Beating Workplace Anxiety – Part I
Place two fingers on the inside edge of your wrist. That slight throbbing you feel is your pulse. Having a pulse means you’re alive. That’s the good news. But the bad news is that living comes with some level of stress. UC Berkeley stress researcher Daniella Kaufer says, “We’re learning that moderate amounts of stress have powerful benefits. Our research shows that moderate, short-lived stress can improve alertness and performance and boost memory.” It’s when stress becomes chronic and escalates into anxiety that it’s damaging effects become widespread. Many people see workplace anxiety as the norm—that’s just the way it…
Safety in the Workplace
Each year an average of 3 million people face a work related injury. Costly to both the employee and the employer, these injuries remind us of the never ending need for attention to safety in the workplace. These “safety first” strategies can help you maintain a safe working environment. Require breaks One of the best ways to reduce the incidents of accidents and injury is to require employees to take regular breaks. Being physically or mentally fatigued or being overwhelmed with the task(s) at hand, sets the stage for injuries to occur. Taking regular breaks not only increases alertness and…
Common Management Mistakes
Part 2 – While the 3 “Cs” of effective management discussed in last week’s post will establish a good foundation for your managerial endeavors, the leadership field is rife with potential pitfalls that can sideline even the best management strategy. Be mindful of avoiding these “nots” as you add layers of “bricks” to that good foundation. Not walking the talk Unless you want to undermine every word out of your mouth, practice what you preach – down to the letter. Personally, follow the same expectations you mandate for the team. No cell phone use or personal calls? Then none for…
Common Management Mistakes
Part 1 – The Three “Cs” Communications. Connections. Command. A lack of attention to any one of these critical components of management will spell trouble. A deficiency in all three? Can you say failure of epic proportions? Don’t neglect these three “Cs” if you want to lay a foundation for successful management. Communication If questions such as “Oh, didn’t I tell you . . .?” or “Why wasn’t I informed?” or “How was I supposed to know that?” are common in your company, then it’s obvious that consistent, effective communication is not happening. Establishing procedures and policies that maintain open…
Be a Thought Leader
You know the guy or gal everyone seeks out for feedback or to brainstorm with because he/she knows their stuff? Their thoughts, strategies, ideas are cutting-edge, intuitive, assertive, even gutsy but not in a give-caution-to-the-wind sort of way. Sure you know him/her. You want to be him/her. But how? How does a person achieve that status? Your ambition to be a thought leader is spot on and here’s why. Being known as an individual who drives innovation and new ideas is a valuable tool in the career growth arsenal, no matter what the profession. Being well connected and respected in…
Uncommon Strategy for Productivity
Think you’ve exhausted the potential out of the common list of productivity tips? A lot of repeats pop-up on these frequent compilations meant to spur you on to greater productivity. Chances are you skim the list, muttering, “Uh huh . . . yep . . . nothing new here.” And then move on. You’re aware of at least the gist of most of the productivity advice out there, but how many have you tried with a focused amount of effort? Being aware of and actually applying a productivity strategy are not one in the same. So let’s define “uncommon” by…