Know some difficult people?

Who hasn't worked with difficult people and why can't we just get along?

The truth is no matter what, when it comes to work duties some people resort to old habits on how they normally handled
competition.

Either they resort to old programmed tendencies from home or  prior school life. This could come from competing with a brother or sister or being picked on in High School.

There is that and then there's also different work style personalities.

Here a few tips that can help:

1. Think of Strengths
Every individual has strengths that can really be useful for the job. Concentrate on what those are and even list them out. When you are working together on a project discuss what these strengths are and how they could be useful to help complete the project.

2. Different Work Style Personalities
Just a few examples that you can point out...

Leader-Extrovert
Friendly boss. Likes to say, hello, how are you doing in the morning.  Freely talks about his family and what they did in the weekend. Wants to learn more about you. May not be the most organized. Goal orientated and very creative. Visionary.

Leader-Directive
Just wants the facts. May not be the most pleasant individual and/or cheery. Short answers. Organized. Goal orientated. May need to be surrounded with creative thinkers to think out of the box. Visionary.

Worker-Extrovert
This worker is all smiles and can do a great presentation. Great with customers. She may not be the most organized - this is an area that she constantly works on. A great team builder. Big picture mentality.   

Worker-Analytical
Simple with hello's and good mornings. Not a big chatter. Concentrates on the details. Can provide awesome facts and does the best charts. Phenomenal researchers.

Each personality type needs to learn how to work in the middle. For instance, the Worker-Analytical needs to know that the Leader-Extrovert may need a hello and a small chat about his kid's baseball game from last night then talk about the facts. The Leader-Extrovert would need to understand that Worker-Analytical would like to get to the point so she can go on analyzing and looking for more solutions.

3. Flexibility

This is the trait that we all need to work on. After learning a little more on how people work, look how you can come through in the middle to understand and listen more. Our ego's are naturally in for the defense --- but it is in our tactical offense where we can win together.  

4. Now how about Toxic people... 

In any work environment the most toxic employees are the ones that are out for themselves. They do not want to train anyone in their role because they are fearful of losing their jobs. They may complain about you to their or your boss on any little thing. They talk about you and others at work. They may sabotage projects.

If you come across and catch any of this behavior - speak with the individual privately. If this is your coworker, you may want to send an e-mail to your boss about the conversation just in case this person may twist or change anything that you both had agreed on. If you are their boss, make sure that you document the conversation and place a note to their file. A paper trail of evidence is very helpful. 

  * * *

There are tons of books out there on effective communication, and these were just a few of my tidbits on what I've learned and used in my Human Resources career. Keep learning and re-educating yourself on different communication methods.  

Keep sparkling,

Audeni

The Beauty of Waiting

Really there is beauty in waiting....

Many, as well as I, have ended up awake at night because things are not going as fast as we would like for it to go.

 

I know... It doesn't help living in an
instant society.

Thankfully, I've learned to embrace the wait by enjoying my now. To tell you the truth it's all about guiding your mind.

Here are a few tips on what you can do as you wait:

1. Exercise
Going out for a walk, run, doing some yoga, etc. Endorphins are fantastic to get your mind clear. It can even help you jog in more ideas and guide your inspiration. Keep a pen near by.

2. Visit with Friends
Make a list of who you haven't seen for awhile and reach out to them. Call and then text. A nice meeting for a good chat of "what's new lately" can really help.

3. Laugh
You know what gets you laughing. This powerful emotion really does our bodies good and so does the mighty hug. So get going and find what tickles your funny bone. Share some hugs while your at it.

4. Let it Go!
For now, you did all the mind juggling that you could do. Give it to your higher source for the night. Touch base again tomorrow.

5. Last one --- Quotes
The power of inspirational words. This little quote really reminds me to enjoy my now as I wait:

 

 

Keep sparkling that inner you!

 

Audeni

Always be a Rock Star!

 

ROCK STAR...you may say?

 

 

 

Really, your bosses are always looking for the next

Rock Star in the group.

 

 

Either for the next company opening, to create a new job, to become the next leader, to take her place in the future, etc.
 

 

This is what they call succession planning.

 

Here are a few tips on how to rock it like one:

1. Be Present
Stop getting caught looking at your phone (even if your bosses do it to -- they forget that they do). Be on time and ready to be present.

2. Enthusiasm
Folks who are shining light tend to greet others in the morning. Are alert and provide ideas. Do NOT entertain company gossip. They also bring positive energy to the staff.  

