You already know that it is important to ask questions about the position and the job you are applying for, but many of you were not sure what kinds of questions to ask.
You wanted to demonstrate that you knew the position and what the job entailed, I said that I would send you a link of great questions to ask at the interview.
Here it is: http://www.jobinterviewquestions.org/questions/questions-ask.asp
Please let me know if there are any questions you have about interviewing in general - Salary negotiation, how to answer a question, things to do to knock them off their feet - and I would love to hear your feedback on how these techniques worked for you.
Jessica
PS. to be updated on posts and other interview questions please subscribe to the live feed at the bottom.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Relationships make the world go around – 3 ways to cultivate and maximize your network.
Why do people make such a big deal when the job they applied for was given to the boss’ friend? – of course his friend got he job, the contract or the recognition. You would have gotten it also if YOU were the boss’ friend. Whether you like it or not – relationships make the world go around. The better your relationships are the faster you will “climb the corporate ladder”, sell your products, or if you’re like me, get contracts to speak or consult. Yet building strong relationships seems like something of the past. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and find that e-mails and text messages are easier to send. Whatever happened to the five minute phone call just to see how someone is doing? It is a rare thing these days.
Here are three ways you can start maximizing your network:
1) For Better or Worse- have you ever dealt with someone that crosses people off their list after one mishap? I have, and I used to be one of them. Dealing with people like that is like walking on eggshells. You never feel comfortable enough to say what’s on your mind for fear of being crossed off the list. To build solid relationships, your friends/co-workers need to know that you will be there for them through the good times and the bad times. This will help them develop trust in you so they will be willing to go out on a limb for you when you need it. We all have bad days and get frustrated at times. But, have you noticed that your bond is stronger with people after you have had an argument and worked through it, than with those you haven’t? I was sitting in a Toastmasters training when the District Governor stood up and said “ I appreciate my team for all their hard work. We did not always get along but it was in those times that we grew together and learned from each other”. As profound as that was, one of my girlfriends leaned over to me and whispered “We must grow a lot.” -- we both laughed. Her name is Regina and even though we don’t always see eye to eye we always seem to be there for each other, I know I can count on her – for better or worse.
2)Once a Day – no, not the multi vitamin…once a day be in contact with someone in your network, just to talk about what is going on in their lives. NO text messaging – pick up the phone! There is a something so impersonal about a text message. Can you really share your excitement and everything that has been going on in your life in a text? It always blows my mind when people text me and say: hey hvnt tlkd in a whle hows evrythin? – It makes me wonder if they really care because if they did wouldn’t they have picked up the phone and dedicated some time to really listen? Once a day let someone one know that you were thinking about them and wanted to hear how their day is going. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you must be in constant contact with someone to have meaningful relationship. I have found that is not, I repeat not, true as long as when you do talk, you talk about real issues.
3) No Strings Attached-do things for people in your network that have no immediate benefit to you. After you have spent time listening to what is going on in their life. Show that you really listened by sending them a relevant article or asking about it again at another time. This seems simple but not enough people do it. This shows you care enough to remember them, which also always helps build a meaningful relationship.
Don’t let anyone fool you into believing that relationships are not what make the world go around.
One quick story… I met with an Insurance agent last night; I can almost guarantee has convinced me to make a purchase with him. Here is why. He thought I was pretty smart – smart of him! He also remembered aspects from our very first conversation (2months prior) and he showed a genuine interest in my life plans. Although he was there to sell me something, and he was using good sales techniques, I did like the feeling that I was talking to someone who had my best interest at heart. Not only that, but when I couldn’t get my parking validated, he pulled money out of his pocket to pay – he did not HAVE to do that. Okay, it was a business expense but a really nice gesture! Trust me when I say he is exceptional, I have been to other meetings like this and…yeah, you know my point. Making people feel important goes a long way towards making you important to them!
Start today and build your relationships with people in your network of people and notice how situations change in your life and doors start opening.
