Employees can go through phases
Yesterday, around 2:30 p.m. as if on cue, Grace walked into my office and whined. It’s her [not so] subtle way of saying she’s ready for our walk. It’s a new routine these days — but also one that is familiar to us from the past. For years, Grace and I have ventured down the road […]
Are you managing your employees with tricks or treats?
So today is Halloween. A day when it’s acceptable — even encouraged — to scare the bejesus out of others. Or for those who aren’t into the ghoulish side of the scene, massive amounts of Snickers bars and candy corn make the day oh so sweet. It’s interesting that one occasion offers such opposing rituals! Sometimes we find […]
Should you be direct or politically correct when delivering a tough message?
Grace has a way of getting my attention when she wants something. Sometimes she’s diplomatic (positioning her body within view, perhaps even touching mine, coupled with a long, meaningful stare) and other times she can be very direct (incessant whining that she must know drives me over-the-top ‘will-you-please-STOP-that’ nuts). Her first attempt to communicate her […]
Grace turns 10!
Happy Birthday to Grace, who turns 10 years old this month, October 2014. Grace has been an inspiration to me over the years and this memorable milestone is worthy of a party! Everyone is invited to participate. The best part about this virtual party is that you can fete in a way that means something to […]
Happy 10th Birthday to Grace!
We’re having a party and you’re invited (and you don’t even have to go anywhere!) Who doesn’t like a party? Well, um, the answer would be: Grace. She’s not too keen on large crowds (even small ones can be intimidating), loud or unexpected noises, or fast movement happening around her. So to avoid these typical […]
Bring curiosity into conflict
I wanted to quit. Really, I did. Over the past several weeks, I’ve been participating with a volunteer group trying to work through a sticky issue. It’s an effort that I joined readily and am actively engaged in. Every person involved is smart and dedicated, we all are driving towards the same goal. A variety of […]
Telling an employee to do something is not very motivating
Grace doesn’t like to get her feet wet. She will dip a toe into a shallow puddle if she’s thirsty, but I’ve never seen her immerse completely to go swimming, though she’s had plenty of opportunity. It’s a big deal when she steps into water. Unless there is a frog out there tempting her. That changes everything. A […]
Should you give respect? Or is it only earned?
Managers should be given respect by their employees. That’s a statement that I’ve heard several times lately. It’s not a claim I agree with. Managers need to earn their respect. But I do believe that we have to give respect to the position and the decisions one makes it in, even if we don’t agree with […]
You might be creating an unnecessary thunderstorm in your office
Lots of dogs are scared of thunder and lightning. Grace definitely falls into that category. There is no consoling her. She’s frozen in her fear, unable to comprehend any comforting words or actions I offer. She paces and cowers, wandering around with desperate eyes seeking a reasonable answer to what is happening around her. As […]
Are your employees always stressed out?
Do you find yourself talking about how stressed out your employees always are? Or perhaps you, yourself, are always feeling under great pressure to perform? Equally as problematic is if you don’t think the pace is too crazy, but your employees do. How do you view your work environment? Some managers view on-going, hectic, harried […]
