Monday

50 New Year's Resolution Ideas for 2017



Enjoy these ideas for your New Year's Resolution planning and check out Michelle's (muchelleb) channel info below.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zQV4...
Channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0sA4...

Domestic Violence Impacts Work Performance


Making A Difference!

Posted 12/12/16 by Linda Offray

Domestic violence affect us all as a society. Weather it happen to us, a family member, friend we all pay for it in some way or another. Please see a few statistics below. Domestic violence programs need your financial support, volunteers, sponsorships, donations etc. We can not do it without the help of individuals like yourself. Please help us so we can continue to help victims of domestic violence and their children. We have seen an increase in the last five months. On an average, we have a new client coming into the office fleeing domestic violence a week, sometimes two individuals a week. Domestic violence is a serious problem! 
 
On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. 

  • 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of [some form of] physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. 
  • 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. 

On-line Reference:    http://ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics
  • Victims of intimate partner violence lose a total of 8.0 million days of paid work each year. 
  • The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $8.3 billion per year. 
  • Between 21-60% of victims of intimate partner violence lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse. 

 ECONOMIC EFFECTS: 
  • Victims of domestic violence lose a total of 8 million days of paid work each year.
  • The cost of domestic violence exceeds $8.3 billion annually.
  •  Between 21-60% of victims of domestic violence lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse.   
 
On-line Reference:    http://ncadv.org/learn-more/statistics 

Victims of abuse use various resources to help them heal from past incidents.  One way is through healing art workshops.  These circles are created among peers to release pain via artistic expression.  Many of these programs are made possible through public donations.  If you feel moved to help in some way, feel free to learn more.  Shepherd's Door, a domestic violence resource center, in Pasadena CA hosts these healing art programs.  Feel free to give a donation here.  Thank you for your support!  

Saturday

Finding the Time for Workplace Exercise, Relieve Some Stress

I don't know about you, but sometimes the long hours seated before a computer screen can be grueling.  The eyes tear up, my back begins to ache and my poor legs feel numb at times.  So I have to remind myself to get up and move around.

When does one find the time to exercise?

I started taking advantage of the walk ways around the buildings at work earlier this year--a good way to get some workplace exercises in (stretching, power-walking, etc.)  This helped immensely--less aches, brain fog, mood swings, and more! Then I looked for other opportunities to walk after work as well around my apartment complex.  I saw that some women were thinking like me too except they were staying late after work dressing up in workout apparel and speed walking like doing many laps around the buildings before taking the long drive home.

Too much sitting causes so many work-related health problems then throw in the electrical devices (sigh).  From headaches to leg pain, if one doesn't do more to take care of the body, he or she will end up missing work days.  I saw a lot of that on my job--employees calling-off for a variety of things including back pain.

Scheduling your workout days on your calendar, like you do meetings, will start to get your mind to adjust to the idea that this is needed change to improve you!  Posting a positive quote or image related to working out will also help.  Taking a look at some of those co-workers who are already disciplined, look healthy, and enjoy their workouts are also good ways to motivate you as well.

As much as we might like or love getting that paycheck, it isn't worth spending a good amount on medical bills because we simply ignored our bodily needs.  I must admit that when I take time to listen to my body, I feel less stressed too!  So here's to a new you in the coming year!  Feel free to come back and share your accomplishments here!

Nicholl McGuire
Blog Owner and Author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet?

Tuesday

See Your Ad on Our Site

We are accepting advertisers for the new year.  We have some space to display your ad on our site.  Contact Nicholl (nichollmcguire@gmail.com) if you are interested.  We also welcome article and video contributions too!

Friday

Workplace Woes: No Call, No Show

They mess up everything!  Workers who just make up in their minds, "I'm not coming in."  They don't call, text, drop by, prepare fellow workers, or much else, they just don't come in.  I have been impacted over the years while working on projects that had specific timelines.  Each phase had to be completed during a set time and when one isn't around to do his or her part, the people and project suffer!

So what to do about Jane Doe who doesn't like to show up for work?

