(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
Loading ...Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?!
We do it all the time – Communicate. But… it doesn’t mean we are good at it…
In talking to a co-worker today, I realized once again the importance of awareness in communication. Sure you might have delivered the message in a way that made sense, in a logical pattern of thought, and in the right setting – but is your job in the communication done?
In my opinion – NO! Delivering the message is only half the battle. Making sure the other party actually got it is crucial. Don’t be afraid to ask… but be careful it does not come across as you being condescending… (see title)
Oh that's right… then there is that whole thing about listening - I heard that is important too 
Posted April 29th, 2008 by Harry Glazer - Posted in Customer Service, Human Resources, Other, Uncategorized | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 3 out of 5) Loading ...Work Comp Fraud Caught on Tape
What better way to get over hump day Wednesday than a good chuckle?
We watch videos like like this and laugh but the harsh reality is that workers' compensation insurance fraud is no laughing matter.
In today's world, risk management departments and insurance companies have staff solely responsible for investigating your workers' compensation claim if foul play or a fish story is detected. We do too. To learn more about our risk management program visit our website here.
So if you are thinking about planting a banana peel in your company lobby and orchestrating an injury for the sake of hitting it big with your workers' compensation claim, take a look at these 3 con men who thought they could out wit the system.
Otherwise, sit back, relax and enjoy today's feature presentation.
Posted April 22nd, 2008 by Vincent - Posted in Human Resources, Insurance Fraud, Workers' Comp | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...Bring the Best Out in Employees by Showing You Care
An article I ran into at BusinessWeek.com talks about when employees know they are being cared about, they will in turn step up their efforts around the office. Also, it says to be careful not to neglect a valued employee because they can probably go elsewhere and make the same amount of money, if not more, doing something similar or more compelling.
With that said, you must be thinking, “what can I do to make sure my employees aren’t going to leave me? You are in luck. Another section of the article gave a list of suggestions for managing the type of valued employees that fit the about criteria? Rank-order each of your direct reports in terms of his contribution to your customers and your company.
• Ask yourself, "How many of these people could leave our company and get another job—with a pay raise—in three months?"
• Make sure you express your sincere appreciation for the contribution these great people are making to your company.
• Make peace with the fact that you need them more than they need you.
• Ask each of them, "What can your manager do to create an environment where this is a great place for you to work?"
• Don't focus on what you cannot change. Focus on what you can change. Let's say you can't give them a raise. Accentuate the things you can give them: recognition, educational opportunities, the chance to work with a wider range of people, both within the company and outside of it.
• Listen to their ideas, and do whatever you can to keep them coming to work with you.
• Treat them as a great human services leader would treat valued volunteers.
Posted April 18th, 2008 by admin - Posted in Human Resources, Performance Reviews, Productivity, Recruiting | | 1 Comments
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 5) Loading ...Laughing at your co-workers
How many times have you found yourself at odds with a co-worker in another department in your workplace? Its like they just don't get it or something. How could someone be so dense!!?? What is our HR Dept thinking? Next time that happens, try laughing. Laughing about how different someone can be and still have a job. Seriously, when you really think about it, it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around, and yet we continue to get frustrated with each other when that reality hits home with a co-worker.
There isn't much chance that you will never have a disagreement with someone at work. What will you do with it? If you verbally attack, you get looked at negatively from your Human Resources Dept. If you stuff the feelings, you bring it home and let it out there, or worse yet, never let it out and suffer internal stress. What I am suggesting is an alternative way of relieving the stress by laughing at the differences, and then letting it go. Now, I understand that some folks will say that its kind of tough when their lack of "whatever" will affect my job performance, promotion, or satisfaction. You may be right, but getting ticked won't help either. If you tried it, you have to admit it doesn't solve much. So, its time to get creative. Find a way to get what you need and help the other person get there too. You might have to ask some hard questions, and really listen to what they're saying so you can understand their point.
Whatever it is, YOU have the ability to control how you will react to differences in the workplace. Nobody else is in your head (hopefully), so make a choice to laugh about it. Then, find a way to work with it. Have fun working it out creatively!
Posted April 11th, 2008 by Aaron Witsoe - Posted in Human Resources, President's Post | | 0 Comments
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...10 Unusual Excuses for Being Late to Work
Everyone has their reasons for being late at one point or another. Some of the stories can seem quite far fetched if you ask me. Here is a list of the top 10 unusual excuses for being late to work from the Business Journal.
According to the survey, hiring managers gave the following top 10 unusual excuses they've heard for being late to work:
- While rowing across the river to work, I got lost in the fog.
- Someone stole all my daffodils.
- I had to go audition for "American Idol."
- My ex-husband stole my car so I couldn't drive to work.
- My route to work was shut down by a Presidential motorcade.
- I wasn't thinking and accidentally went to my old job.
- I was indicted for securities fraud this morning.
- The line was too long at Starbucks.
- I was trying to get my gun back from the police.
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I didn't have money for gas because all of the pawnshops were closed.
Do you have any other stories that can top this list?
Posted April 11th, 2008 by admin - Posted in Human Resources, Productivity | | 1 Comments
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5) Loading ...The Rules of Criticizing Others
The ability to give and receive criticism is an art that few have mastered. If you can, you will have a leg up on managing your employees.
A line from BusinessWeek.com points out some ground rules to go over before you criticize someone.
When you want to criticize someone:
1. Begin by finding something you like or appreciate about the person you're about to criticize. This is not only fair, but will also make the person more likely to be receptive to what you have to say.
2. Focus on what that person has said or done, not on him or her personally. Only the former is relevant and likely to be acknowledged.
3. Conclude by affirming your faith that the other person will consider what you have to say. This is both a respectful way to wrap up the criticism and the best way to ensure that your remarks will be given their due.
Living by these rules, before you attack someone, will make you a more respected manager/co-worker with everyone involved in the situation. Also, it will allow more communication to pass through one another. Next time you have a beef to pick with someone…remember the rules.
Posted April 4th, 2008 by admin - Posted in Customer Service, Human Resources, Performance Reviews, Productivity, Uncategorized | | 0 Comments
