Tag Archives: philosophy

Control

15 May

The dictionary defines “control” as exercising restraint and to hold back. RE-READ THE DEFINITION AND TAKE NOTE. 

GRAB YOUR CELLULAR DEVICE and locate Janet Jackson’s 1986 smash hit ”Control” and GET READY TO DANCE. 

In what’s noted as one of her biggest hits…Jackson was defiant as she told her coming of age story. By that time, she’d endured some challenges. And had really found her own voice. Ms. Jackson was proud to tell the world she was indeed the h-p-i-c-o-h-l. The head person in charge of her life.

Still dancing? PUT THE PLAYER ON PAUSE FOR A FEW MOMENTS AND KEEP READING! You can take control of your circumstances. Circumstances that feel like weighty problems. Problems that look like reality television drama. Drama that’s intoxicating. DO A WOO-SAH!

It takes a great deal of control to succeed in the workplace. Therefore, I’ve developed a formula for workplace control. WRITE THIS DOWN. Cool. Optimistic. Nurturing. Tell. Responsibility. Obliging. Lead. 

C-Cool tempered folks are folks we need more of in the workplace. This requires a little finesse as it relates to working under pressure, managing our emotions, and not having meltdowns.

O-Optimistic is a trait that’s best suited when we get negative news. As an example, you didn’t get the promotion. It doesn’t mean that all is lost and the world is over. Maybe, its time to look for opportunities somewhere else.

N-Nurturing is a self technique you can practice away from the job. You should make it your mission to enhance your skill set by attending professional sessions. Don’t expect your manager to do everything for you. Develop new skills outside of work and illustrate that work to your boss.

T-Tell your leaders and other hiring managers what you’re good at. Think of yourself as your very own public relations guru. Find opportunities to wedge your foot in the door at executive’s offices. Show and tell them what you can do to make their department or company better.

R-Responsibility is essentially being accountable for your actions. Your decision making. How you prioritize and complete tasks. The manner in which you communicate with your co-workers and external organizational stakeholders.

O-Obliging is the sincere and hearty response you give to an intern who needs assistance. You should always be willing to take the time and provide expertise to folks in the workplace. Try to use some positive humor with this.

L-Lead person is who should aim to be on various tasks. The brain behinds the idea. The researcher with in-depth knowledge on on projects. The go to person who can fix the problem. The lead is often the person who gets promoted.

NOW SING AND DO YOUR HAPPY DANCE! I know you have one! As Janet would say… “NOW YOU’RE IN CONTROL!”

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The “Good” Employee

21 Nov

Its that most wonderful time of year when folks make lists check them twice. And find out whose been naughty or nice! Imagine this. Jolly old St. Nick stops by your job bringing gifts, performance awards, and bonuses. Maybe you need a visual. Let’s just say the picture looked something like an episode of Oprah’s Favorite Things. Those folks look like they’ve hit the jackpot! Now back to St. Nick. He wants to reward the “good” employee. Would he have something for you? Would St. Nick dub you an office scrooge or the “good” employee? One who works for the “good” of the organization? Let’s marinate on the makings of the “good” employee.

  • putting your agenda aside.
  • tabling your personal issues.
  • always willing to reduce conflict.
  • checking your ego when you weren’t selected as the number one person on the project.
  • adjusting to new business processes to improve customer service.
  • lending your expertise to the new hire who now occupies the position you applied for.
  • supporting  your manager on a project that you don’t fully agree with 100 percent.
  • cooperating and tolerating a co-worker who finds tons of ways to nettle you.
  • learning new methods to doing work.
  • making decisions and taking actions that benefit the organization.

Folks have their eyes on the “good” employees! Good things come to those who do good! So, be good for goodness sakes!

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How Would You Grade Your Enthusiasm?

16 Nov

How would you grade your enthusiasm? For work? Enthusiasm takes you a long way in organizations.

