As weird as it may sound, today, it dawned on me that the women's bathroom at my workplace periodically smells like fruity pebbles cereal.  And... I have not had Fruity Pebbles since I was a kid!  It really is a mood booster - I have to say.  It makes me think of psychedelic colors and tie dye and daisies. It is really weird. Then I start to think - what is it - is it the automatic air freshener that mists out on its timed schedule or is it the cleaning supplies our janitor uses, someones lotion or hairspray, I truly don't know - its a mystery.

Now it doesn't smell like that always - I don't have to go there. But another smell I recognize is jheri curl activator. What is that???  Maybe someone has a jheri curl here at work that I have not noticed. I don't know - but these thoughts led me to give out some workplace restroom etiquette tips.

Why?  You will most likely see the same people in the restroom, seeing that we are at work for anywhere from 8 to 10 hours a day.  Working in a office setting where you see the same people all the time, it turns into your home away from home.  Any woman who has lived with a male, remembers toilet seats being left up - I do thanks to my brother. So if you care about being a good customer of your office restroom keep reading:

• Wash your hands.  You would be surprised how many women I have witnessed leaving the stall and fleeing the bathroom.  That is not only wrong, but a hygienic risk.  Working in a area with LOTS of people = GERMS!  So, having touched files, pens, shaking hands of people you just met and to then not wash your hands..... YUCK!
• Leave the stall clean for others (you know what I mean) and not smelly. Someone in my department actually has an air freshener canister she takes to the bathroom with her. What class!
• If its a co-ed bathroom, make it gender neutral - not too frilly not to masculine. Ladies keep your personal items placed in covered receptacles or in cabinets.
• Don't use other people's products without permission.  In our restroom we have a cabinet where people store toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairspray, lotion, etc.  Me personally I have a problem with my personal items being out of my sight or personal space, but others don't.  So, if you start to feel like you need brush your teeth or need a feminine product, stop by CVS or Walgreens and stock up on your own items.  Now if the item belongs to your work bff and you have an understanding where you share things fine.  Really, you shouldn't be using the stuff of people you don't really know anyway.

If everyone would just follow these couple of tips the world of work should be not only be hygienically sound, but also a good patron of work restrooms. 

Jackpot - I quit!

Most people fantasize about winning the lottery and then quitting their jobs.  But, not just quitting, actually exiting the company in a fashion that includes flipping off your boss, turning desks, throwing files in the trash and pimp walking out of the building with your deuces in the air, like Chris Brown.  Well, maybe that's not everybody, but I have ran across some people who say that is exactly what they would do if they hit the mega millions.

Now, what would I do...hmmm...I know for sure I would not quit my job immediately.  I could see myself working for at least 6 more months after the win (and collection of funds of course) until I figure out what my next move would be.  Invest in a franchise, purchase investment property, I don't know but a plan would have be to made!  I probably wouldn't even want people to know I won, except for my mortgage company, because I would definitely be paying off my house!

One million dollars is not what it used to be and I've read that even millionaires are pinching their pennies.  So if you hit the power ball think twice before you utter those two words - "I quit". Today I ran across an article on Money.msn.com which highlights a couple (who has decided to remain anonymous - smart, right)who won the lottery and kept their 9 to 5 jobs.  Click on the link below and find out why they decided to keep working.

http://money.msn.com/saving-money/article.aspx?post=4173ee56-bbae-4e90-abae-79c9a2be2a60&gt1=33026

New Office Shorthand

Is it me or is this text message language creeping into the work world?  I find myself reading work emails in MS Outlook that contain LOL, OMG, LMAO or LMBO and even WTF.  I have not seen SMH yet (which by the way, I just learned what this meant not too long ago).

Not sure if I am more disturbed that my 62 year old boss is using those acronyms OR that they are being used in the workplace all together. Talk about merging worlds. There used to be work clothes and after work or weekend clothes, work voice and the after 5 o' clock voice, and now here I thought there was such a thing as work communication and terminology (which I blogged about years ago) and outside work lingo, but it looks like the inside and outside worlds have collided.  I must admit, I am guilty of no longer having work clothes, instead I have clothes I wear to work. I do draw the line with my minis, hot pants and skinny jeans - hey I do have ethics.  But, I do sashay into the office in my 4 1/2 inch leopard print pumps or python sling backs here and there aiming for my Carrie Bradshaw Sex in the City look. (I still love her to this day and watch the reruns on E!)

I digress - WTF why have we accepted these abbreviations as work appropriate.  I barely understand the abbreviations when my girls text them to me.  When I see colleagues doing this it makes me LOL, but not in a good way, I then SMH!  :o) Oh, but these smiley faces are used quite often.  I personally think these are okay.  :o)  But hey, a smiley face is universal - right?!

If you are like me and need a little help - here you go.
LOL - Laugh out loud
OMG - Oh my gosh/God
WTF - What the...
SMH - Shaking my head/shake my head
LMBO/LMAO - laugh my butt or ...off

Post Holiday/Vacation Snooze

Vacations and holidays are supposed to leave you feeling energized, refreshed and ready to get back to the grind of work.  Some people vow to turn over a new leaf and stop bad habits after a trip or time off.  And then other's have a renewed sense of patience and a calm zen about them aiding in their ability to work and cooperate more smoothly with their peers.