1.  Document dates and times she didn't show and how she affected progress.
List specific reasons, cause and effect.  For example, "When Jane didn't show, XYZ was affected; therefore, costing the company..."

2.  Contact Jane's Supervisor/ Team Lead and Human Resources Department making them aware of issues.  Keep them all updated on what is happening and what you are doing to deal with the problem.

3.  When Jane finally decides to show up, sit down with her and explain how her absences are affecting the team.  You may want a representative of HR as well as her trainer/team lead present at the meeting.

4.  Provide written correspondence explaining details of the meeting.  Ask Jane what she plans to do to rectify the problem.  Share what disciplinary action will result.  Note how Jane responded.

5.  Remember to follow all company protocol.  Consult with attorney if need be.

The "No Call, No Show" type of worker usually has a lot going on personally and doesn't want to share too much about his or her life problems.  Understandably so, no one wants to make others aware of weaknesses or cause worry, but when our personal challenges lead to poor work behavior, we have to at least communicate some things with our managers and how we tend to deal with them.  In Jane's case, she could have asked for a schedule change, some days off while she tends to her family matters, or ask others to cover for her while she is out while indicating when she plans to return to the workplace.  However, no calls and no shows are unacceptable at most companies and will lead to immediate termination.

Nicholl McGuire, author of What Else Can I Do on the Internet? and owner of Nicholl McGuire Media

Monday

Emotional Workplace Emails

They are irritated, demanding, and just plain rude, peers, team leads, managers, business owners, etc. who email their emotions.  The email content isn't so much about the workflow process, who is scheduled to do what, or what is up and coming, but the negative communication with emotions attached or not at times says far more than necessary.  Check out the following examples based on real life workplace email communication:

What is this?  Really?  Who are you talking about?  I don't know what you mean...

How might the above come across if you really need a favor from someone or you want them to continue to be on your team?

Thanks Sally! cc: Ron, Bob, John, Tim, Elizabeth...

Does everyone really need to know just how much you appreciate Sally?

I thought I communicated this to you already.  Duh?  Do you need a vacation?

Insults?  Hmmm. Let's keep this email on file in case we need to share with H.R.

When I re-entered the workforce some years ago, I was surprised at how much workers solely rely on Outlook Calendar, Email, etc.  I mean whatever happened to picking up the phone to confirm or get clarification on some things?  So when the demand to "just email me" came in like a flood, I couldn't help but wonder was this the end of good ole fashion offline communication?

For many workplaces, email is all they ever do anymore and so with increase email volume so too is the likelihood that high importance emails will be overlooked, incorrectly forwarded to the wrong people, deleted, and written offensively too.  Throw in all the cc: or bcc: this one and that one too even when people don't have a clue as to what your department does much less who are you and now confusion amongst staff also increases too.

So the emotional emails, those ones that have words in all caps, sentences in red, misspells and abbreviated words due to angry emotions coming faster than words can type...and before long someone is going to make more foes than friends.

A straightforward, brief email comes across as someone with an attitude if there isn't a smile or two or some jovial comment.  But then you can come off as flighty maybe a bit strange with too many emoji's :)(:

From the irritation to the demands communicated in email in so many disrespectful ways, it isn't any wonder why people end up not saying too much offline to one another.  Most often people say things online they would never dare say to someone's face anyway.  Besides, how can you verbalize something that offline sounds petty even though it isn't?  "I was really upset about your straightforward, nonchalant comment with no smile or a bit of humor demanding that I do something..." or "What did you mean when you asked me about ABC, but you said it with abbreviated words, red lettering, and didn't ask the question like you even liked me much less respected me?'

Then of course there are those emails where someone has to let everyone know "Welcome...Great job...Thank you!"  Does the whole team really need to know every other day or daily how much the supervisor loves their favorite people...so much for teamwork, building team morale, or being a team player.

Watch those emotional workplace emails they might make or break you--ask Hillary.

Have a great day and by the way don't be goofing off in the break room! but then again...maybe without the red lettering and the smart comment.  How about Have a wonderful day! :) I sincerely mean it. or what about nothing at the end but just your name and a call me to further discuss meeting details. Perfect.

