Friday, November 11, 2011
Lest We Forget 11-11-11
Many people have commented on the fact that I haven't been wearing a poppy this year. And you know what? Scoff all you want! I see people walking all around me with them for maybe 2 weeks of the year while they "remember" things they know nothing about. I, on the other hand, not only have a poppy in my office next to a picture of my Nana but I wear one on my heart 24/7, 365 days a year for both of my grandparents. I chose not to wear one this year but that does not mean that I have forgotten. I will never forget.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Business Etiquette Lessons for the Female Secretary of 1944
Worried about losing your job because you don't get along very well with your boss? Here are some of the business etiquette lessons that helped female secretaries in 1944 keep their jobs.
In today's uncertain economy I do not doubt that there are many of you out there that are concerned about losing your job. Not getting along with your boss can be the deciding factor as to whether you or another employee gets the axe. I thought I would share some words of wisdom about how to get along with your boss summarized from a business etiquette book published in 1944, written for the female secretary in the business world. Perhaps it will spark some inspiration about how you, too, in today's uncertain job market can keep your employer happy, and thereby save that crucial job. (Or at least give you a bit of a chuckle during these depressing economic times!)
Spend some time studying your boss and learn to understand his personality and disposition. If you put in the necessary time to understand what makes the man tick, you will have a much better chance of making the necessary personal adjustments in responses to his moods and figuring out what makes him happy. Expect to do all the changing and that your boss will never change.
Do what you can to keep your boss comfortable by guarding his time and privacy. Make sure only the necessary and important calls get through on the phone and screen all other calls and impositions on his time appropriately. Unnecessary interruptions make most bosses cranky.
Take on extra, unpaid work from the boss's wife with cheerful, discrete willingness. If your boss' wife asks you to pick up her new dress from the cleaners or to address all her Christmas letters be sure to do so most willingly and by all means do not let the boss know that his wife is imposing on you in such a way. If you have to do these extra errands after work or during your lunch hour, for no additional pay, well that's just part of being a good employee and you shouldn't raise a stink.
Make 'Tact' your middle name when dealing with a difficult boss. If you need the job, then you had best learn how to suffer in silence and with grace when your boss throws tantrums or treats you disrespectfully. Even if he yells and swears at you, just smile and be respectful and get the work done. According to this woman's words of wisdom "Being tactful includes doing what one is told to do promptly and pleasantly even when the orders are given without ordinary courtesy."
Accept with grace if you become the office scapegoat and are blamed for others mistakes. Because the reputation of the business or firm is more important than your own personal reputation outside the office, don't get upset if your boss claims that an executive error was your fault. For example, when one is courting a new client, which promotes future relations with that client better: "I, the head of the company, completely spaced that we were to meet today" or "My stupid secretary forgot to put the meeting on my calendar." With the second, the boss can save face, while only you receive a reputation of incompetence outside the firm. A wise employee sees how having such an office scapegoat is a valuable asset.
Don't waste time flattering your boss. Even the most obtuse of bosses will realize when you are smothering him with hot air, so don't waste time on empty flattery. Your boss wants to see you cheerfully working and capable in your work. Your job is to make him think you are indispensable, not someone of little substance.
The reader will have undoubtedly noted that I updated some of the language to include more modern metaphors. I will let the reader decide which of the above advice for female secretaries in 1944 is actually appropriate for today's average employee.
Source: www.bukisa.com
In today's uncertain economy I do not doubt that there are many of you out there that are concerned about losing your job. Not getting along with your boss can be the deciding factor as to whether you or another employee gets the axe. I thought I would share some words of wisdom about how to get along with your boss summarized from a business etiquette book published in 1944, written for the female secretary in the business world. Perhaps it will spark some inspiration about how you, too, in today's uncertain job market can keep your employer happy, and thereby save that crucial job. (Or at least give you a bit of a chuckle during these depressing economic times!)
Spend some time studying your boss and learn to understand his personality and disposition. If you put in the necessary time to understand what makes the man tick, you will have a much better chance of making the necessary personal adjustments in responses to his moods and figuring out what makes him happy. Expect to do all the changing and that your boss will never change.
Do what you can to keep your boss comfortable by guarding his time and privacy. Make sure only the necessary and important calls get through on the phone and screen all other calls and impositions on his time appropriately. Unnecessary interruptions make most bosses cranky.
