Whether we’re talking about local, state, or national elections, candidates or referendums, there is little in our discourse as polarizing as our political opinions. Discussions about religion can be equally contentious. In our country, we (supposedly) have the right of free speech, to express our views and make our opinions known. Thanks to the growth…
On a commuter bus recently, a father and his teenage son sat in the seats immediately in front of me. Unavoidably able to hear their discussion about college applications and homework, it was easy to determine the father had a loving interest in his son’s scholastic achievements. The father began talking about his son’s grades…
When the Covid 19 Pandemic took hold two years ago, many workers were forced to look at their lives differently. While some folks were able to keep going to their jobs, others were forced to work from home or other remote location. There were a lot of questions about how to adjust to this new…
It was with great admiration and respect that I recently witnessed a number of instances of employers recognizing the abilities of their employees with disabilities. In my lengthy experience, I have too frequently seen workers with disabilities placed in positions far away from public view. But on this excursion through the Northeastern US, I witnessed…
Recently I attended a number of events populated mostly with people substantially younger than myself. Among the many things I gleaned from these experiences is that there is hope for tomorrow. The energy, exuberance and enthusiasm of today’s young people is intoxicating and I always find being around them a great learning experience. They are…
Recently a friend told me she was returning to her former place of employment. “Why would you want to be going back there?” I asked. “I thought you wanted to be going forward in your career?” The idea of her returning to that employer was a bit of a surprise because when she left her…
Recently, I read an article from Bloomberg Business Week about how many employers believe it to be more important for prospective hires to have a strong cultural match with a company’s existing staff, than it is for applicants to just have strong skills. Really? I guess I didn’t get the memo on this edict. When…
There are certain kinds of people who suck the life out of your day. On an airplane, a screaming child can ruin a flight for even the most seasoned traveler. Surly passengers and transit operators with negative attitudes won’t help get your day off on the right foot. In the work place, a coworker or…
As I reminded everyone last time out, we have a national election coming up in less than two months. And as a result, we are seeing a lot of personal opinions and arguments expressed about the various referendums, ballot measures and candidates running for office. Many of the views are provided by reliable and knowledgeable…
Regardless of the kind of work you do, or where ever you are located, if you have or want a job, you will interact with other people! (Well “Duh!” That’s obvious!) Bear with me! The basic give-and-take of what is sometimes simple communication, is how we get through our day. Sometimes the information being…
One of the least favored exercises of employers is the process of annual reviews. Having a sit-down with the entire staff (thankfully not all at once) to discuss personal advances, achievements, goals met, and future targets, as well as problem areas and shortcomings, is frequently a nerve wracking process for the employer, department managers and…
In many communities – urban and suburban – the current economic climate has necessitated cutbacks or elimination of services. In particular, public transportation systems around the country are taking a big hit. Routes are being altered, and in some cases eliminated. So for many, getting to work – or anyplace else for that matter –…