Nicholl McGuire
  

Saturday

How to Be a Great Manager!

How to Influence Different Types of People - Leadership Training

Personal Workplace Issues Don't Have to Become Your Issues

Give yourself a time out.  Take a deep breath and recite the following, "I will not get emotionally involved in someone's issues."  An effective manager doesn't hide out in his office to get away from troubled workers, but he or she doesn't become emotionally tied to them either.

Sally comes into the office with tears in her eyes.
Jim yells loudly and knocks off a few things on a desk.
Janet pushes people on the way to the exit door.
Bill is angered and vengeful with others again because he just can't seem to do his job well.

Do we go off on these people and fight just because they are in one?  Do we sit down and talk with them in the heat of battle?  Do we reason away their emotional outbursts or act as if they never happened?  Do we run off and hope that they can't find us?

Leaders whether you hold a title or not, don't do any of the above.  You may have been tempted and may have done some of what is mentioned, but forgive yourself.  Allow positive self-talk to usher you toward change.  Consider what your peers are saying, but keep your spirit  free from the burdens by releasing them to your God or find something you can do so that you will not be overwhelmed with so much stuff!

Workplace issues don't ever go away completely, some are there until the company or department comes to an end.  You might have thought that you were doing so well showing compassion toward so many people who approached you, but what we positive types or do-good folks learn in the end is that if you get too wrapped up into what others are feeling, you will surely burn out.

Consider the following:

1.  Don't allow yourself to be consumed with many personal stories from workers.  Seek a plan of escape from unproductive conversation like "Things are getting busy now...I will have to go, but thanks for sharing."

2.  Don't make promises you can't keep.  If you know that it isn't in your power to get something done, say so. 

3.  Avoid the drama by staying out of it.  When you hear that something is happening in a certain room, department, or somewhere else and it isn't considered anything worth escalating, stay away from that place and those who are a part of the drama.  Of course, you can see things for yourself, but once you know the truth--keep away.

4.  Let your genius come forth with those who appreciate your work, but protect your passion/heart with both positive and negative individuals.  You can't afford to fall apart at work just because an idea/suggestion or something else you came up with was rejected.  If at first you don't succeed...you know the rest.

5.  You can't control what others think/feel about you and don't even try!  Actions speak louder than words anyway and those who formulate personal false assumptions about you will sooner or later look rather stupid when they say something negative about you.  Win over those who matter!

Reserve the sentimental feelings and personal touch for those at home.  Work is just what it is...be understanding, but no fool.  There are many actors and actresses out there.

Nicholl McGuire

Sunday

Prepare Yourself for the Storms at Work

The copier doesn't work, an issue that you have raised repeatedly is still not addressed, the rumors of job cuts continue, and that annoying co-worker is up to his or her irritating behavior again.  There are those small irritations that lead up to massive storms that occur at work and how might you prepare for them?

1.  Practice for the possibility of yet another storm like the last one.

Are you or your team doing anything different?  If not, then list what the issues have been and solutions on fixing each one.  Share with someone in a position that can make some swift changes.  Even if all of your ideas are not used, at least you brought some things to leadership's attention. 

2.  Don't deny the problems.

Ongoing issues are often left unaddressed because workers don't make time or prioritize them.  Once the challenges have been listed and solutions provided, what is the timeline on getting things done?

3.  Test drive the plan.

You can avoid a lot of future problems if you repeatedly test out the new program, service or tool before the influx of work, customers and others show up.  Report findings and look for new and improved strategies once again.

4.  Know your tolerance level.

For some people they have done all they can to show support and to no avail problems persist, when all has been achieved, it may be time to look for other work.

Schedule time to meet with those who can make a difference, share your concerns, talk over solutions, and test out the changes.  When all else fails, you know that there is always opportunities for growth elsewhere whether within the organization or outside of it. 