Earlier this week, two Xfinity cable employees came to my home to install new devices. I was very impressed. They delivered quality customer service at its best. The employees were eager to teach me how to properly use the devices. They were thorough. And willing to answer my questions. Get this. One of the employees offered me information about a product that will roll out by the spring of 2013. I could see the passion that the two shared for their organization. And I wasn’t surprised when one of the employees said ”I love Xfinity” during our dialogue. I knew within minutes of them walking into my home.              

I would give the Xfinity employees an A for enthusiasm. And another A for job knowledge, great teamwork, and commitment to customer service.   

Do you have an inspirational story? Something that will help folks on the job? You could be featured on next week’s kicker! Shoot me an email fromtv2odblogger@gmail.com

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R-E-S-P-E-C-T

13 Nov

Have you ever witnessed something so disturbing its painful? So painful it makes you cringe? That’s how I feel when I witness a manager or consumer berate employees. Employees working at the lower level of the organization. Employees who are often frowned upon as they augment organizations each day. Construction workers. Trash collectors. Janitors. Bellmen. Waiters. Secretaries. Assistants. Store clerks.

Its very troubling how so many human beings are treated with no regard on the job. Frontline employees endure dreadful abuse. Hostile treatment. Disparaging comments.  I advocate for people in organizations. I advocate for the so called LITTLE and big people in organizations to be treated fairly. And with decency, dignity, courtesy and respect.

The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin belted out one of the world’s greatest hits R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Now Aretha was talking about a personal relationship. I’m encouraging us to think about how we R-E-S-P-E-C-T and handle our working relationships. Are we engaging in dialogue with frontline employees? Do we make a conscious effort to be generous? Or do we wait for employees to perform duties and act as if they don’t exist?  

Know this. The “hired help” is a negative connotation we desparately need to do away with. Truthfully, we are all hired to help organizations meet the needs of their clients, customers, and communities. We need construction workers. We need trash collectors. We need janitors. We need front line employees. Value is and should not be determined by our titles and salaries. But, value should be determined by the significant roles we play in organizations, meeting needs, improving processes and quality of work.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T that’s what it means to ME! What does it mean to you? Talk to me.

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I Will NOT Lose

9 Nov

I WILL NOT LOSE! The first time I heard famed rapper Jay Z declare this in one of his hits I immediately got a boost. I wasn’t interested in the lyrics that followed…because those four words inspired me into action. I WILL NOT LOSE was THE most powerful part of the track. Jay Z was emphatic. The rapper turned businessman turned political activist meant that no matter what obstacles, setbacks, opponents he faced…he would not lose. Losing was NOT an option for Jay Z. And it shouldn’t be for you either.  

Do you feel like you lost? You were given a pink slip. You were demoted. You weren’t hired. You missed an opportunity. You were overlooked. Your team lost the contract. Your idea was shot down. Know this. You did not lose! Nos, naysayers, and closed doors are factors everyone has to deal with in life. It doesn’t make you are a loser. Shift your mind. Declare this: I WILL NOT LOSE! Just keep it moving. Continue to do the work that resonates with you. Find inventive avenues to make opportunities for yourself.        

What inspires you into action? Drop me a note fromtv2odblogger@gmail.com

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The King Of Pop

26 Oct

Its been an intense week publishing my first workplace series Bullying 101: Cruel Behavior. No matter how much diagnosis helps organizations properly intervene and treat issues…getting to the “root cause” can be very disheartening.  I struggled with how to conclude the series. And realized it was the perfect moment to roll out a new segment to FromTV2OD…The KICKER!

I went from television to organizational development. In television…there is an interesting story in the neswscast. Not the breaking news, human interest or sports story. The final story in the news…journalists refer to as the kicker.  The kicker is a funny SOMETIMES quirky light story that inspires. Definitely makes you smile. We need a little levity after this week. I found a beautiful song  by the KING OF POP. Michael Jackson shares a lesson on healing.