3. Creative Thinkers
These type of peeps are always adding input in meetings. They make one on one's with their bosses to show their latest presentation for an idea or task (without having to be told). We also love it when they train other coworkers or even encourage a group training presentation.  Also, checking out to see what the competition is doing and encouraging ideas. Talking and learning with their bosses and peers (yes, internal customers are your bosses too).  

4. Developing Themselves
Do not expect your boss to do this for you. Find out what type of training classes are available within the company or externally. Take on-line courses. Read books. When you learn a new strategy or idea -- share it with your co-workers and cc: your boss.
 
5. Shadowing
Request to shadow a peer, a position that your interested in within the company, or a team/department that you need to learn more from.

 

So what to you think?

Remember, leading yourself is key in this message. This is how true company ROCK STARS are made. Always be authentic and creative.

If you liked this post and it could help someone you know, please feel free to share it with your friends, employees, and/or co-workers.

Keep rocking it!
 
Audeni

Stop harassing me!

Have you ever been sexually harassed, bullied at work, name called, tolerated offensive jokes, yelled at, etc.?

How did you handle this?


If this is new to you and it's happening....

Here are a few tips on how to approach this type of situation in the workplace (plus, a very good refresher for supervisors as well):

1. Tell your harasser to stop.
Have a conversation and inform the individual that you didn't find their jokes, behavior or comments appropriate and to please stop. Inform them that you would prefer to let them know now before it gets out of hand.

2. Not comfortable with step #1  -- Then speak with your supervisor.
When you approach your supervisor about this situation, I would recommend that you also have a letter ready that documents the time, date, who harassed you, what they said, how often, etc. Keep a copy for yourself. Also add in your notes who you placed the complaint with and the details of the meeting. As you have noticed, DOCUMENT this entire process.

3. Nothing is happening...
I would do a quick follow-up with your supervisor and let them know that something needs to be done right away and explain what is happening. Then send an e-mail, voicemail, or a note right after. Something that you can document. For example:
 
Dear (Bosses Name),
 
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my concerns regarding ________ today. I know that we spoke on (Date), but the harassment is still happening. I feel confident that you will handle this matter quickly.
 
Best,
 
(Your name) 

4. Your bosses boss
If nothing changes --- yes, then speak with your bosses boss regarding the situation. Also leave copies with him/her of all your documentation.

5. STILL, nothing is happening --- I want to quit.
If this is your last step, make sure in your resignation letter that you mention everything we discussed above (plus, make a copy for yourself). Also, add all of your documentation. Of course, you are welcome to collect unemployment and inform your unemployment officer of the details. Mention that you had left due to workplace harassment. Now, if you didn't do any of these steps and just quit, it may be difficult to collect unemployment. Your employer may contest and say that your job is available and they would like to make an attempt to handle the situation.  

* * * *

Harassment of any kind is not something anyone should tolerate. These steps are a basic protocol of what you can do to facilitate the situation. Also, review your company handbook to see what steps they provide for handling harassment. 
 
Remember, you spend so much time of your life's energy at work, you should be comfortable going there. If you liked this post and it could help someone you know, please feel free to share it with your friends, employees, and/or co-workers.

Keep sparkling!

 
Audeni

Yikes! Performance Reviews: Tip #1

So really...

How are you planning to present yourself during review time?

Performance review time is your chance to shine, but you also need prepare ahead of time by doing some homework of your own.

 

 

Many employees expect their bosses to remember 

ALL of their good traits.

 

The real scenario of how most bosses handle performance reviews (especially, if they have many employees) is to go through their little employee file folder of notes. They do try to remember all of your good work and also PROVE that there is room for improvement. They also keep notes of prior conversations that you both have had - the good and the bad. Plus, any customer complaints, corrective actions, accolades, awards, etc. Many things could also be forgotten.

 

How to sparkle?

Tip # 1: Keep an employee folder of Yourself:

1. E-mails: 

Maintain e-mails from customers and/or co-workers praising your work.

2. Notes:

Keep notes of your own goals and merits.

For example, if you're in management here are a few: How you single handily or with a team increased sales, brought new business, reduced employee turnover, improved quality and/or safety, lead a project, developed a new employee, trained a co-worker, etc.
 
3. Improvements:

Even items that you're working to improve on -- talk about them. Are you going to take a class, work with a mentor or receive additional training? Remember, everyone has room for improvement.

