To Like or Not to Like...

I was tricked into attending a "social media" workshop today.  I am always up for a new task or project, so when I saw the invite pop up on my outlook calendar late last week, I promptly accepted it, overlooking the three and a half hour time commitment.  Maybe I will be part of a guinea pig type focus group or my opinion will be solicited on some already implemented web based branding tool, I thought.  I am good at listening, contributing my thoughts and playing devil's advocate - no biggie, I said.

Well - guess again.  Ironically, for a person with no Facebook or Twitter account, no i gadgets and limited Linked In skill, I was scheduled to be a part of a "social media" team that would brainstorm and recommend the need for our company's entry into the social media world.  As I read the agenda and scanned the room for familiar faces, I began to think "is this a joke", does anyone in the room, know my expertise ends with email and online shopping?  Not sure if I am hurting or helping this group right now.  But, after calming down a bit, I figured, just because I am not a user, I at least recognize the value in a company having a strong presence or brand and social media can help us do just that. 

After the ice was broken, I became a part of a very progressive conversation about how and why social media is being used from a major corporation standpoint.  It's not all about liking, following or tweeting one's every move or or thought, but about connecting with customers and clients and trying to better understand needs, build a rapport, and deliver great customer service. 

Now, this committee still has a long way to go, to actually identify the type of social media presence that would be beneficial to the company and our customers, followed by executive approval, but we did agree that social media can bring an updated twist to a long standing company philosophy: customer satisfaction.

Spring cleaning for your house and your workspace!

As spring draws to an end and summer on its way in - you still have time to unclutter your space, toss what you don't need and create an effective organizational system for home and work.

I work for a company that emphasizes lean workspaces, inventory, and processes - so while I am pretty neat and organized by nature, working at an organization that measures employee's efforts towards neat workspaces by recording and tracking through metrics, has definitely catapulted me to an extreme level of clean!  Label this, sort that, shred this, but file that...after 5 years of complying with this requirement, I work faster, more efficiently and my office is envied by my entire department!

Still not sold on spring cleaning your office space...Check out why with this article from MSN Careers:

http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2981-Workplace-Issues-The-benefits-of-clearing-workspace-clutter/?SiteId=cbmsnhp42981&sc_extcmp=JS_2981_home1




  

Happy Memorial Day!

Not only a day off of work, BUT a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the US Armed Forces and support those who are serving as we speak.

So, while you are BBQing, having fun at a water park, or just lounging mentally recharging in preparation to face work on Tuesday, take a minute to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day. 

Workplace Must Have - Lint Roller!

Every working girl should have a lint roller in her desk.  I have the cutest fourteen pound kitty (no, his name is not Garfield, but he is orange) and his hair always finds his way in my eyes, in my hair and of course, on my clothes.  So, what that means for me is I have to keep a lint roller, at home, in my car, in my desk, and even a mini one for my purse....

But, keeping a lint roller in your desk is not just for pet owners whose homes have been overturned by pet hair.  Non pet-owners can also fall victim to linty clothing.  Didn't clean the lint tray in your dryer, your overcoat left particles on your blazer or cardigan, or that infamous kleenex residue, all can leave you looking a little dishelveled.  Please know I am speaking from experience here!

While many may debate what really pulls together an outfit (and I am by no means Tim Gunn), my two cents says if you are wearing that fab Power Suit from "The Limited" or your brand new black cardigan paired with the cutest pencil skirt (both which are still their pre-wash jet black), nothing can turn that outfit upside down, like a colony of lint!

So the next time you are out shopping, add a lint brush/roller to your list.  Hint: even if you don't have a pet, try the lint rollers designed specifically for pet owners, that paper is so sticky, one swipe and you're good!

Meanie McFeenie

My mom and I used to joke all the time about each of us at times being a "meanie mcfeenie". Basically, being insensitive, nonsupportive or down right sarcastic. I do have a little streak, I must admit and I know it comes from my lack of patience (which I pray everyday, that the trait develops). I do think I get that from my mother, but I have certainly taken it to the next level.  Whoops....
While both my mother and I can be short-fused, we are truly sweet, caring individuals and 9 out of 10 times recognize our overly mean 'tudes and adjust them. Thank goodness for that.
What is interesting is that in the February issue of HR Magazine there is an article titled "Don't be so rude: Quell workplace incivility". Incivility, hmmm, is what I initially thought. So, this is the fancy word for being "mean as hell". I like it.

For some reason, my work ethic does not allow my mean spirit to appear at work. Maybe because my sense of professionalism outweighs my desire and ability to be an "a-hole" between 8 and 5. I do believe there is a time and place for everything, and more so, I care about my professional reputation. In my last job and in my current I've encountered very mean-spirited people. It boggles my mind that people are so rude, and nasty at work. You clearly don't have to and most likely will not like all the people you work with - that's life. However, being cordial and tolerating others is more appropriate workplace behavior.