Take on extra, unpaid work from the boss's wife with cheerful, discrete willingness. If your boss' wife asks you to pick up her new dress from the cleaners or to address all her Christmas letters be sure to do so most willingly and by all means do not let the boss know that his wife is imposing on you in such a way. If you have to do these extra errands after work or during your lunch hour, for no additional pay, well that's just part of being a good employee and you shouldn't raise a stink.
Make 'Tact' your middle name when dealing with a difficult boss. If you need the job, then you had best learn how to suffer in silence and with grace when your boss throws tantrums or treats you disrespectfully. Even if he yells and swears at you, just smile and be respectful and get the work done. According to this woman's words of wisdom "Being tactful includes doing what one is told to do promptly and pleasantly even when the orders are given without ordinary courtesy."
Accept with grace if you become the office scapegoat and are blamed for others mistakes. Because the reputation of the business or firm is more important than your own personal reputation outside the office, don't get upset if your boss claims that an executive error was your fault. For example, when one is courting a new client, which promotes future relations with that client better: "I, the head of the company, completely spaced that we were to meet today" or "My stupid secretary forgot to put the meeting on my calendar." With the second, the boss can save face, while only you receive a reputation of incompetence outside the firm. A wise employee sees how having such an office scapegoat is a valuable asset.
Don't waste time flattering your boss. Even the most obtuse of bosses will realize when you are smothering him with hot air, so don't waste time on empty flattery. Your boss wants to see you cheerfully working and capable in your work. Your job is to make him think you are indispensable, not someone of little substance.
The reader will have undoubtedly noted that I updated some of the language to include more modern metaphors. I will let the reader decide which of the above advice for female secretaries in 1944 is actually appropriate for today's average employee.
Source: www.bukisa.com
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Words of wisdom from Steve Jobs
"Death is very likely the single best invention of life... No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It is life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.
Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Not Abandoned
Just wanted to say that I have not abandoned this blog... I am simply buried under a couple of huge projects right now and haven't had the time to write, but I will soon!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Family And In-Laws
Am I the only one who thinks that once you leave the nest… the nest should leave you alone? You know, family… extended family… in-laws! “Spread your wings and learn to fly! But not too far, come closer, don’t do that, let me help you, not that way, you’re doing it wrong, where are you going, who was that, when will I see you again, how could you do this to me… oh, I should have kept clipping your wings! Why don’t you just come back to the nest and let us take care of you… for the rest of your life!” Does any of that sound familiar? Sound like torture? Come on, admit it! Or are your wings still clipped?
Honestly though, we have all heard the monster-in-law stories but face it, even parents or extended family members can be just as bad when it comes to making your life a living hell! Now, I am not saying that my family (direct or in-law) are this way (or not) but I did find this article on www.slice.ca interesting and helpful so I wanted to share.
Survive the in-laws’ visit now; thank us later:
If you’re one of those people who regularly says, “But I get along fine with my in-laws” and means it, go away. Find other perfect people to talk to. For the rest of us, dealing with in-laws is about as comfortable as an hour-long Pap test. You’re being scrutinized, you’re in constant discomfort, and you can’t leave. Alas, like a Pap test, in-laws are a necessary evil. In the end, the only thing you can do is endure them as gracefully as possible. Just be prepared.
Share the pain. Nothing is worse than having your in-laws unloaded on you only to have your partner disappear for a day of golf. That’s a no-go. Make it very clear that when your in-laws show up, he’s going to be around—or else. If he’s a big fan of his parents and has no sympathy for you, make sure you invite your own parents around and then leave to go shopping with your girls. See how he likes it.
Find “escape” moments. When you feel your blood pressure rising, make quick excuses to be alone. Go for a walk to the store to get that “missing” ingredient. Make up an emergency coffee session with a friend. In fact, ask that friend to call in advance to add authenticity. Consider it a personal therapy session.
Bite your tongue. This one hurts, but can save you a lot of grief later. Whether you’re enduring criticisms or hours of pointless prattle, simply nod and smile. Arguing with in-laws can go two ways: either it leads to a verbal battle or months of apologies on your part to oversensitive egos. Ask yourself this: would you rather wax your legs quickly or pluck the hairs out one at a time?