Nicholl McGuire 

Job Security, Job Longevity - Wisdom, Encouragement - Work

Friday

Motivational Music on the Way to Work - Explicit Content - Playlist



Eminem and Macklemore's songs have some explicit language.  The rest of the playlist is clean, enjoy!  Be motivated on your way to work.  Cool songs to make your Monday a good one.  Have a great week!  For words of spiritual encouragement, search this blog under the label "encouragement."

Sunday

Office Sabotage is Real

If you ever felt like someone is steadily building a case against you whether you are a temporary employee or a permanent one, know this you may not be wrong.  There are those people who do things on purpose to slow progress, make you look incompentent, and cause all sorts of destruction to protect their jobs.  Some people have been at their jobs a decade or more for good reason and have a body count to go along with their prestigious awards.  Pay attention to the warning signs, document, and befriend those who will have your back if and when you have to escalate the matter.  Learn more about Office Sabotage.

Saturday

Connect with Your Workplace Team from Anywhere

Check out an interesting app for workers who need to share important information in real time, collaborate on projects and more.  Check out Slack.

Mark, Marker, Hand, Leave
http://www.pixabay.com

Saturday

Friday

April is the Time to Start Looking for a New Job

If you are sick and tired of going to the same workplace doing the same things, now is the time to start looking!  Monster posted 100 companies that are looking for workers, here are 20 to get you started.  

1. Aflac 1,893
2. AT&T 791
3. T-Mobile 533
4. Unitedhealth Group 530
5. Pilot Flying J 521
6. Advantage Solutions 496
7. H.I.S. 471
8. Avon 464
9. Stanley Black & Decker 426
10. Wells Fargo 387
11. Sprint   361
12. Brookdale Senior Living 336
13. MathWorks 251
14. Hertz   236
15. Laboratory Corporation of America 195
16. UPS 174
17. Knowledge Universe Education 164
18. Gentiva Health Services 159
19. Giant Eagle 148
20. Coldwell Banker

See more jobs.

Sunday

Issues at Work Do Follow You to Your Residence

It is a harsh reality, the workplace stress not only affects work performance, but those you live with as well.  Long hours at work take away time from family.  Critical managers, demanding business owners, ill-equipped workers, budget issues and more can turn one's once positive personality completely upside down.  And where does the seemingly self-controlled individual end up dumping his or her woes?  On his or her closest loved ones.

Online media reports tell of workplace related stress adding a few pounds too.  So not only is one disgruntled about work, but he or she is eating for comfort too while watching TV or surfing the 'Net late into the night.

The pendulum of mood swings go from right to left with many unhappy workers and usually end up hitting a few too many times into the unsuspecting on the home-front.

"It isn't work making me act like this...it's you!"  A workaholic reasons his or her family is to blame.  "I really wish you all would be more understanding!  I am under a lot of pressure at work...will you just leave me alone!" the one who once wore a happy mask starts to unravel.

So check yourself before checking others this week.  Something is obvious wrong and the workplace definitely has something to do with it.  There is nothing wrong with taking some lunch time and/or a personal day to figure some things out.  When everything else comes to an end, all you have left is the family you choose to allow in your life.

Nicholl McGuire


Thursday

Numbers Don't Lie - Watch How Many Minorities are Laid Off or Terminated From Positions as Compared to Others

It happens a company has to let go of jobs in order to save money, change current systems, relocate, and more.  However, when you begin to see a pattern at different places you have worked, your eyes aren't deceiving you!  Minorities, women, seniors, those with vested interest in the company, temps, and students are usually the first to be let go before others irregardless of those who perform good work performance and have exceptional attendance. You have to know it is systematic and also bias. Here are some links to articles that share some facts you might have overlooked or didn't think to consider.

Lay-offs

Blacks hit hardest by public-sector job losses during recession, study finds

Apparently You Can Get Laid Off While Pregnant

Who's Displaced First?

Last Hired, First Hired

Postal job cuts would weigh on minorities, vets

Laid Off, With Retirement Almost in Sight

What are my rights as the minority shareholder who is being laid off by majority shareholder?

