Easy Does It

Easy does it. That's one of the things my Grandfather used to say a lot. I think there is wisdom in the "Easy Does It" approach. The opposite approach would be "My Way or the Highway" approach. Just as important as the work we do, and the skills we bring to the table, is the WAY we go about our work. What would people say about your style?

Consider this quote from the book, Working with You is Killing Me

"The fact is that the workplace is a volatile environment inhabited by emotional creatures who often rub each other the wrong way. This is especially true when people are thrown together for many hours in a small space commonly referred to as "the office"."

For any relationship to thrive there are strategies and tools that can be used. This is true in personal relationships and also in professional relationships. When was the last time you picked up a book, went to a workshop on the subject, or really thought about how you interact with your co-workers? Do you have a co-worker you just can't seem to get along with? The good thing is that there are solutions out there! The challenging thing... is that you first have to work on yourself. If you want smooth workplace relationships, then you need to seek out the tools to help you get along with all different types of people. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone communicated the way you do? How much simpler that would be! Oh, well... dream on.

Human interaction in the workplace has been a longtime interest of mine. I wish I could give some quick and easy answers in this one blog post, but I'm afraid it's not that simple. I will over the next few months share some helpful strategies and tips.

For today, let me leave you with a tip from one of my first teachers on the subject (although he died long before I was born!), Dale Carnegie. From his book, How to Win Friends and Influence People

"Asking questions not only makes an order more palatable; it often stimulates the creativity of the persons whom you ask. People are more likely to accept an order if they have had a part in the decision that caused the order to be issued."

Maybe today you can find a time to try asking questions instead of giving direct orders. Remember, "Easy does it".

Mandatory Paid Leave Update

Today I went to a Labor Law Update on CA's new sick leave law. Gregory Walsh and Jennifer Phillips, two local employment law lawyers presented. Just last month I did a post on the new law, but today I learned some important information about how to look at existing leave policies with a critical eye for compliance with the new law.

Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act of 2014, goes into effect July 1, 2015. However, posting and notification to employees should have taken place January 1, 2015. One of the things that stood out to me about today's talk was when Jennifer said that out of all the company leave policies she has reviewed over the last few months, none have been 100% compliant with the new law. It is not enough to offer sick pay to employees. This is a complicated law. All plans should be reviewed for compliance.

I suggest the following steps:
1. Review the current company policy on sick pay (or PTO pay). Make changes as necessary.
2. Decide how sick pay will accrue. There are 2 options. Progressive Accrual or Lump Sum.
3. Post policy and provide notice to current employees.
4. Start using the updated Notice to Employee form for all New Hires.
5. Work with payroll provider to ensure wage statement are accurately reporting employee's sick balances.

Change Happens

We've all heard it... The one constant thing in life is change! Recently I went to a workshop on the subject and learned some great tips from Mary O'Neill, MA MFT. a Professional Trainer. You can check out her website at, www.maryoneill.com

It was good to start out the New Year thinking about change and what I would like personally for 2015. We all have personal goals and desires. We all make plans and do our best to make the life we want. But then... stuff happens. Change. How do we deal with life's unexpected events? If we are in a position of leadership, how do we help those around us? It is good to reflect on these questions from time to time.

For me, the cherry blossom is a reminder of the element of change in our lives. In Japanese culture the cherry blossom symbolizes mortality. It only blooms for about 2 weeks a year. During that time it is extremely beautiful. And then it goes away. Until next year. For me the cherry blossom is a symbol of change.

When I am in the midst of change, I remind myself that it is only temporary. When I work with others going through change, I remind them of this also. Often times it is only after the change is complete, that we can look back and appreciate how beautiful the process really is.