Think of it as a sport. Try telling yourself, it’s you and your partner against the in-laws. If mom-in-law is diving into the baby conversation, your partner jumps in with a food distraction. Dad-in-law is preparing for the big employment speech, you jump in with an interesting book or fact you just read. It’s all about distractions. Bob and weave. Excuse yourself to visit the washroom, then conveniently forget what you were previously discussing. Turn on the TV and gape at something inane: “Wow, Sally, look at the size of that cow!” Silly, but effective.
Beat them at their own game. Every in-law has a schtick. Whether it’s criticizing your cooking, never leaving your side for a second, riling up your partner into a macho frenzy, whatever it is, work with it. Insult your own cooking repeatedly before your mother-in-law gets the chance. Follow them around with dizzying conversation until they need a break. Join in the macho frenzy before your partner can. It’s amazing how matching silly behaviour with even sillier behaviour can bring it to a screeching halt.
For many of us, in-laws are like children. And how should you deal with emotionally petulant children? You coddle, bribe, bargain, or chastise, as necessary. While the latter is done in private after they’ve left, the others can be lifesavers. Even the worst of in-laws must have some good qualities. They did, after all, raise your partner into the person you love today (even if they didn’t teach him how to unload a dishwasher or work the washing machine).
Article Written by: Robyn Burnett
Honestly though, we have all heard the monster-in-law stories but face it, even parents or extended family members can be just as bad when it comes to making your life a living hell! Now, I am not saying that my family (direct or in-law) are this way (or not) but I did find this article on www.slice.ca interesting and helpful so I wanted to share.
Survive the in-laws’ visit now; thank us later:
If you’re one of those people who regularly says, “But I get along fine with my in-laws” and means it, go away. Find other perfect people to talk to. For the rest of us, dealing with in-laws is about as comfortable as an hour-long Pap test. You’re being scrutinized, you’re in constant discomfort, and you can’t leave. Alas, like a Pap test, in-laws are a necessary evil. In the end, the only thing you can do is endure them as gracefully as possible. Just be prepared.
Share the pain. Nothing is worse than having your in-laws unloaded on you only to have your partner disappear for a day of golf. That’s a no-go. Make it very clear that when your in-laws show up, he’s going to be around—or else. If he’s a big fan of his parents and has no sympathy for you, make sure you invite your own parents around and then leave to go shopping with your girls. See how he likes it.
Find “escape” moments. When you feel your blood pressure rising, make quick excuses to be alone. Go for a walk to the store to get that “missing” ingredient. Make up an emergency coffee session with a friend. In fact, ask that friend to call in advance to add authenticity. Consider it a personal therapy session.
Bite your tongue. This one hurts, but can save you a lot of grief later. Whether you’re enduring criticisms or hours of pointless prattle, simply nod and smile. Arguing with in-laws can go two ways: either it leads to a verbal battle or months of apologies on your part to oversensitive egos. Ask yourself this: would you rather wax your legs quickly or pluck the hairs out one at a time?
Think of it as a sport. Try telling yourself, it’s you and your partner against the in-laws. If mom-in-law is diving into the baby conversation, your partner jumps in with a food distraction. Dad-in-law is preparing for the big employment speech, you jump in with an interesting book or fact you just read. It’s all about distractions. Bob and weave. Excuse yourself to visit the washroom, then conveniently forget what you were previously discussing. Turn on the TV and gape at something inane: “Wow, Sally, look at the size of that cow!” Silly, but effective.
Beat them at their own game. Every in-law has a schtick. Whether it’s criticizing your cooking, never leaving your side for a second, riling up your partner into a macho frenzy, whatever it is, work with it. Insult your own cooking repeatedly before your mother-in-law gets the chance. Follow them around with dizzying conversation until they need a break. Join in the macho frenzy before your partner can. It’s amazing how matching silly behaviour with even sillier behaviour can bring it to a screeching halt.
For many of us, in-laws are like children. And how should you deal with emotionally petulant children? You coddle, bribe, bargain, or chastise, as necessary. While the latter is done in private after they’ve left, the others can be lifesavers. Even the worst of in-laws must have some good qualities. They did, after all, raise your partner into the person you love today (even if they didn’t teach him how to unload a dishwasher or work the washing machine).
Article Written by: Robyn Burnett
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)