Wrongful Terminations

CNN Hit With $5 Million Bias And Wrongful Termination Suit

Workers Sue McDonald's for Racism, Sexual Harassment, and Wrongful Termination

Is your company next to lay off some people? See Daily Job Cuts

How to Tell a Layoff is Coming


Thursday

Your Job Isn't Good Enough...Need More Money? 17 Ideas for People Who Need Cash

Well you don't have a lot of time to read and I don't have a lot of time to write, so here goes, a list to help you start thinking of ways you can make some cash soon!

1.  Weekends are a great time to make money so are you thinking about outdoor events?  Pass out fliers, offer car washing services, clean homes, organize garages, assist with existing projects...can you think of more?

2.  Build something.  It doesn't matter whether you make it with wood, stone, paper, fabric, or something else.  What can you create quickly and have it out on display at a fair, flea market/swap meet, or somewhere else?

3.  Use your front yard to sell items from closets, drawers, cabinets, etc. or skills (like car detailing).

4.  Use your driveway or the front of your home as a parking lot.  (This works if you are near large entertainment areas)  Charge by the hour.

5.  Offer to babysit or pet sit.

6.  Errand or taxi service.

7.  Sell some stocks.

8.  Ask someone to GIVE  money, not borrow (especially those people who have gotten much from you in the past).

9.  Host a party (charge per head).

10.  Offer companionship (we aren't talking about sex--get your mind out the gutter!)

11.  Sell meals.

12.  Create a crowdsource campaign for your cause (on and off the Internet).

13.  Visit the pawnshop.

14.  DJ a party.

15.  Take photos.

16.  Cater a party.

17.  Haul things for people.

You can think of more, now go make that money!

(Do check for any licensing needed in your area before trying any of these things).

Nicholl McGuire

Friday

On Realizing the Importance of Promotional Materials

Logos, names, colors, symbols, and more on cups, mugs, calendars, t-shirts, and more.  These things reach further than our feet.  After walking through a print shop in Duarte CA, I realized just how significant promotional tools are to any business.

From a child's fund-raiser to a special event, something has to shout, "Welcome to our company." People need to feel like your business is in the moment, all-too-ready to serve them.  They need to know just how much your product or service might benefit them.

Staff wear t-shirts with your brand, a pen displays your logo, someone walks in with a bag with your company's name on it, someone else has a hat proudly boasting one's affiliation, and someone else posts a poster up on a wall not only in his or her atmosphere about your business, but a wall post too! The sky is the limit when it comes to promotional tools.

No matter where you are, near or far Curo, a managed print production company, is here to serve you!

Spring Cleaning Your Workplace

Old papers, folders that have never been used, bags of God knows what?, and more stuff in closets, drawers, filing cabinets, etc. than you can imagine.  Welcome to the cluttered workplace.  When will anyone step up to the plate and clean?

Make plans to get some things done today!  Too often employees show up for work and do their tasks, but don't bother to clean, pick up, organize or anything else, because "That's not my job."  Provide some incentives if it is within your control or use a day off and start purging.  Some companies will even sell some of their items, give them to charity, or host a giveaway.

Spring clean your way to a great looking, well-organized, and most of all good smelling workplace!

Check out one resource we use to organize everything!  The Organizer

The Inverted Narcissist - Watch for Signs

Writers: Seeking Career Development, Resources, Conflict Management Guest Posts

Do you write articles, share links, or do something online related to employment?  If so, we would like to hear from you.

Send links, videos, and other useful material to nichollmcguire@gmail.com to be featured on this site.  Our audience enjoys reading work that reflects their daily work experiences and provides insight on how to best solve workplace problems. 

We look forward to reading or viewing your work!




Friday

How to Deal With a Drama Queen Manipulator : Improving Your Workplace



Helpful comment via YouTube: Never talk with a manipulative person in private. NEVER. If you deal with a skilled manipulator, he/she can put you into serious trouble. Especially if they are young women and attractive. As soon as you detect a manipulative person/control freak/narcissist/psychopath (the closer it is to a psychopath, the more important it is to keep this in mind), stay away from that person, use only mails or any communication form that will remain recorded and never stay alone with that person in an area where there is no surveillance. Again, especially if they are attractive young women. I dealt with control freaks, narcissists, manipulators in three different jobs. I am currently dealing with a female psychopath as coworker. My advice comes from real life in-first-person experience.