Well, I just returned not only from the Labor Day holiday weekend, but also a long overdue 10 day vacation ( yay me!) or "staycation" as they call it when you take off of work, but stay home or local instead of traveling.  This vacation was overdue because I hadn't taken not one day of my vacation all year.  When I realized that I had worked 8 months straight I knew I needed to take a break not only from work, but from the people I work with and the robotic routine I was stuck in.  Not to mention, my vacation days do not roll over, so I better had taken some days!  Don't be a victim of use it or lose it.  Use your days people!

Anyway, hopefully like others returning from the holiday (and end of summer milestone) I did go back to work energized, refreshed and ready to get back to the grind.  However, the new leaf I tried to turn over is still on one side as I snoozed my way from 6am to 7am this morning, but I still got to work on time and ready to rock and roll.  My alarm is set to 6am again, so wish me luck! 

You the boss!

While I have not professionally held the title of a manager, supervisor or as I call it "a boss" as a subordinate I have observed the do's and don'ts to managing others through being managed.  On top of being intelligent, ethical and being good at what you do I believe the next ten things wouldn't hurt to be good at being "a boss".

1 - Open Communication
You have to have an open line of communication in all aspects so that there is no guessing in the work relationship.  That goes from communicating performance to letting your employees know you aren't coming to work or are leaving early.  Today, my boss left the office early, leaving our team confused at where she was, if she was coming back and if and how we could reach her if an emergency occurred.  Literally, no one in my department knew where our boss went. 
2 - Empowerment
If you don't motivate your employees and instill confidence in them to do a great job, 9 out of 10 times your employees won't produce their best work.
3 - Transparency
While managers can't always tell their employees everything, like future plans not yet approved, the fact that an executive is retiring, etc.  However, if that is the nature of your job, as a boss, let your employees know that you will be as open and honest with them as their job allows.  Honest enough to share what you can, and honest enough to say when you can't.  When the economy was down back in 2008 my boss let me know early on, that there will not be any bonuses for me or anyone in the company and she was right.  It sucked, but she was honest.
4 - Approachable
Some bosses think that being a boss means to be mean, unapproachable and to have your employees intimidated by you.  This will cause resentment and actions driven by fear.  They will hate you and talk about you behind your back.  This one goes with number one, there will be no communication if you are unapproachable to begin with. 
5 - Engaged/Presence
If you don't care, they won't care.  Bosses who are detached or disengaged when it comes to the department they are managing run the risk of losing the focus of their employees.  A previous boss of mine seemed not to care if and when she came to work, when deadlines were approaching and if I was even doing my job.  At first I thought she just really trusted me, I mean I am a stellar employee, but then I began to notice that she was just not that into the job.  Maybe this was temporary, maybe she was going through something, whatever the case it led me to become resentful and overworked.  So, make sure as a manager, you stay tuned.
6 - Supportive
Employees need cheerleaders at work.  Support on projects, support during conflict and support in the growth of their career.
7 - Respectful
Disrespect does not yield positive results.  Again, this will get your employees talking about you behind your back.
8 - Secure/Confident
If a manager is not secure in their abilities they tend to hoard work and not work towards developing their employees to be successful.  Most times employees don't want to stay in their same position forever, they want to grow.  If the manager thinks that their subordinate will outshine them or pass them up in some way, they will be hesitant in providing opportunity.  If you feel like that, than you as a manager should take up a course to better your skill set instead of holding someone back.
9 - Lead by example
Do as I say, not as do, works best coming from a parent or guardian.  Coming from "a boss" ummm, not so much.  This will cause confusion and in my opinion lead to unethical behavior.  You mean to tell me that if you are a boss you act one way and if you aren't you act another - not good.  The reality is EVERYONE has a boss unless you own your business, so you will eventually have to answer to someone.  How about you just do the right thing and use your best judgement when in doubt and showcase good professional behavior to your employees.
10 - Human
You did not start your job as "a boss".  We all have to start somewhere, learn something and make a mistake along the way.  We are all human and that includes our bosses!

My Casual Friday

Every summer the company I work for allows a relaxed dress code on Fridays, which includes capri pants, sandals, sleeveless tops and other work appropriate summer attire.  I do a good job keeping it polished and professional on casual Fridays - so much that colleagues has taken cracks at my creased jeans.  Take it from me, you don't have to crease ALL your jeans but you should at least have 1 or 2 pairs of jeans that mimic a pair of slacks. 

While I don't venture too far from the creased jeans paired with a blazer or nice blouse, some Fridays I would rather wear the most hated type of footwear.  You know what I am talking about. Yes, flip flops.

I know Stacy London and Clinton Kelley from "TLC's What Not to Wear" believe that there is no occasion for flip flops,but I beg to differ.  I love to just slip them on to run to the grocery store, to the mall, to that summer jazz festival downtown or to Outback Steakhouse to grab a last minute bite to eat. 

I do have enough sense to not wear flip flops to work.  But, you would be surprised that not everyone does.

So, if your feet hurt from wearing heels all week, or you love your heels Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays, but just want to give your feet a break on Fridays like me (only because my Physician Assistant friend has scared me straight mentioning to me that I am ruining my feet by wearing heels every single day) or you simply want to participate in casual or relaxed Fridays...

Wear something like my Kenneth Cole leopard flats! 

Chic and comfy

and save these Old Navy Flip Flops for the weekend if you just have to wear them! 

And yes, I do have to wear them.

Broken-in and convenient!

Tick Tock goes the clock

Time is of the essence.  Time is money.  Time is precious.  These are things I thought about when sitting in a meeting this afternoon that should have taken one hour but instead took close to two and a half hours.  Initially transitioning from the classroom to the workplace proved very difficult for me as I learned that there is the potential for lots of meetings in the course of one day: planned meetings, impromptu meetings, meetings that run over the end time, meetings that did not have a purpose and so on.

 However, in the last 6 years of my corporate work experience I have not only been broken into attending, facilitating and planning meetings, I have also grown to enjoy them, when they are a means to inform, summarize, clarify, and/or reiterate information, brainstorm and collect ideas, or  implement, in other words  productive.  Oh, and facilitated in a timely manner.

After the two and half hour meeting, I thought that although the objective was met and I was enlightened on the performance management system that I had not yet been trained on, I realized that there were numerous missteps by the meeting facilitator that led to our meeting being extremely long for no reason.  So, I present to you the five missteps that took place in the meeting I attended today and how to avoid them.  Read these carefully so when you facilitate a meeting you won't make the same mistakes and waste your employees or colleagues valuable time.

1. Test technical props (Lap tops, wireless connections, projector screens, phone lines, etc)
    being used for the meeting prior to the start time.  Things can and will go wrong, and most times it will be out of your control, however testing early allows more time to move on to a "Plan B" if you encounter issues.  Trying to troubleshoot in front of your meeting attendees is unprofessional and gives them the impression who were not prepared and makes them feel as if  you are wasting their time, which technically you will be if the meeting runs over. 
2. Do not digress.  While the topic may remind you of a funny joke, a recent scenario or previous experience, refrain from excessive side bar conversations, off topic comments and any other dialogue that will not add value and also prolong the meeting.  Save your irrelevant chatter until the meeting concludes.
3. Provide materials in advance if possible.  This may not always be possible or even necessary so use your best judgement here.  If you are training the meeting attendees on new material, handouts and/or instructions would be fitting.  This will save time down the line after the meeting, in that the attendees will have the information at their fingertips and not have to return to you for further explanation or search around for how-to's.
4. If the meeting time is up - set up a time to continue the meeting at a later date. Most people plan to be available for the meeting time communicated to them and that meeting time only.
5. BONUS - You are probably thinking, what if I am attending a meeting that is wasting my time?  Take control politely.  This will not work in all cases, but it is possibly to move the meeting along, by interjecting and getting the group back on task.  Suggest a timekeeper if you see time is getting to be a problem and also bring the group back to the meeting topic if they get off track by using a line like this "Julie, I understand your explanation of step 1 of the process, what would step 2 entail?"  This shows you are interested in the subject matter, but also want to cut out the unnecessary chit chat.

Here's to productive meetings in and out of the office! 

Your mother doesn't work here - clean up after yourself!

When I first started working at my current job 4 years ago, I was amazed to find real dishes in the breakrooms.  No really; drinking glasses, coffee mugs, plates, bowls, silverware and get this - a dishwasher!  I was quite puzzled, as my previous places of employment only had sinks, refrigerators and microwaves.  So this was totally new to me. 

Once explained to me, the efforts to cut down on waste and to go green, I warmed up to fact that these breakrooms were full fledge kitchens, just like at home!  But as my tenure progressed, I began to observe that the employees were treating these "at work" kitchens like they were "at home" kitchens.  Right now, at my house, my dishes are piled up in the sink (working girl = full sink until the weekend), but would I necessarily feel compelled to just dump my dirty dishes in the sink and leave for who knows who to clean up, at work?  Yeah, not so much. 

Why do people think this is ok?  Now of course this is not everyone, you have people like me and then the people who create signs and tape them to the cupboard doors or even on the countertops printed in all caps "CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF!"  Maybe we should remove the dishes?  I don't know what the solution is, we are all adults, and sadly enough people bring their bad home habits to work.  This is interesting to me, most times I would hate for someone to come to my house and see my dirty dishes piled up high or witness any other outside of work or behind closed door behaviors.  I suppose the employees who do this have no shame in their game and like to keep it real no matter where they are????  Beats me.

There is a time and place for everything, so let's try to suppress our behaviors that are not appropriate for work (like being slobs) until we get home OR eat at restaurants where there are servers OR use disposible utensils! 

Know your place

Until today, I felt that it was completely annoying to provide all this special treatment to executives who work for the company.  I mean, the overrides and extended deadlines, the calling the medical vendors for them, when they could simply call customer service themselves.  Not to mention, the company cars (I'm talking high end, not your typical Ford Explorer), country club and gym memberships, executive compensation (so they can be rich forever), additional life insurance and the list goes on! 

While I know 9 out of 10 executives deserve all the perks they are getting for leading companies, developing strategies, saving millions and making millions, it can get under your skin and irk you a little bit, the same way growing up, your parents irked you when they told you to get them a glass of water, or any other asinine task they could have done themselves, but instead, asked you to do it because you are their child and they are your parent!  I digress....

Today, however, it appears that the Director of Human Resources (of all employees) grew irritated over yet another perk.  The assigned covered parking, which is coveted by many (not me though, if I had my choice of perks, it would not be a parking spot) apparently was the straw that broke the camels back.  Long story short, the Director of HR parked in the CFO's parking spot while he was at lunch, only for him to return and find someone in his parking spot.  This is where it gets good - the CFO fights back by parking horizontally behind the Director of HR, blocking her in, retreating to his office and patiently awaiting her request to be unblocked when the workday concludes.  But, that is not what happens.  At 4:30pm, the Director of HR attempts to duck out early only to find her car is blocked in.  What happened next?  Well, the Director of HR asks another employee to go to the CFO, let him know she is trying to get out.  This employee does that, but the CFO is not having it.  He requests that the Director of HR come see him directly - but guess what, she poos poos that request and maneuvers her way out of the parking spot, leaving the CFO's car parked on the street and looking crazy!

The moral of the story is that:

1) I don't need to say that the Director of HR was out of line and while she may not think it was a big deal, it showed an overwhelming sense of immaturity and entitlement and blatant disrespect towards the CFO. 




2)  It's really not that serious.  Please don't risk your credibility and reputation over a parking spot that is 10 steps closer than the one you are allowed to park in. 

3) Don't mess with the hierarchy, totem pole, pecking order, whatever you want to call it, in the workplace.  Know your place, if you want a covered parking spot (which is not all that if you ask me) work for it, and if that means you have to work until you are 50, than that's what you have to do.  Hopefully, you can find more rewarding things in life to make you happy than a parking spot that really is probably detrimental to your health, because the closer you are to the door, the less exercise you are getting.  I know this is a stretch...but you probably get my sarcasm.

Behind closed doors: Bye Bye cubicle HEL-LO OFFICE!

After 4 years as a Benefits Administrator, I've gotten promoted into a HR Generalist role. I am very excited to learn my new job.  My hard work has definitely paid off.  I have created a very positive reputation among my colleagues and have also had several successes within the company.  So, along with my promotion, I have gone from a cubicle to office! Yes, more work, more travel and more intense projects will come my way, but I will be doing all of that gladly in the privacy of my office. Now, I've worked in cubicles in most of my jobs, so I was not a stranger to them, but it gets loud, I get nervous leaving things at my desk, like my ipod, I had nowhere to hang my coat in the winter and frankly, I had to always be on the lookout and ready to protect my computer screen as at any minute someone would be sashaying around the corner and my computer screen with non-work related images (oh! not that - I mean shopping or celeb blogs) would be viewed. 

As happy as I am about my upgrade (you have to walk into my office and then stand directly behind me to see what is on my screen, also my ipod and docking station is now safe because of my ability to lock my door when I leave and no one has to hear me cuss out Comcast about my high bill nor do I have to hear my neighbor cuss out their significant other), I do want to be the first to tell you that an office isn't a sign of making it or an indicator of great skill. Your talent is still king, whether you are sitting at a receptionist desk, a cubicle or working out of your car. Not all professions require an office and not all companies accommodate their employees with them.  My mother has been on her job for 33 years, has had an office for 30 of them but recently the culture has changed and she is now packing up her office to go to a cubicle. If you don't have an office at work and you really just want one, create a space at your home.

Working in Human Resources confidentiality and privacy is extremely important.  Having an office allows you to speak with employees related to performance issues, advancement opportunities or the dreadful reduction in workforce conversation.  So really, me having an office benefits the employees I service throughout the company! 

Either way, I am pleased with my career progression and ready to start decorating my new space.  Should I call HGTV???  Hey, TV show idea, right...

All better!

I am in my final days of antibiotics for the ear infection I had nearly two weeks ago!  I tell ya, when it rains it pours.  I am quite the healthy 30 year old, but that ear infection and a short bout with pink eye (yes, pink eye) that I suffered from simultaneously almost took me out!

What was funny to me, was when I spoke to two of my best friends this past Sunday on our ever informative 3-way call, after mentioning my sickly condition, and how I still was able to orientate a new employee, move into my new office, continue to work two roles and attend my own surprise promotion party, one said, "wait, you still went to work?"  And I replied with no hesitation, "yeah!".  "Why????", my inquisitive PhD'd friend shrieked....because I am a hard worker, I responded.  But long after I hung up, I thought to myself again, "why did I go to work, despite my feeling completely under the weather, unable to hear out of my left ear and squinting my red hued right eye!  Yeah, I looked and felt very crazy! 

Was it because I was worried about my reputation around the office?  Well, not really; because my only sick day in four years was when I sprang my foot, but I was back to work the next day.  So, that's not it. 

Am I trying to save my so called - "call off" day for something good.  No, can't say that is it either.  I plan my vacation time very wisely always have enough days to accommodate the activities I plan for myself.

Do I have very irrational and unreasonable bosses - no, not at all.  While my old boss was "something else" she knew I put in waaaaay more than I get in my job and recognized that I had integrity, therefore she was okay when I had to come into work late because I had to take my sick cat to the vet.

So, what is it?  My conclusion is that my internal self drive propelled me to work each day, with a smile on my face ready to handle my business.  I realized that my actions are simply not to impress, but a reflection of my own beliefs and while I believe that somebody is always watching.....the most important eyes are your own!

No invite for you...it's ok if you don't invite your boss or coworkers to your wedding - no, really

Well guys and gals - my attempt to blog everyday is quite the task and I am not succeeding here.  I am just coming off of a busy weekend (last) both mentally and physically.  Then I did the unthinkable earlier this week and washed my hair and went to bed with it damp so I had to battle what you might call a head cold - I guess. 

Anyway -  last Saturday I attended and worked as a host at my friend's wedding. which was soooo pretty and such a warm heartfelt event.  I still feel very warm inside just thinking about it!  Being a host was more than I thought - a friend of mine did warn me, but I thought how hard could it be....hello sir, this way; good day madam - your seat would be that way.....Uhhhh no - certainly more than that - but all incredibly worth it! 