The KICKER will be published at the end of the week. From time to time…I will share some of my own personal stories.  BUT…I really really really would like to share YOUR stories.  For more information please send an email to fromtv2odblogger@gmail.com.

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The Kill Joy

29 Sep

A few days ago…I had a delightful conversation with a professional who thought she’d landed a new opportunity…more like her next BIG GIG.  As she gave me the details about this connection (with a hiring manager she met at a professional association meeting) her face glowed.  I could hear the excitement in her voice.  Honestly, I was expecting her to reenact Tom Cruise and jump on the sofa as the actor did during that memorable interview on the Oprah Winfrey show.  Remember his face?  That’s exactly how this lady looked as she described the dialogue…

The next morning she followed up with the hiring manager (as the two agreed) only to be told “got your resume…will pass it on to the hiring manager.”  That brought an anticlimactic conclusion to the meeting.  WOMP! WOMP! WOMP!  WOMP!  Talk about a kill joy.  Unfortunately, I’ve heard this story before.  In fact, I’ve lived this sad story.  It’s devastating (especially in this depressed economy) for directors, managers, recruiters and others to make false promises.  Networking isn’t an easy task.  Sometimes, its very difficult to create what career coaches call warm connections.  So, don’t pretend to be warm if you’re cold…as ice!

  • Don’t lead people on.  Remember what your parents told you about relationships.  The same message goes for professional networking events.
  • R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  Have some for internal employees AND external organizational members.  And have the decency to respond to people who followup with you about opportunities.
  • Don’t misrepresent your level of authority.  If you don’t have the power to hire then don’t tell job seekers you can.  More importantly, don’t misrepresent your organization at professional association events.
  • Build relationships by being honest.  If there are no vacancies…say that.  When there are alignment issues with the candidate and the opening…tell folks.  IF you can…try to recommend them to another leader or organization that better suit their skills.

For those of you who are beating the pavement, pushing, calling, emailing, faxing, tweeting, facebooking, link(endin)ing don’t allow the kill joy(s) to keep you down.  Try not to rehash the events in your mind.  Don’t question yourself.  Know that you are talented.  And will be rewarded for your perseverance.

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Can’t Stop Won’t Stop!

17 Sep

“CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP!”  That’s the once widely celebrated slogan of Sean “Diddy” Combs.  If you’re a fan of the business mogul you’ll recall he incessantly touted “CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP” during the initial phase of his career as a rapper in the late ’90s.  Combs publicized the catch phrase in music videos, interviews, and appearances.  He worked from the catch phrase.  He played with it.  And basked in it!  CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP became his mantra to inform the public that he would be relentless in building a successful music label.

Why the CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP mantra might be applicable to you.  You may be one of millions lamenting over job loss, career setbacks, and missed opportunities.  Perhaps, you’re distressed over a demotion you recently took just to have a job.  Each day, you lose a piece of yourself because the work doesn’t align with your talent and interests.  I encourage you to catch the CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP spirit.  That means that you get what you want by any means necessary.

WORKING & PLAYING WITH THE CAN’T STOP WON’T STOP SPIRIT 

  • Get crazy.  Its time to get coo-coo.  Some of the world’s greatest inventions were birthed from the zaniest people.  Show folks that you’re insane about the opportunity or idea.  And that you’re willing to do anything (ethical) to succeed.  As you’re building, remember to have fun.  “Crazy” work is a thousand times better with a little play.                                             
  • Be prepared for rejection.  Get ready for the no.  Don’t waste your time sulking over the NOsayers.  Understand that everyone isn’t ready for your level of crazy.  Suck it up and move on…in pursuit of the YES.
  • Be open to inspiration.  Sometimes you don’t have to find inspiration…it will find you.  It unfolds before your eyes when you walk out of your home.  You may overhear a conversation at the grocery store that sparks interest.  A stranger may say something that resonates with you.  Let that something inspire you into action.
  • Make sacrifices.  Make the necessary changes in your life to get what you want.  You have to be willing to sacrifice money and time.  Remember, no one believes in your idea more than you.  You must put in the hours researching, making contacts, molding and creating the idea.

