Make Temporary Employees and Interns Your Allies

Far too often workers worry about the new temporary or intern taking his or her job, just stop it!  Many temporary workers and interns are just trying out jobs like trying on a new pair of shoes.  You like them initially and they go quite well with your outfit, but once worn for awhile you don't necessarily like them anymore, so until you get another new pair of costly shoes, you just tolerate them.

Temporary employees can be friends not foes when you take the time to get to know them and listen to their personal experiences when it comes to the workplace.  They can tell you things you didn't know about the environment--especially when you are away.  They are great at helping you get things done that you might have been putting off for some time now.  They can offer their expertise in a variety of areas while taking the time to help you get rid of problem employees.

Here are a few tips when working with temporary employees and interns:

1.  Be sure you have a work area that is presentable and comfortable for them before they arrive.

2.  Make certain the phone, computer and any other tools the temp or intern will be using work properly.

3.  Find someone who can take the time to assist them in your absence.

4.  Be respectful and patient with your temporary staff-- you need them even if you think you don't!

5.  Be open to hearing about any issues that might come up without judgment, criticism, blame, or taking offense.

6.  Be truthful in all situations and don't ask or make suggestions that your temporary employee or intern lie, be quiet, ignore, or cover up the truth for you.

Nicholl McGuire is the Author of Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic 

7 Signs You Have Bad Leadership

From issues with a work schedule to personality clashes, are workplace issues really about the staff or are they directly connected to the leaders that are supposedly there to manage their employees and serve the public?

For far too long leaders in many different organizations have fought, manipulated, lied, and have done other things to push employees out while they sit comfortably in beautiful offices for decades.  No one seems to notice how or why some people remain in positions of authority except for those who are on the outside looking in.  Too often the so-called troubled employee is terminated and no one bothers to listen to what really happened leading up to the fall-out.  Some leaders carefully orchestrate plans to cover up their mistakes on the backs of those who choose not to go along just to get along. 

If you are one for questioning who really is at fault when it comes to a bad system of doing things at the workplace, consider carefully observing the leadership around you who just might be quite good at communicating and dressing well, but bad when it comes to managing quality relationships with others.

7 Signs You Have Bad Leadership

1.  When requests are made to get things done they are often ignored, excuses are made, blame games are played, and you are left feeling like you never want to bring up anything to management again.

2.  Leaders do not bother to show up for work on time and will put off attending pertinent events.

3.  You are given carefully scripted speeches to share with inquisitive staff in an effort to cover up ongoing issues like: "...we are working on that...I know you feel frustrated but...improvements are being made..."  Meanwhile, you know that some changes won't ever be made until certain leaders are gone for good.

4.  Work plans, schedules, meetings, events, and other related things are poorly organized, directions are not clearly given, plans are not followed through, and your leadership tends to make up things as challenges come up.

5.  You often react defensively as if you have to fight for everything you need while wishing for the things you want.

6.  When you see your leadership, your stomach churns, you take deep breaths, and fight hard not to be negative in his or her presence.

7.  Others have shared their complaints with you and all you can say are canned statements like:  "It is what it is...I really wish I could do something but...It's not my business...Well you know how my boss can be...hang in there..."

With so many people losing their jobs through downsizing, lay-offs, and firings, it is understandable why employees will sit back and be quiet about challenges.  However, when you know that there are leaders who are constantly getting away with unprofessional behaviors, acting nonchalantly about issues, and doing other things that are affecting job performance, SPEAK UP!  No matter what superiors caution, threaten, or do behind your back or in front of others, you have a right to take a stand on anything that is causing emotional or physical discomfort for you and your fellow staff. 

Make my God empower you as you stand up for righteousness!

Nicholl McGuire


 

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