Here are three ways you can start maximizing your network:
1) For Better or Worse- have you ever dealt with someone that crosses people off their list after one mishap? I have, and I used to be one of them. Dealing with people like that is like walking on eggshells. You never feel comfortable enough to say what’s on your mind for fear of being crossed off the list. To build solid relationships, your friends/co-workers need to know that you will be there for them through the good times and the bad times. This will help them develop trust in you so they will be willing to go out on a limb for you when you need it. We all have bad days and get frustrated at times. But, have you noticed that your bond is stronger with people after you have had an argument and worked through it, than with those you haven’t? I was sitting in a Toastmasters training when the District Governor stood up and said “ I appreciate my team for all their hard work. We did not always get along but it was in those times that we grew together and learned from each other”. As profound as that was, one of my girlfriends leaned over to me and whispered “We must grow a lot.” -- we both laughed. Her name is Regina and even though we don’t always see eye to eye we always seem to be there for each other, I know I can count on her – for better or worse.
2)Once a Day – no, not the multi vitamin…once a day be in contact with someone in your network, just to talk about what is going on in their lives. NO text messaging – pick up the phone! There is a something so impersonal about a text message. Can you really share your excitement and everything that has been going on in your life in a text? It always blows my mind when people text me and say: hey hvnt tlkd in a whle hows evrythin? – It makes me wonder if they really care because if they did wouldn’t they have picked up the phone and dedicated some time to really listen? Once a day let someone one know that you were thinking about them and wanted to hear how their day is going. One of the biggest misconceptions is that you must be in constant contact with someone to have meaningful relationship. I have found that is not, I repeat not, true as long as when you do talk, you talk about real issues.
3) No Strings Attached-do things for people in your network that have no immediate benefit to you. After you have spent time listening to what is going on in their life. Show that you really listened by sending them a relevant article or asking about it again at another time. This seems simple but not enough people do it. This shows you care enough to remember them, which also always helps build a meaningful relationship.
Don’t let anyone fool you into believing that relationships are not what make the world go around.
One quick story… I met with an Insurance agent last night; I can almost guarantee has convinced me to make a purchase with him. Here is why. He thought I was pretty smart – smart of him! He also remembered aspects from our very first conversation (2months prior) and he showed a genuine interest in my life plans. Although he was there to sell me something, and he was using good sales techniques, I did like the feeling that I was talking to someone who had my best interest at heart. Not only that, but when I couldn’t get my parking validated, he pulled money out of his pocket to pay – he did not HAVE to do that. Okay, it was a business expense but a really nice gesture! Trust me when I say he is exceptional, I have been to other meetings like this and…yeah, you know my point. Making people feel important goes a long way towards making you important to them!
Start today and build your relationships with people in your network of people and notice how situations change in your life and doors start opening.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Do it this way, but only if you want to – 3 ways to motivate your team
Q. How do I motivate my team?
A. Picture it- Your team can’t wait to meet, they listen to every word you say and when you ask them to do something they – smile and happily accept the responsibility. Better yet, they think on their own, don’t need a lot of supervision and always find ways to enhance the project on hand.
This can be a reality. Many people think that the success of the team rests with the individual talents on the team, but in fact the success of your group lies with you, the leader. Scores of people make serious mistakes, when they assume what motivates them (the leader) will motivate the team. For example, my boss is motivated by money, so he had an ah-ha moment and revised our entire compensation plan, and promising us tons of money, for every sale we make. Sound like a good motivator? – Not so much. Sales are not something that we have control over (the final sale is made in Oklahoma while we are in Virginia). We can not be motivated to work any harder because there is very little we can do to ensure this sale.
So what exactly what is motivation?
President Eisenhower once said “Motivation is the art of getting other people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” Motivation is an art, and it takes a lot of practice, you do not become skilled over night so be patient with yourself. As you go on keep in mind that each person is motivated by something slightly different.
Here is some background, some people are motivated by money or good grades (extrinsic reward) others are motivated because something makes them feel good, or they think it is important (intrinsic reward). Herzberg’s two-factor model of motivation shows that money (extrinsic) is motivating for a short period of time, while respect Maslow and McGregor’s theory X and Theory Y show that, empowerment, praise and a sense of belonging (intrinsic) are much more powerful motivators. For a year and a half I worked for the Girl Scouts of America, my job was to motivate volunteers. Now, it is one thing to get people you are paying to be motivated but a totally different thing to motivate people who are working for free. This is where the intrinsic motivators play a very important role. According to, Hezrberg’s model, in the long run no one is motivated by money, so it is your job to find out what motivates the individual intrinsically. It is imperative that every team leader, whether their team is being paid or not, should take the time to discover their team’s individual (intrinsic) motivators.