4. Outline:

Make an outline of these accomplishments and add copies of the evidence to present during your next review. I've seen employees even do a PowerPoint presentation. I was impressed. Just ask yourself, how much do I really want to shine?


If this tip was helpful, feel free to share this blog with your friends, your employee(s) or even your boss.

Keep sparkling!

Audeni

Need some mojo?

This magical mojo...how do you get?

Can you eat it? Can you hear it? Can you feel it?


This word really does exist. The actual term for mojo by Merriam-Webster is:

mo·jo

noun \ˈmō-(ˌ)jō\

: a power that may seem magical and that allows someone to be very effective, successful, etc.

 

This power is all in our mind. We can receive this beautiful mojo by asking for it. What you place in your mind can really come to you. And this means the bad stuff too. Little examples: when you start shopping for a brand new car, all of the sudden you see your beloved new car everywhere. The whole world now has your new car. You decide you no longer want that car. Your thinking of a friend for weeks and you bump into her at a random coffee shop or you hear from her. The bad stuff -- you wake up in a bad mood and already claim that the whole day is going to be crappy. So it begins, you can't find your favorite work shirt. You find it and it has a stain. You go to your car, you discover you have a flat tire and so on and so on.

 

So start filling up your mind with what you really want.  

 

 

Here are a couple of steps to get your good mojo juices flowing:

 

1. Affirmations:  These are small sentences to declare what you really want to receive and feel. You can even find affirmations that are written by others all over the internet and in books. My favorite ones are by Louise Hay. I also really enjoyed the ones from this website: http://www.everydayaffirmations.org/p/21-affirmative-declations.html#.VNHLyGctFLM

 

 

2. Nourishment: Starting your day with some quite time. Letting your mind stay still (with no thoughts). Even for a few minutes by stretching does give your mind nourishment. Now, also getting some healthy grub in your stomach can keep your mind flowing with good mojo. So does resting, hugging your child, loving others, being positive, etc.

3. Inspiring Individuals: Who is your favorite author? Don't have one. Well, find authors that are in the business of personal growth. Many have books on CD's or on downloads. The power of listening creates sustainable mojo. However, it needs to be done daily like bathing. Take a look at this quote by a very inspiring individual, Zig Ziglar:

 

 

 

 

Looking to Lead?

To Lead or Not To Lead?

You may not believe this, but you're already leading.
 
It doesn't necessarily mean that you are a leader as soon as you become a manager. Or wait, until someone tells you are or when you're given that job because THEY (whoever these gods are) are the only ones that see your potential. That thought right there has held many back.
 
My top five that you are doing this leading thing already:
 
1. Yourself
Can you complete a task? Can you drive yourself to the store? Can you dress yourself? There's obviously a commander to your ship. Leading first begins with the self. What you tell yourself and how you believe in yourself makes a huge difference.
 
2. Mistakes
What, is this really possible? Can leaders make mistakes? Yes, they need to in order to even start and to become better. A leader is always evolving and learning new things...but she also needs to make mistakes. She also needs to admit to her mistakes as well. It was said the Thomas Edison made over 2000 mistakes before getting the light bulb right. Does that shed some light? 
 
3. Working with Others
Giving advice, making arrangements, empathy, sympathy, seeing a solution, etc. These are just a few characteristics and the habits of leading women. When you work with others, these skills will become your tools to getting a project done together. 
 
4. Listening
Listening to your friends, boyfriend, sister, teachers, is how this skill is being honed.

In my experience, when a new leader has taken on a role as an owner, supervisor or a manager they tend to forget to listen and observe their employees. I've seen this entitlement characteristic happening -- "Since I'm the new boss they must obey me." NOT! If you come off that way, your employees will hide information from you, do incomplete work, quit and/or eventually partner together to get you out. I've seen it happen. Your best bet is to partner with them, shadow their work (by working right beside them) and listen, listen to them. They are your teachers until you learn how to work with them.

5. Serving
Have you ever cared for someone? Did you ever give your mother an aspirin when she had a headache? Have you made someone dinner or brought lunch to them? Brought flowers to a sick friend? A gift? Said, thank you?

These are all examples of serving others and showing that you care. These skills need to transpire when you work with your team and customers. Leaders know that this is #1 in any book when guiding a team. You'll complete the goal at hand when you show that you care.  You won't believe it, but they might even start following you.

I love this chart! Take a look for further guidance: