different next week. When you enter the elevator, pass someone in the hall, or hold the door for those entering with you, greet them with a Good Morning and a smile. It's really not that hard to do.

No need to share the dark cloud of negativity that hangs over your head with someone else, just because you don't want to be at work. Fake the funk people - Fake - the - funk! Here's why:

A) It's not professional.

B) You don't want anyone going around telling people that you seem like you don't want to be at work - what if that gets back to you manager or the CEO?

C) It's just not healthy. Think of the self fulling prophecy, I think therefore I am. You don't want that attitude to carry through your entire day, better yet the entire week until Friday?

jhjhhlhlh

Remember moods and attitudes can be contagious, so make sure your are passing on the right one.

Let's Get Ready to Rumble...

I wanted to put on boxing gloves today and phantom punch an irrational and immature colleague of mine like Ali did Liston.

When I entered into the work world, to my surprise, I found it to eerily resemble high school. There were cliques, unbelievable bad attitudes and the infamous wishy washy behavior, i.e. I'm not talking to you today so we will ride this elevator in silence and I will pass you in the hall numerous times, because I don't like you. Naive me, thought that if you worked in an office, you acted like you had common sense and decency. Boy was I wrong!

Although, I would love to knock out some of my annoying coworkers, www.boston.com offers eight tips to help deal with difficult coworkers. You should probably try those tips and not a TKO.

1. Approach conflict with an open mind
2. Consider what might have caused the conflict
3. Be respectful of differences
4. Try to cut the conflict off in its early stages
5. Listen carefully
6. Be mindful of your language
7. Ask for help
8. Be sure the problem is resolved

At the end of the day.....while ideal, you don't have to like anyone you work with, but you do have to respect them and act in a professional manner.

Click here for the full article: http://www.boston.com/bostonworks/galleries/workplaceconflict?pg=9

The School of P. Diddy

I read recently that P. Diddy has plans to open a business school in Harlem, NY, where he would embark on "building leaders" as he mentioned in a CNN interview. I'm not sure if he needs a whole school or academy, but I would find it interesting if different business moguls and leaders taught specialized courses or seminars at colleges and universities to help students explore some unconventional methods of achieving success, skill application and other real life business case studies.

In my experiences my most meaningful learning came from a mix of literature and from people who have been in the trenches, having worked in my field of study and who were able to apply all the lessons they learned from the textbook.

So, go for it Diddy! I am sure you'd teach an interesting course.

Fun career site to check out...

In my quest to find all things work related and fun, today I ran across "Karen Burns' - Working Girl" website, which offers career advice. Very cute site; take a look at the 59 jobs she's held over the last 48 years of her life. Whew....
One question: Where are the "Working Guys"? I know you're out there - somewhere...

http://www.karenburnsworkinggirl.com

Here is an interesting statement, my boss heard on a radio show yesterday and shared with me today. Add this to the career growth section of your mental notes file. I am paraphrasing a bit, but the message still speaks loud and clear...

"Your talent can take you places, but your character can keep you from getting in."

The job is the perk...

In the past 6 months to a year, my colleagues and myself have noticed our premium coffee and hot chocolate supply vanish, the disappearance of business lunches and holiday parties and the our company trinkets (shirts, coffee mugs, and just because items from corporate express) leave our king fu grips. Looking on the bright side we should have seen this coming after the 1st rounds of company-wide lay-offs (which left us thankfully with our jobs), the halting of the 401k company match and tuition reimbursement, the introduction of mandatory furloughs and disappointingly the freezing of bonuses and pay increases.

While we are thinking that this sucks and how are they gonna keep taking these things from us, it is important to keep in mind at all times, that companies are doing these things to try to prevent the lay offs and save money which will be used to pay your salary!

At the end of the day, I can bring in my own beverages, have a holiday party among my own family and friends, use the unpaid vacation days I am required to take to relax or run errands, and dust off my old company trinkets (because in reality we really don't use that stuff anyway) and crack a smile every 1st and 15th when I get the ultimate perk - my paycheck!

We are all customers

Customer service matters. We all have or will be on the giving or receiving end of customer service at some point in our daily lives or careers. By day, as a Human Resources professional administering benefits to a company with over 2,000 active employees, retirees and COBRA participants and their dependents, I choose to perform exceptional customer service for the following reasons:

• Benefits (Medical and Dental to be exact) are sensitive subjects for all, including me. No one wants to arrive at the doctor only to find that they're not covered. Respect what is important to the customer.



• I never know who is on the other end of the phone. Great customer service should be blind to status, title, gender, race, etc. One day I may talk to the mail guy and on another day it might be a former CEO, either way they would have received remarkable customer service.



• Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you. I recently had the worst experience with an airline whose name I will not mention. I have written a very detailed letter and have made numerous calls to their corporate customer service office and am awaiting a response. Its well-known that one tells more people of an unpleasant experience than a positive one. Don't put your reputation on the line - just think about your reaction to unacceptable customer service.