Here are three ways that you can start motivating your team by discovering intrinsic motivators.
1)Shield them – from all the negativity that surrounds you. It is inevitable that there will be negative people around you. It is your job to make sure that your team members do not associate you with the negativity, and that they know you will defend them to any and everyone. I am a big advocate of candor. Therefore, you must tell the team the truth, if they are not doing a stellar job -- just phrase it properly. Try something like, we are doing really well as a team when we do this, this and that. In order to be a top performing team we need to improve this, this and that. Then, ask them what they think can be done to improve the situation. Brainstorm! You will be surprised how motivated people become when they feel that they have participated in making the decision. Remember, you are part of the team you must also suggest ways to change, but don’t be so stuck on your way, another idea may come up that is better than yours. Set the atmosphere so people feel free to talk and express even the silliest ideas. Make sure that when they enter into a meeting with you it is a positive place, no matter what is going on. Always be ready to listen, but redirect people to what is important, not the politics of the moment. When you shield them you help to fulfill one of Maslow’s basic needs safety (emotional) which allows them to move onto higher levels; and, when you let them participate in making the decision you help them to see the importance in what the team needs to accomplish. On top of that, they feel important because you respect and value their ideas (intrinsic motivation). If your team participates in weekly meetings that have a negative context, see if your team can be excused and you work with them at a later time.
2) What have you done for me lately? – tell and show them that you appreciate them. In groups and in private, create some silly superlatives that people on your team win each week. For example, the person most likely so be seen… and them pick out something silly they did during the week. You can even use this type of thing to, light heartedly draw attention to a behavior that needs to be corrected. The key is never get to the point where in which they can not remember the last time you said thank you for doing so and so. People respond to positive reinforcement better and faster than when they’re being punished or criticized for bad behavior. Be sure to elaborate on what they did well and they will do it again and again. William James said: “the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated” I will add to this be noticed doing good. By broadcasting what they did well, to any and everyone, you will fulfill that desire to be appreciated and noticed. Your team will be motivated to improve and keep doing good.
3)Them, Them,Them - Group dynamics are difficult because each individual wants to shine. But your job is to focus on them (each individual) and learn what motivates them. What interests them, is what it is all about! How do you find out what motivates your team members? Talk to them. Ask “What is important to you? Why did you join this group?” They may give you a routine answer at first but in time as you do little things like calling or inviting them out to lunch just to talk, they will reveal an even deeper level of what is significant to them. Then, you have the opportunity to point out how what the team is doing will benefit them. Think about what you need to accomplish and how you will say it so the other person sees how this will benefit to their career or any other motivation. When I was with the Girl Scouts the best way to motivate the volunteers to do something was to remind them of the lives they touched each time they organized a troop meeting. You can not over emphasize the impact they are making with the small everyday tasks.
In conclusion, motivation is ever changing and you have to move with the moment to know how to motivate your team. As you practice you will master this skill of getting others to do what you want them to do, but only because they want to These steps are a start, remember as the leader and you have the power, and the responsibility to motivate your team.
Oh, and one more thing. Always, always respect their time, when they feel your respect towards them, they will respond with respect you for you.
This should help.
Do you need advice to further your career or deal with a difficult situation? Email me at: realbusinessadvice@gmail.com today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
A. Picture it- Your team can’t wait to meet, they listen to every word you say and when you ask them to do something they – smile and happily accept the responsibility. Better yet, they think on their own, don’t need a lot of supervision and always find ways to enhance the project on hand.
This can be a reality. Many people think that the success of the team rests with the individual talents on the team, but in fact the success of your group lies with you, the leader. Scores of people make serious mistakes, when they assume what motivates them (the leader) will motivate the team. For example, my boss is motivated by money, so he had an ah-ha moment and revised our entire compensation plan, and promising us tons of money, for every sale we make. Sound like a good motivator? – Not so much. Sales are not something that we have control over (the final sale is made in Oklahoma while we are in Virginia). We can not be motivated to work any harder because there is very little we can do to ensure this sale.