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DUES:Paid in Full…Almost!

22 Aug

In most industries, professionals are encouraged to start at the bottom and relentlessly move up to junior, senior and executive management.  Everyone wants to be the next star.  But, some professionals have trouble doing the undesirable grind work to become the next the star.  Let’s face it…paying dues is essential in the workplace.  And there’s nothing sexy about it.  Grabbing coffee. Making copies.  Running behind your boss.  Doing all the tasks no one else wants to do.  Holding down a position at the bottom of the organization can be taxing.  Highly frustrating.  Very humbling.  More importantly, paying dues can be an enlightening experience IF you frame in the right way.

On the Job Training

Take full advantage of the intensive training efforts.  Managers are willing to help you understand work processes and acquire skills.  Your peers (at higher levels) will support you with tasks too as it decreases their work load.  Learn the culture of the organization.  Understand how the system works.  Spend the appropriate time mastering the use of programs, tools, and technology to perform your work.

Learn from Growing Pains

Every individual goes through a rough period of trying to grasp their job.  Mistakes will be made.  You may encounter setbacks.  Shed tears.  Question your purpose.  But this is the time to learn from those mistakes and create a plan on how to reduce errors.  Managers need to be able to trust that you can successfully complete assignments and take on additional tasks…without supervision.

Build a Professional Identity 

Design your character.  Listen to your inner voice and discover the core values you stand for.  By doing a blend of tedious work…you may determine your interests have changed.  And you may want to delve into another unit within the company.  Gain confidence in your work.  Determine what distinguishes you from your peers.  You should continuously work to build your image.

Develop a Specialization

Identify areas in the company that you are most passionate about.  Learn every aspect of the area.  You should try to think of more effective ways to deliver this specialized product to your client or customer.  Use every opportunity to show your boss you are the go to person for this job.  When the time comes…take the main stage and shine!

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A New Study Finds Female Flirters Advance In The Workplace.

7 Aug

The signs a woman is flirting.  Playing with her hair.  Batting her eyelashes one too many times.  Apparently, those behaviors can aid women’s advancement in the workplace…so says a recent study by the University of California-Berkeley.  In the study…more than 70 graduate business students examined how trained women negotiate.  And whether they believe flirting is valuable in the bargaining process.  Participants watched videos of corporate negotiations for the study.  They measured ten characteristics that include: honesty, pleasantness, and friendliness.  The study found that while the office vixens were deemed more likeable…their negotiation tactics were ineffective.   They were also viewed as less authentic and less genuine than women who don’t turn on feminine charm.

As an academic researcher who studies behaviors in the workplace…I applaud the efforts of the analysts who initiated the study.  As a woman, professional and OD Practitioner…I find the study extremely disappointing.  It doesn’t cast working women in a positive light.  It implies that women don’t elevate in their careers because of merit, education, diligence and hard work.  Rather, women get ahead by being seductive.

In television…I hosted a show that celebrated the professional accolades of women.  I dubbed the show “Trailblazers” as the women were pioneers in their fields.  Many of them worked and excelled in careers dominated by men.  They were recognized leaders in their fields.  Architecture.  Engineering.  Business Management.  Public Safety.  Those “Trailbazers” carried an extra burden to break barriers and gender stereotypes.  And that required a great amount of finesse especially as it relates to navigating through the old boys club.

In organizational development…I interviewed seven women for my master’s thesis.  The study examined the significance of the MBA in the careers of African American women.  The MBAs worked in finance and international business.  We spent hours discussing the seriousness of women in business, education, the glass ceiling, getting ahead, professionalism, perception, and sponsorship.  These MBAs got ahead in their careers because of education, determination, perseverance, morals and values.  Not by flirting.

…Very disheartening study.  Enough of my thoughts.  What do you think?

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