Check out the 2010 Customer Service Champs listed on BusinessWeek.com and see what they did to make the list. http://images.businessweek.com/ss/10/02/0218_customer_service_champs/index.htm

Music at work

According to wikipedia, a score is written specifically to be used in an actual film and a soundtrack is the music inspired by the movie. I've gotten burned by running out to buy a movie soundtrack only to find that my favorite song from the movie score, is not on the soundtrack! So that's how I learned the difference between the two.

I love music and I can truly say that music gets me through my work day. I start off with a little Frou Frou to ease me into work mode, mid day I have gospel with Mary Mary to keep me from losing my religion, after lunch my instrumental or classic pieces like Gunnar Madsen helps me concentrate and towards the end of the day - Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" pick ups my momentum and carries me to 5 or 6pm (6 is when I've lost track of time, because I was jamming)!

What's your work day score or soundtrack?

If your job was a movie, what music would it contain? Or better yet, create your own signature soundtrack of music that is inspired by your work tasks, mood, etc. It is easy, fun and helps you get through your work day. Bring in your Ipod or MP3 and docking station and plug in at your desk - after creating your work playlist music at home. If you are not that tech savvy, there are numerous websites that allow you to listen to free music and create your own personal playlist that won't require you to lug around equipment or tote your Ipod back and forth each day. Just open up a web browser and type in the URL.

Here's to your sanity at work. Create your playlist now!

http://www.playlist.com/

http://www.imeem.com/ http://www.hypster.com/

http://www.123playlist.com/

http://www.bollymusicsearch.com/

I didn't get the job because of what?

Degree - check!

Experience - check!

Great references - check!

Just when you thought nothing could get in the way of you acing your interview and securing the job... Click on this link and check out an article from AOL.com, which describes 9 interesting but true interview showstoppers.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/02/15/job-seeker-discrimination

Accept that "Happy Hour" Invite!

You may not be a drinker, but "Happy Hour" is not only for drinking. Next time your coworkers or boss (if you can stand him or her) invite you out for an after work social session, take them up on their offer. You never know how much you have in common or how much fun you can have interacting with them outside of your office environment.

Exchanging information about upcoming leads or promotion opportunities or collaborating on ideas for future projects is one way to spend the evening. But, if you are lucky like me, you will have bonded with one or two of your colleagues and can spend the evening catching up on the latest movies, fashion and of course MEN! They don't have to turn into your "bestie" but it doesn't hurt to add to your circle of friends or network.

Reality TV - a double edged sword, the gift and the curse, my yin and my yang

Where have I been - is probably the best question for me right now! I have been away from my blog for almost 1 whole year - pitiful - I know. Why, you ask? Well...

1. It isn't because I have truly been living up to my name "Workerbee" - no its not...yes I have been putting in 10 hour days and Saturdays here and there, trying to survive doing more with less in this shaky economy - but that's not it. No, its not.


2. I can't say its because I've been travelling extensively over the last couple months - I mean I did go out of town about every month last fall - yeah, I did. But, you know with this darn technology every place I ventured to there was a computer or lap top available to me. However, I chose only to check my hotmail, my work email and peruse celebrity gossip sites here and there - I never thought so much as to blog - hmm mmm, no I didn't.


3. Oh wait - been in my new condo for over a year now and perhaps its due to my obsessive compulsive need to HGTV my place - yeah, yeah - that was time consuming. It was....but no, I can't really say that was the reason either - as that kept me confined to a space in which was my usual blogging spot - "in my home". Hmmm... Okay...

Oh right, I got it - I have been in a reality TV trance. I have literally found a new reality show to watch each week over the past 6 months to a year. I'd put in my time at work and once I left my reality - I catapulted myself into someone else's reality (well, I come to find its not really that real, but whatever, its not scripted, OK maybe it is - but you know what I mean!). I am ridiculed more times than not when someone calls me and I tell them "I'll call you back, I gotta finish this episode of 'The Jersey Shore'" or while in the break room I'm asked to weigh in on how bitchy those "Gossip Girls" are, and I only can contribute to conversations about how bitchy those "For the Love of Ray J" girls are, or better yet those "Bridezilla" crazies!

Now there are some good ones out there, like TLC's "The Little Couple" which chronicles the lives of the cutest and most resilient couple who happen to be little people and another favorite also on TLC includes "What Not to Wear". What you wear definitely plays a part in your self image and giving you the courage to seek out your dreams: HINT HINT Power Suit. So... not all trash.

But just when I thought it was safe to ween myself off a couple reality shows I've grown accustomed to (I can't let it all go) I stumble across my newest find and inspiration to get back on the blogs. "Undercover Boss" that's right, just what I needed to bring me back! Looks like I've come full circle, what took me away from Power Suit - has since guided me back home...

Watch the first full episode by clicking here: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/undercover_boss/