So what exactly what is motivation?
President Eisenhower once said “Motivation is the art of getting other people to do what you want them to do because they want to do it.” Motivation is an art, and it takes a lot of practice, you do not become skilled over night so be patient with yourself. As you go on keep in mind that each person is motivated by something slightly different.
Here is some background, some people are motivated by money or good grades (extrinsic reward) others are motivated because something makes them feel good, or they think it is important (intrinsic reward). Herzberg’s two-factor model of motivation shows that money (extrinsic) is motivating for a short period of time, while respect Maslow and McGregor’s theory X and Theory Y show that, empowerment, praise and a sense of belonging (intrinsic) are much more powerful motivators. For a year and a half I worked for the Girl Scouts of America, my job was to motivate volunteers. Now, it is one thing to get people you are paying to be motivated but a totally different thing to motivate people who are working for free. This is where the intrinsic motivators play a very important role. According to, Hezrberg’s model, in the long run no one is motivated by money, so it is your job to find out what motivates the individual intrinsically. It is imperative that every team leader, whether their team is being paid or not, should take the time to discover their team’s individual (intrinsic) motivators.
Here are three ways that you can start motivating your team by discovering intrinsic motivators.
1)Shield them – from all the negativity that surrounds you. It is inevitable that there will be negative people around you. It is your job to make sure that your team members do not associate you with the negativity, and that they know you will defend them to any and everyone. I am a big advocate of candor. Therefore, you must tell the team the truth, if they are not doing a stellar job -- just phrase it properly. Try something like, we are doing really well as a team when we do this, this and that. In order to be a top performing team we need to improve this, this and that. Then, ask them what they think can be done to improve the situation. Brainstorm! You will be surprised how motivated people become when they feel that they have participated in making the decision. Remember, you are part of the team you must also suggest ways to change, but don’t be so stuck on your way, another idea may come up that is better than yours. Set the atmosphere so people feel free to talk and express even the silliest ideas. Make sure that when they enter into a meeting with you it is a positive place, no matter what is going on. Always be ready to listen, but redirect people to what is important, not the politics of the moment. When you shield them you help to fulfill one of Maslow’s basic needs safety (emotional) which allows them to move onto higher levels; and, when you let them participate in making the decision you help them to see the importance in what the team needs to accomplish. On top of that, they feel important because you respect and value their ideas (intrinsic motivation). If your team participates in weekly meetings that have a negative context, see if your team can be excused and you work with them at a later time.
2) What have you done for me lately? – tell and show them that you appreciate them. In groups and in private, create some silly superlatives that people on your team win each week. For example, the person most likely so be seen… and them pick out something silly they did during the week. You can even use this type of thing to, light heartedly draw attention to a behavior that needs to be corrected. The key is never get to the point where in which they can not remember the last time you said thank you for doing so and so. People respond to positive reinforcement better and faster than when they’re being punished or criticized for bad behavior. Be sure to elaborate on what they did well and they will do it again and again. William James said: “the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated” I will add to this be noticed doing good. By broadcasting what they did well, to any and everyone, you will fulfill that desire to be appreciated and noticed. Your team will be motivated to improve and keep doing good.
3)Them, Them,Them - Group dynamics are difficult because each individual wants to shine. But your job is to focus on them (each individual) and learn what motivates them. What interests them, is what it is all about! How do you find out what motivates your team members? Talk to them. Ask “What is important to you? Why did you join this group?” They may give you a routine answer at first but in time as you do little things like calling or inviting them out to lunch just to talk, they will reveal an even deeper level of what is significant to them. Then, you have the opportunity to point out how what the team is doing will benefit them. Think about what you need to accomplish and how you will say it so the other person sees how this will benefit to their career or any other motivation. When I was with the Girl Scouts the best way to motivate the volunteers to do something was to remind them of the lives they touched each time they organized a troop meeting. You can not over emphasize the impact they are making with the small everyday tasks.