Moving on - with the bride being both my friend and coworker, I got to thinking is it customary to invite your boss and your colleagues who work in your department to your wedding?  I mean.....I personally wouldn't feel obligated to invite anyone from my job unless I forged a personal relationship or bond with the person or persons and I wanted them there.  Now, of course I was there, and then there were three people who were ex-coworkers from our job, but clearly that makes them friends now, because we no longer work with them.  However, we work in a department of 16 and my friend was advised to not "not invite" a couple of key work personalities, but just as I would have done - she decided to go with those who she is most close with and that only included me and 1 other person (not the boss).  I applauded her for not getting sucked into the office politics.  I mean, where does it end and who made those rules?  What if you were keeping your wedding small and quaint due to being on a strict budget and only wanted close friends and family?  On the other hand even if you were going all out, why should you have to share your special day with a coworker or boss you are only associated with because you work with them? 

Not that I am close to getting married anytime soon - but when I do - my invites to my wedding will include only those close to me and those whom I want there with me to share in a very important and memorable day of my life, not reluctant invitations to work people just to be politically correct (that goes for my hubby to be too!).  Is that politically incorrect???  Maybe to some (like the person who advised my friend to invite her boss) but lots of wedding sites, like www.theknot.com, www.wednet.com and www.savvysugar.com agree with me!

 

Summer is here!

Happy Memorial Day folks! 

While I know that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance those who died while in military service, which I totally respect and appreciate.  At the same time Memorial Day is also a symbol of the start of summer!!!

So, with summer starting I wanted to share with you 5 tips to a great summer!

1. Vacation Time Off Requests - Make sure you put in your vacation time off requests to your supervisor or manager in a timely fashion, to ensure you can take that wonderful vacation to Disney World, the Bahamas or wherever else your heart desires.  Managers have a very hard task in scheduling time off requests, making sure coverage is available and all staff is not granted time off at the same time.  Avert your crisis of having purchased your plane tickets and having to cancel or postpone your trip by verbally requesting time off and following up with a written request.  If your job does not have a timekeeping system for requests or a time off request form (I can't imagine that they wouldn't) send an email or make your own written request, submit to your manager for approval, and once approved - have fun!
2. Summer Dress Code - My company has a summer dress code policy as with the temperatures rising, wearing suits and button ups can make one very uncomfortable.  The first week of June we usually receive a memo mapping out the do's and don'ts of summer attire.  So, my advice to you is to basically "follow the rules"!  You don't want to go overboard with your board shorts and flip flops and lose out on this option for good.  My company's dress code includes capri pants and sandals for women and khakis and polo shirts for men.  If your company's policy gives you more wiggle room, make sure it is still professional, clean and wrinkle free.  Ladies wearing sandals?  Pedicures are a must!
3. Summer Work Hours - While my company does not have summer work hours, the place I worked before did.  It was soooo great, let me tell you.  7am to 3pm, 10am to 6pm and anything else in between.  Summer hours allows you the flexibility to enjoy the sun, plain and simple.  While I don't have summer hours where I work now, again, my advice to you who do, do not take advantage! 
4. Company Picnic Etiquette - Companies like to show their appreciation to their employees normally on an annual basis.  This could be during the Holidays or in the summer, so company picnics and cookouts are pretty common!  Remember you are still at work, this is not your family's backyard boogie, so remain on your best behavior.  If the food provided is not your typical cookout food, grab something you like and keep it moving, this was a kind gesture on behalf of the management, its not your wedding or birthday party so you were not the basis for the choices.  Most times, your CEO and other company executives will partake in the festivities to show their support and prove they are not above their employees, so you never know who will be in front or behind you in the buffet line.  Last year at my company cookout, the CEO brought his hamburger and chips to my table and we had a great conversation  about our summer plans!
5. Summer Work Standards - Lastly, keep your work standards up and continue to work at the same level (hopefully, your best work :o)) you have during the other part of the year, just because the sun is out, don't let the humidity cloud your brain and get you too laxed.  The summer is only 3 months - I am sure you want your job once September hits!

Here's to a great summer!!!

I believe I will see it!

Nine times out of ten, I am a "Believe it when I see it" kind of gal, but I can't hold my excitement any longer.  We have hired my replacement and I will be moving to my new job and office (hello door!) in three weeks! 

Yes, all pending a negative drug test, fraud free background check and minus any second thoughts the candidate may have resulting in her rescinding her acceptance of the job offer.  Dun DUN DUNNNNN!!!  

But I am staying optimistic, that all goes well and I can successfully pick up my new cactus (yes, a cactus) for my desk from Lowe's in the next couple weeks.

Fingers Crossed!!!!

RSVP please...

It's 10:36pm and I just finished putting together bridal shower favors for my coworker.  Yes - we not only have work birthday parties, but also bridal parties!  It really is important to support your colleagues and employees; acknowledging events like birthdays, weddings and birth of children is one simple way to show you care and have fun!  Can't wait for my work birthday party...raising the bar right now! :o)

Take a look at the finished product. Hmmmm......side gig??

I'm coming out, I want the world to know....

Last week after checking out my blog, a friend of mine suggested I be a little bit more open with my blogging and reveal more personal information about myself.  I thought about it for a couple days and thought, why hadn't I started to blog with more of a personal touch?  Initially, I believe it was because I didn't want to be reprimanded or even fired from my job for telling cyberspace how I really felt about my coworkers, how I felt what my boss said was stupid or how glad I was not to be at my previous job for one more minute!  Being a former recruiter I know that a person's online lifestyle can certainly prevent or end employment - so that was a road I did not want to go down, I do have bills to pay and a cat to take care of.  But aside from that, I wondered what else was holding me back from opening up?

Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a healthy appetite for reality TV.  How selfish and hypocritical am I to salivate over the pitiful teen moms struggling to juggle a baby and get out of high school on 16 and Pregnant, eyeball the crumbling of marriages and financial states of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, New Jersey and Orange County and chuckle at the emotional breakdown of Meatloaf on The Celebrity Apprentice.

Because I do believe there is a tasteful and respectful way to convey my working experiences, have fun and share my point of view, not to mention create fictional character names along the way, I will take my friends advice.  Thanks Karen*! :o)

*Names were changed to protect the identities of the parties depicted in this blog.

6 Go-to phrases for all business women

As women we all have (or should have) our go-to phrases or rebuttals that roll off our tongues to deal with those sticky, awkward, or inconvenient situations in our every day social lives, i.e. 

1. I'm in a relationship (whether you are or not) or, thanks for your interest, but I am not pursuing new relationships at the moment - to deflect unwanted male attention or advances OR
2. Thanks for the invite to ____________ however, I think you would have a better time with someone who has a genuine interest in __________________ - when a coworker, or even a family member or friend asks you to an event, concert, etc that you clearly don't want to attend.

But, the other day I ran across an article on aol.com that shared "Six Phrases Every Working Woman Should Know and Use" by Dr. Lois Frankel who has a book with tips for communicating with impact titled, "Nice Girls Just Don't Get It,"  (I will have to check it out).

As a woman working in corporate America I try to be professional, honest and considerate in my business dealings, but in all candor I can't say that I've have any go-to work phrases other than my elevator and break room talk, which I have down pat!!!

According to Dr. Lois Frankel here are 6 phrases working women need in their back pockets:

1. "Be that as it may, I still would like..."
Dr. Frankel elaborates by saying "Use this to hold your ground with someone who is giving you an excuse for why you can't have what you want. A variation would be, 'I hear what you're saying, and I still would like...'" I like this one alot!

2. "I would be happy to do that for you. Let me tell you __________ [how much it will cost, how much time it will take, how much help I will need, etc.]."
Dr. Frankel explains "Good customer/client service requires you to be willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done - but it doesn't mean you shouldn't ask for what you need to meet the needs of others. Often when you tell them the "cost" of their request, it soon becomes modified."

3. "Thank you. I'm glad you noticed and appreciate the feedback."
Dr. Frankel says "If you have a difficult time accepting a compliment, this is the one for you." Now, this is probably the only one I've used regularly - I do know how to take a compliment!

4. "Although I can't participate at this time, I appreciate your letting me know about it." Dr. Frankel says "This is a nice way to say buzz off, I'm not buying whatever you're selling." This too is a good one that I have to start using.

5. "I'm sure you didn't realize you just cut ahead of me in line."

Dr. Frankel says "You can say this one as you step in front of the offender - best said with a smile." Wow, I'm gonna use this one although not sure how I would use this at work.  I can use this at a restaurant or retail store and hope that a physical altercation does not follow!  Or at work, I could use this to counter those who cut me off in a discussion or if my opinion is discounted.  Yeah - try it that way ladies. 

6. "Although I can't do ________, I can do ____________."

I use this now, giving an alternative of what you can do makes your response of a decline or changing your participation less negative.

So add these to your mental rolodexes ladies!

My mother's work ethic revealed...

As I spend my, at least, 10th Mother's Day away from my own mother, I can't help but reflect on what a great mother I have.  She has taught me so many lessons in life, some intentional and others by default, but one lesson that is fitting for this blog is definitely my mother's work ethic.  While she did not sit me down and tell me, "you go to work on time, you give 110%, if you have to work on the weekends to complete an important project you do it" she instead taught by example.  I saw first hand what it was to follow through on your commitments, go above and beyond the call of duty and let's not forget dress for the job you want, not the one you have. 

I have tried and am still trying to apply my mother's work ethic to all aspects of my life, whether its school, work, because as my mother prepares for her well deserved retirement, I know that it was her work ethic that includes resiliency, determination, independence, respect that has contributed to her being an OUTSTANDING mother!  I know that she taught me oh so well!   

So thank you Mommy, all of my accomplishments are as a result of you!  Happy Mother's Day!

Bullies at work - really?

Wow, I just finished reading an article from last Sunday's Detroit Free Press newspaper about workplace bullying.  I was bullied in elementary school, for no other reason but for being smaller than others, or too quiet or just plain minding my own business.  But those days are long gone for me, but unfortunately not for others.  I couldn't imagine being bullied at work.  I mean come on, I am there to enrich my life, make a difference and make money! 

Ironically in the midst of the massive campaigns against child and teen bullying  and cyber-bullying and violence - the exact same behaviors are occurring in workplaces.  Who would have thought, working parents now have to deal with making sure their kids are not victims of bullying as well as themselves!

According to the article "Bullies at work all too common" a CareerBuilder survey revealed 27% of workers admit to being bullied at work.  This bully behavior included:

• Being harshly criticized
• Being yelled at in front of other colleagues
• Having belittling comments made towards them
• Stealing credit for their work

After reading the article, I thought maybe I did know that these types of things are happening - I can say I have seen this type of behavior happen to others.  I just didn't put it in the bullying category, instead I put it in the a-hole category.  I then wonder are these so called adult bullys, the result of grown up bullies, or the victims of childhood bullies trying to seek retribution for having been bullied?  Who knows.  It's wrong either way.  

