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.