In conclusion, motivation is ever changing and you have to move with the moment to know how to motivate your team. As you practice you will master this skill of getting others to do what you want them to do, but only because they want to These steps are a start, remember as the leader and you have the power, and the responsibility to motivate your team.
Oh, and one more thing. Always, always respect their time, when they feel your respect towards them, they will respond with respect you for you.
This should help.
Do you need advice to further your career or deal with a difficult situation? Email me at: realbusinessadvice@gmail.com today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Take Me Seriously!!!
Q. How do I escalate the corporate ladder when my ideas and plans are not taken seriously?
A. Well, first ask yourself: are the ideas I am presenting in line with the company vision? If the answer is yes then it sounds like you are in the wrong company. One of the keys to being promoted and "climbing the ladder" is finding the right fit. They say people don't leave jobs they leave bosses. Why? Because it is not the right fit. Their visions are not the same, so unless your management is going to change, you may want to think about finding a new job.
Before you start looking, take a moment to reflect and ask yourself what you could have done differently. Could I have been more aggressive? More opinionated? or built those relationships more? Always, take a lesson with you to your new employer and don't let the same thing happen again.
One more thing, take a look at the people around you who are getting promoted and watch what they are doing. Obviously they are doing something that 1) you are not 2) that management likes and wants to see more of.
Remember, that one of the ways that people do move up the corporate ladder is to gain experience and then move onto another employer. People do not stay in the same place for 30 years anymore.
Just something to think about.
Yours Bluntly,
Jessica
A. Well, first ask yourself: are the ideas I am presenting in line with the company vision? If the answer is yes then it sounds like you are in the wrong company. One of the keys to being promoted and "climbing the ladder" is finding the right fit. They say people don't leave jobs they leave bosses. Why? Because it is not the right fit. Their visions are not the same, so unless your management is going to change, you may want to think about finding a new job.
Before you start looking, take a moment to reflect and ask yourself what you could have done differently. Could I have been more aggressive? More opinionated? or built those relationships more? Always, take a lesson with you to your new employer and don't let the same thing happen again.
One more thing, take a look at the people around you who are getting promoted and watch what they are doing. Obviously they are doing something that 1) you are not 2) that management likes and wants to see more of.
Remember, that one of the ways that people do move up the corporate ladder is to gain experience and then move onto another employer. People do not stay in the same place for 30 years anymore.
Just something to think about.
Yours Bluntly,
Jessica
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
The POWER of relationships in the workplace
Your boss is not always the one who controls your destiny at work! Often, decisions are influenced by other groups of people. These groups are your boss’s colleagues and your own colleagues. What decisions am I referring to? Anything, from the promotion you want to the funding of a project you created. Yes, your boss does hold the key. But, the likelihood of the key being used is greatly influenced by these two groups.
Are you surprised?—never underestimate the power of working relationships in the work place.
It is important to build a relationship with your boss but it is critical, when looking to move up the proverbial corporate ladder that you spend time building relationships with groups of people who you may not, at least initially, think have any deciding factor in your career. Being liked and highly regarded among other teams and departments will increase your chances of being promoted or influencing the outcome of a decision.
Why? because people like to support and promote people they feel good about – someone they can feel is like them.
Let’s face it, it is not an easy task because building relationships is one of the most difficult things you can do.
Why? -- Primarily because different moods and different personalities are stuffed into one office. And then we are forced to, as Larry the cable guy would say “Git- R- done!”. People are hired for their individual talents, not their ability to share these talents. And rarely, do we every have the opportunity to hand pick those with whom we work, so we are left to make the best of difficult situations.
Here are three ways that you can increase the likelihood of succeeding in building relationships at work:
· Shut your mouth- That is until the right time. It is human nature, we all want to be heard, and we all think our ideas are the best. They very well may be, but when you speak over other people your brilliant idea gets lost in the chaos and increases tension. We can not effectively hear two people at the same time. If you are speaking while someone else is talking you might be missing pertinent information that would make your idea even better. I see it every day, people get cut off by a boss or someone who thinks they know what is about to be said, this is followed by a few minuets of banter back and forth which winds up with and no one really knowing what was said because no one was actually listening. Try this, be quiet until all that banter is done, and then come in and calmly voice your idea pulling from what other people have said. This way your idea is considered brilliant because you were able to incorporate their ideas (which they considered brilliant so they feel respected and admire your good judgment), and you clear calm voice was heard because you waited until the right moment.