If you feel that you are being bullied document all incidents in detail and if feel that you can address the person who is doing the bullying, do so they may not know they are bullying you.  On the other hand, if you can clearly identify that the the person who is bullying you, knows it, doesn't care and dares you to tell someone; Still document the incidents in detail and run not walk to your Human Resources department to seek resolution.

Here are a couple resources available concerning how to handle bullying (child and adult):

• www.stopbullying.gov
• www.bullybusters.org
• www.workplacebullying.org 

   

Your boss is what?

As you know I am currently recruiting for my replacement, which is not a hard task because prior to working in corporate HR job, I was a recruiter and loved it! Being that I am currently doing the job, and have done it for the last four years, it makes it easier to explain the job, give a realistic job view and day to day activities, I can convey what I like most about what I do and what I would change present a visual of the type of team environment exists and even express my growth.  But, how does one communicate the most important detail, the type of boss they would have to work for and their management style, when the boss is a doozie.  And when I say a doozie, I mean demanding, some say crazy, some may say lunatic, bossy, or maniac.  Whatever you call it, to be politically correct, I'll leave it at demanding.  I want to tell the truth and not sugarcoat it, but then again, I don't want to lose a great candidate either.  So what's a girl, who is ready to take on her new job ASAP, to do?

Right, google....I had no choice but to find the right words to use during my interview to be somewhat honest (I know you question the somewhat part, but I can't tell my potential replacement that I want to flip over my boss's  desk at least 3 times a week, or that sometimes, just sometimes I'm asked to work on personal assignments for my boss, when I should really be completing my work-work, I could go on and on, you get the picture). 

What I found was a great article that gave "Five Tips for Making Working for a Demanding Boss Easier.

Tip #1: Get down to business when communicating with your high-maintenance high-performer boss.

Tip #2: Don’t take it personally!

Tip #3: Give your high-maintenance high-performer boss only essential details.

Tip #4: Always approach your high-maintenance high-performer boss with solutions.

Tip #5: Establish a timeline and priority for projects and requests.

Wallah!  After reading over these tips, I realized this was the best way to not only give examples of what it's like to work for my "demanding" boss, but also how to put a positive spin on it and be motivating.  Hopefully it worked ~ I even psyched myself out with these tips. 

Check it out: http://www.imakenews.com/worldwit/e_article000546950.cfm?x=b702vQ6,b4Fj1W2V

Time to de-stress

Hello PowerSuiters!  Today, I felt like beating myself up in the ladies restroom, in efforts to get out of working a full day, like Jim Carey did in Liar, Liar - (which by the way has been coming on TV like 3 times a week these days!).  Juggling my job duties (which there are many), training my colleague, recruiting and interviewing for my replacement all while under the thumb of a really demanding boss (tomorrow, I will share a great article I found on the Internet about handling demanding bosses).   

Then, there's blogging(clearly you see, I am having issues staying focused on that), reading the latest book for my book club, volunteering with the American Cancer Society, and my swim class (this is a job in itself - whew!)

Last year, I briefly saw a psychotherapist to help me get a grip on all the stressors in my life.  While she told me all the things I pretty much already knew could help me (in the first 2 minutes of my first meeting I told her, she would NOT be prescribing me any drugs) like doing yoga and/or meditation, prioritizing things in my life and not overstretching myself, different breathing techniques and also something that I forgot the technical term for, but it consisted of clinching my eyes shut or my fists for intervals of time and releasing until I am more relaxed.  Does anyone know the term for that??  Anyway, all those things do work, when I have time to do it or remember to do it!   Although, I have not tried yoga yet - so guess I need to sign up for that once my swim class ends!

I also know of another resource, and I am a little embarrassed saying I have not used it!  EAP - most companies have an Employee Assistance Program that is FREE!  Employees can call a toll-free number or log on to the vendor's website and request reading materials on various topics, or find a therapist, support group, etc. 

I guess sometimes people (or me) know what to do, but won't make the time for themselves to get it together and take action.  So, don't be like me, use your resources or just extracurricular activities to help you (me) de-stress - there are lots out there, the Internet has everything!  I will look too and save myself a self-inflicted beat down!

So close, yet so far away...

Anticipation - expectation or hope.  This describes me today but times 100!

I mentioned that I received a promotion, but have not yet transitioned to my new role.  Having formally accepted the offer about two months ago, I am beginning to feel as if I am on an episode of Punk'd and my boss will any day now let me know that there is no new job! 

While I am helping recruit for my own backfill, I am taking on more projects and tasks in my old/current job, which leaves me to think that I will never get on to my new position.  I am definitely taking it all in stride, staying positve and optimistic and training my colleague so she knows what to do when I finally leave. 

Access Denied...

Just a little rant....I am all for company security, information technology rules and regulations. 

However, at work I like to listen to my playlist.com music site (that I so excitingly blogged about last February) read a little Hollywood gossip here and there - fashion police anyone!  But guess what, I'm blocked now.  One little Microsoft Upgrade, has sent all my favorite sites to upgrade exile.  
  