I've finally moved past the very mean people or those with negative dispositions at my job who stand right next to me in the elevator and wont respond to my hello, or someone not saying excuse me in the break room. I personally have tackled that by avoidance. If I see someone who is routinely mean to me waiting for the elevator, I choose to take the stairs and burn a couple calories instead, or if I choose to ride the elevator I pretend to talk on my cell phone or text. While, my own civility may come into question sometimes when I will push the close button on the elevator doors to prevent the mean person from entering the elevator with me - I'd rather call it meanness averted. Why subject myself to these people, if I don't have to, right?

The HR Magazine article said to prevent this type of toxic environment from forming or going to far, companies need to be clear and communicate the culture of the organization and what type of behavior is acceptable and what won't be tolerated.  We all know the saying, "misery loves company" or "monkey see monkey do" for that matter. Rudeness can be contagious. Just think...one mean girl or guy can start to rub off on the nice people, then you have a company full of mean people and even when you hire nice people they will either quit or turn mean - leaving the company a big pathetic mess.

So here's my two cents:

If you are a leader of an organization, be sure to include in your employee handbook or in your mission statement that "respecting others" also includes being courteous and putting forth your best efforts to present a positive disposition.

If you aren't in a leadership role, remember that you still have the opportunity to influence others, by not falling into the negativity when it comes your way and showing others that while everyday won't be perfect being mean or discourteous won't solve whatever is bringing them down.  My hopes is that the positivity will rub off on them.  If it doesn't, you can always try - avoidance!

President of Child-Rearing

Today a colleague stopped by my office to say her goodbyes as today was her last day at the company.  She has resigned from her sales job after 5 years to be a stay-at-home mom.  "How cool and how lucky you are" I beamed.  I immediately thought of all the crazy reports I've heard on poor conditions and carelessness at day care providers and I can see why my colleague would not want to leave their newborn with strangers.

While I was a little jealous, (not sure why, I don't have any kids yet) I wondered how many stay-at-home moms are out there and what they do everyday.  Well, I did find that the U.S. Census Bureau reported 5 million stay-at-home moms in 2010.  That's quite a bit, but it didn't mention what exactly stay-at-home moms do all day.  I don't have any close friends or family members who chose to give up working outside the home to stay at home with their kids; but when I hurriedly venture to Target on my lunch break, I always envy those mid-day shopping moms who get to leisurely peruse the aisles and comparison shop in peace.  Is that what my "stay-at-home mom to be colleague" will do?  But what else?  Feed, change and play with the baby or toddler can only take up a couple hours; housework all day, every day, I don't think so.  Well, maybe these SAHMs are using the time to start schooling their kids, so that they can be super-genius kids who are overly prepared for Pre-Kindergarten.  Or, maybe the majority of that 5 million is really running some sort of home-based business.  So technically they are working moms...

Whatever it is SAHMs do, good for you and more power to ya!  Who knows, I one day may start a Power Apron blog and I will at least know for sure what a SAHM does then!

Getting your foot in the door

Recently, I have been asked to assist with interviewing and selecting an HR intern to join our department for a couple months. I would have to say, I haven't interviewed someone since I replaced my old position last summer after my promotion, and then before that was back in my recruitment days as a full time recruiter. So, being asked to interrogate a hopeful job seeker put me back in my old stomping grounds. While I used to LOVE recruiting, I have acquired so many new skills, I can hardly stand the interview process anymore. Tell me about a time when you did this, elaborate on a time you did that...the art of getting to the bottom of someone's ability and potential now only leave me flustered. This coming from a previous die-hard recruiter is really disheartening, because I do believe that recruiting is a great skill to have personally and professionally.

What drove me to fluster is the dilemma my colleague and I have, experience or not - that is the question every time a recruiter or hiring manager has an opening and begins the interview process. If you ever hire someone for anything, housekeeper, nanny, administrative assistant for your own entrepreneur venture, or an HR intern, you will run into a crossroad - experience or none. Because candidates come in all experience levels, background of knowledge and personality, if you are lucky enough to narrow your pool down to 2 or 3 great people the dilemma begins. Luckily, our dilemma came to an end late this afternoon when one of the top two candidates decided to pull out of the selection pool, leaving us with our hire. Pheww....so glad it worked out like that!  It was going to be a very hard decision otherwise.

If you are hiring keep in mind:

- Do you need this person to hit the ground running OR is the job easy to pick up with some training

- Will the job at hand be challenging enough for the experienced or will they get bored overtime

- Reflect on how did you get your experience - someone gave you a chance, right?

If you are trying to gain experience:

- Do research on the job skill, take classes, webinars, seminar to familiarize yourself with the discipline, so that while you don't have the practical experience you will have the familiarity with the concepts and subject matter

- Prepare for the interview, like you are preparing for an exam; research and study the company and the position. Also - be prepared to discuss experiences that are similar or comparable to the job or internship you are seeking to get

- Don't give up, you will find someone, some company who will want to and is eager to welcome a newbie, give them a chance and help them get their foot in the door

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!!!