If you decided that voicing your idea in the boardroom is not a good idea, take it behind closed doors, where the key person will have all eyes and ears on you. You don’t have to be loud to be heard.
· Soup, Sandwich and Relationship – One of the best ways to get what you want is through building relationships, and at work the best time to get to know people is by “doing lunch”. So how does this work? When you go out make sure to develop a real interest in the other person, ask them all sorts of questions about things outside of work. Let them do most of the talking, the more the other person talks the more important they feel. William James said: “the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” People are more likely to go out of their way for you if you make them feel important and appreciated. Not only that but, you would be surprised how much people will tell you when they are relaxed. P.S. don’t wait until they ask you to go to lunch, you take the first step. This will help make them feel important from the start.
· Give it away for free – Well now that you have gone out to lunch and learned all about your boss, co-worker or whoever, the next thing is to act on it. Now that you know they have kids who love Elmo, the next time you see something (within you budget of course) pick it up for them. The idea is to, make a deposit into their life, and show that you don’t just want things from them but you are willing to give. The gift can be something as small as a pack of gum or a 6-pack of Diet Coke, anything that they like and use on a daily basis. You can pick that up if they are always asking for a piece of Gum or are always drinking a specific drink.
For me it would be my very own small nail clipper, I always need one but never have one with me so I scrounge around the office to find someone willing to share theirs – that would be the perfect “I thought of you gift”. So you see it does not have to be much, just thoughtful.
In summary, succeeding at work is not always easy, and there will be plenty of times when you will have to stretch yourself to be the bigger person, but it is all worth it in the end. I challenge you to always let people know you are thinking about them and that you actually listen. Your work life will become much easier and more successful.
Are you surprised?—never underestimate the power of working relationships in the work place.
It is important to build a relationship with your boss but it is critical, when looking to move up the proverbial corporate ladder that you spend time building relationships with groups of people who you may not, at least initially, think have any deciding factor in your career. Being liked and highly regarded among other teams and departments will increase your chances of being promoted or influencing the outcome of a decision.
Why? because people like to support and promote people they feel good about – someone they can feel is like them.
Let’s face it, it is not an easy task because building relationships is one of the most difficult things you can do.
Why? -- Primarily because different moods and different personalities are stuffed into one office. And then we are forced to, as Larry the cable guy would say “Git- R- done!”. People are hired for their individual talents, not their ability to share these talents. And rarely, do we every have the opportunity to hand pick those with whom we work, so we are left to make the best of difficult situations.
Here are three ways that you can increase the likelihood of succeeding in building relationships at work:
· Shut your mouth- That is until the right time. It is human nature, we all want to be heard, and we all think our ideas are the best. They very well may be, but when you speak over other people your brilliant idea gets lost in the chaos and increases tension. We can not effectively hear two people at the same time. If you are speaking while someone else is talking you might be missing pertinent information that would make your idea even better. I see it every day, people get cut off by a boss or someone who thinks they know what is about to be said, this is followed by a few minuets of banter back and forth which winds up with and no one really knowing what was said because no one was actually listening. Try this, be quiet until all that banter is done, and then come in and calmly voice your idea pulling from what other people have said. This way your idea is considered brilliant because you were able to incorporate their ideas (which they considered brilliant so they feel respected and admire your good judgment), and you clear calm voice was heard because you waited until the right moment.
If you decided that voicing your idea in the boardroom is not a good idea, take it behind closed doors, where the key person will have all eyes and ears on you. You don’t have to be loud to be heard.
· Soup, Sandwich and Relationship – One of the best ways to get what you want is through building relationships, and at work the best time to get to know people is by “doing lunch”. So how does this work? When you go out make sure to develop a real interest in the other person, ask them all sorts of questions about things outside of work. Let them do most of the talking, the more the other person talks the more important they feel. William James said: “the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” People are more likely to go out of their way for you if you make them feel important and appreciated. Not only that but, you would be surprised how much people will tell you when they are relaxed. P.S. don’t wait until they ask you to go to lunch, you take the first step. This will help make them feel important from the start.