I know people look for jobs on company time and on company equipment - which is very crazy, inappropriate and a huge risk and that kind of thing should be prevented.  Some people may blog at work (I may think of a topic and email it to myself), facebooking (yeah FB is blocked too - but I'm not a Facebooker anyway - face what?) Others may twit, tweet, chirp - whatever they do on Twitter - I'm not a Twitterer either (am I starting to sound lame?) People also shop on their company computers (I've done this - whoops) but hey, plane tickets and concert tickets are the most I do.  You can't lallygag when buying those types of things.  And I can't forget about my new found love - Groupon!!!!  Yes - I groupon at work!  Those deals are on the clock....

But I suppose I'll get over it - I can still listen to CDs on my computer and I brought in my Ipod docking station for my listening pleasure.  As for shopping - still gonna do that - I'm not blocked from groupon.com, ticketmaster.com and expedia.com ~ HA! 

So, while I am both for and against personal Internet use on company property and time - here's my two cents - you, my FBers and Twitterers - there is always those apps on those oh so suped-up phones that you could use throughout the day, No, I don't have an Iphone or blackberry - so I really don't know how those apps work either!  But, those TV commercials make it seem like its easy!

Money ~ Power ~ Respect

Wow! I am really slipping here with the blogging.  I've definitely got to do a better job at managing my time and making the time to blog on a consistent basis - phew!  But I am determined to do just that.  Vogue's March  issue titled "The Power Issue" helped me put some pep in my step.  With Lady GaGa on the cover I was compelled to read it, but once I opened it there were lots of articles about women famous and not so much who are making power moves.  Those with hectic schedules, kids, demanding careers, etc.  So I thought to myself - Get it together girl!

Soooo, what's been going on - Money, Power, Respect...

Money
Corporate America never ceases to amaze me.  I've gotten a promotion, ummm about two months ago, but am still working in my current position.  When will I transition??  Good question.  Tell you more about that later.  But very excited about the promotion - right on track with the goal I set for myself.  A promotion with a side of raise.

Power
Lots of volunteering - here, there, and everywhere.  Hey - trying to get my philanthropy on!  The power of giving (time, money, advice, skills) is priceless, nothing compares.

Respect
Hmmmm - what else - joined a book club through www.meetup.com.  Very cool, check it out.  We just finished "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls.  Very, very good book - check that out too.  Next up - "Water for Elephants".  Respecting myself by continuing to learn, grow and meet new people.

Help me to help you

This week I confirmed that as a "right-hand man" you are required to watch the act of thinking.  In my job, while I am not an assistant by title, I always end up assisting my boss with numerous tasks and projects, making copies, fetching files, and the most fairest of all - watching her think. 

With some internal company restructuring we have a new leader with a different management style, and different needs and priorities.  With this comes more complex projects requiring me to assist my boss on assignments I've never been exposed to before.  This is great news for me, because I now have the opportunity to learn some new skills and interact with other colleagues.  Yea Me!

However, I realized that its not enough to listen to my boss debrief the situation, get educated on the details, retype documents that our predecessors did not save electronically, analyze the next steps based on my perspective as a newcomer to the information, BUT I also must sit in my boss's office and watch her as she thinks of where additional documents may be, who could have possibly signed the missing document, what the calculation on the 19th page of the contract means and so on!!!!!   How do I know that this to is a requirement - because when I position my body to leave her office to return to my desk, she snaps "Wait, give me a minute".  A minute to do what, I ask myself.  While it would be fantastic if my superhuman power was mind reading, I don't possess that skill set and watching someone think is a waste of time if it isn't an active brainstorming session.

At the end of the day, don't ask someone to watch you think, help them to help you accomplish whatever outcome you are looking for by not wasting their time, but telling them what you are trying to achieve, uncover, or make a decision on.  Next, write down the follow up items that need some additional thought and lastly, decide on a time to reconvene once you had the opportunity to actively think and discuss next steps. 

Telecommuting or snow day?

Like most of the Midwest and Northeast, this morning I awoke to lots of snow and a slow snow plower.  After trying to power drive my way through 6 inches of snow, I backed my car back into the garage, called my boss to let her know I was stuck and logged onto our work system to telecommute until I am no longer being held hostage by the abominable snowman. 

While my job does not support telecommuting unless we are subjected to situations like this one, I started thinking maybe I should revisit my proposal (about a year ago, I suggested our company move in this direction with no success) for flex schedules and telecommuting where possible. 

With a quick google search I have already located 10 reasons it works! 

Some include:

1. Conserving Energy - See I am using my own energy right now, not the company's
2. Improved Health - I feel great, positive attitude, ate a balanced breakfast all in my living room
3. Promotes Safety - Because the weather is bad, I am way safer at home than on the street
4. Allows employee freedom - Granted I am blogging right now, as soon as I publish it, I will be right back to work - because I am disciplined!

For the full list, check out the link below.

http://www.gilgordon.com/telecommutesafe/telebenefits.html

So, that means I have to work for 50 more years...

Is what I said when I left my 1:30pm meeting today where the topic was "what to do about our current retiree medical plan".  With the costs rising each year, leaving retirees unable to continue to afford the plan, in the same breath leaving those with preexisting conditions unable to find alternative plans - I wondered where does that leave me?

1 - Contemplating how I am going to fast forward my career plan to make the big bucks

2 - Finding me a rich husband who will be able to afford a stand alone retiree medical plan for the both of us 

3 - Prying me out of my blogging slump - which is due to my busiest time of year at work: Open Enrollment, followed by Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years holidays.

Needless to say, picturing working until I am 80 has definitely got my creative juices flowing, my mind churning and my fingers typing.