· Give it away for free – Well now that you have gone out to lunch and learned all about your boss, co-worker or whoever, the next thing is to act on it. Now that you know they have kids who love Elmo, the next time you see something (within you budget of course) pick it up for them. The idea is to, make a deposit into their life, and show that you don’t just want things from them but you are willing to give. The gift can be something as small as a pack of gum or a 6-pack of Diet Coke, anything that they like and use on a daily basis. You can pick that up if they are always asking for a piece of Gum or are always drinking a specific drink.
For me it would be my very own small nail clipper, I always need one but never have one with me so I scrounge around the office to find someone willing to share theirs – that would be the perfect “I thought of you gift”. So you see it does not have to be much, just thoughtful.
In summary, succeeding at work is not always easy, and there will be plenty of times when you will have to stretch yourself to be the bigger person, but it is all worth it in the end. I challenge you to always let people know you are thinking about them and that you actually listen. Your work life will become much easier and more successful.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Don't Get Sick!- Health care in the work place
Q. My job has horrible health care. How do I convince management to change the health care carrier?
A. You have a right to be concerned about the health care you are provided. But, did you know that 46.6 million people do not have insurance? Therefore, start by being thankful that you work for a company that provides some type of health care no matter how awful it is.
Here are the issues:
Health care is a big issue, it costs more each year and you get less coverage. Trust me when I say that Management puts a lot of thought into the health care they provide for their employees. They consider costs to the business, what is affordable for their employees, and what they think will make their employees happy.
Here are some reasons they probably choose this particular policy: they have had this provider for a long time and do not want to disrupt employees who will have to switch doctors, it is cost effective, they have a great relationship with the representative (this is very likely), and they obviously think it is a good policy. Needless to say, management does not always make decisions that make workers happy. You have several options:
1) Go out on your own and get your own policy – you can Google health insurance and you will get plenty of options
2) Talk to management - But, girl, I am not sure this is a fight that you want to start. It all depends on the company, and your relationship with management. – I will give you some tips in a minute
3) Unionize – health care can be used as one of the bargaining tools ( This may not be an option, but I would not recommend it even it is)
If you want to talk with Management then here are some steps to take:
· Do some investigative reporting- get to know everything there is to know about your policy. Find the HR person in your company that is the expert and ask them to explain it all – you may want to take them out to lunch to soften them up. You never know when you will need their help. You should be ready to field any question about the policy.
Also, research the different options available. There are some options like Health Savings Accounts, tax advantaged financial accounts, attached to high-deductible health plans that people can use to cover their medical bills and save for medical costs. Or choose a higher deductible plan that gives you more freedom but passes some more cost on to you.
· Don’t complain- Be part of the solution, not the problem. Once you do your research, present possible solutions to the proper person in Human Resources. Management views people who complain as a problem and if you are seen as complaining then they will not be receptive to what you have to say. The main objective is to get your way, so if you are viewed as the complainer, find someone else to do the talking for you.
In your presentation make sure you point out the differences, but don’t trash the current policy, just show how the new one is better. Some key points you will want to address are: how it will save the company money, offers more options & better coverage, and improves employee morale.
· Find people you trust- Don’t let everyone know what you plan to do. You do not want to be met with opposition before you are ready. Find a few (well respected) people that you can trust as allies to help you accomplish. Ideally you want influential people who you already have an established relationship with to help you. One of the best people you can have as a resource is someone in Human Resources.
Changing anyone’s mind is difficult; your approach will make all the difference. Keep in mind that if your organization is large the change is going to be much harder and take longer. I am sure that you have learned the value of investigating the health care policy before you accept the position. I have to warn you to not lock horns with management if you want to continue to climb the corporate ladder. Also, if you don’t want to put in all the work then you should start looking for another job.
I hope this helps!
Resources:
U.S. News- November 6, 2006 – Best U.S. Health Plans or ww.usnews.com/healthplans
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