Wednesday

Consistent Problems on the Job - 7 Tips for Those Thinking of Leaving the Rat Race


Sometimes people stay on jobs too long while feeling miserable like they do in their relationships-- something has to give?  When you know that you have had more than enough frustration on the job and possibly at home too, you will continue to think negatively, then what do you do?

1.  You re-evaluate your skills.  Take out that resume and start going over everything that you could be doing elsewhere.  So if you have a background in real estate, you take what you already do and apply those skills to other career fields.  Find out what others have done online simply by searching your current career field and transferrable skills.

2.  Don't talk yourself out of starting your own business.  Review videos and articles created by business owners on what they did to achieve their goals.  Who knows, maybe that is what your calling might be.

3.  Stop bad-mouthing about everyone you work with.  Really, what good is that going to do?  The more you talk badly about them, the more upset emotionally and physically you will become and before long you will end up in the hospital with tubes up your nose or send someone who often listens to your complaints there.

4.  Discuss with a partner about your concerns which means that he or she may have to do more than what he or she is already doing or make adjustments.  Also, consider putting teenagers to work.  See here: Home Opportunities  What are they doing especially during long breaks besides the typical stuff?

5.  Check around your house for things you don't need, want, etc.  By doing this, you are also preparing for the future when you just might decide to quit or get terminated from your job.  The extra money will come in handy.

6.  Don't make yourself do things when you know it is in your power to change your environment.  Now if you have no options, then stick it out until you can create some.

7.  Pray even if you aren't the least bit spiritual, something or someone that is upsetting you calls for a higher power other than yourself.  So dust off the holy word, sit still awhile, and ask God to help you.  The opposition will arise and so will the negative attitudes when people around you know that you are considering on leaving a job, because all they can think of is, "How are we going to maintain this lifestyle?"  You just might have to cut out some things and if your money is paying for it all, then start training your family members to live on less early on before you make your announcement.

Nicholl McGuire

Wednesday

The Unchecked Hunger Attitude will Cost You

A hunger attitude at work will get anyone in trouble with management, supervisor, and other workers. Think of those times you or someone you know lost his or her cool over the littlest of things due to hunger.

The negativity is just not worth missing out on a great opportunity, a good work relationship or worse a promotion!

Check your thoughts and moods by learning how to eat healthy, take frequent breaks, exercise a little bit, and bring some snacks to enhance brain activity to work!

Healthy & Affordable Lunch Ideas For School or Work

Tuesday

One Thing that Creates a Bond between Management and Workers

A simple, "How are you?" or "Did you do anything interesting this past weekend?"  When a person in a leadership position genuinely takes interest in a different employee each day with a thoughtful question that shows he or she is interested in the individual's hobbies or well-being, the manager will have workers that will look at him or her more positively.  They will think, "Well that was nice he/she came over and spoke to me."  You just might produce better workers as a result.  Something to think about.  -- Nicholl McGuire


Thursday

Is Your Workplace Making You Sick?

Sometimes we work in areas that we don't know have problems.  From fresh paint on walls to dust mites here there and everywhere causing all sorts of redness and itching, these issues and others can distract you from your work and cause the company to lose money if you should have to call off work.  So how do you know if your workplace is making you ill?  The following basic list are ways you can tell.  Feel free to add more by commenting below.

1.  Is a heating or air conditioning duct blowing directly on you?
2.  Are you in a tight space with no breathing room or windows?
3.  Are you cramped due to not enough leg room or sitting in a small, uncomfortable chair or working at a desk that isn't the right height for you?
4.  Are there far too many papers stacked in the office?
5.  Do you often smell strange irritants that leave your throat dry, nose running, or cause some other health issues?
6.  Do you often feel sick to your stomach due to odors?
7.  Is the carpeting, dust on furniture, and other things often making you sneeze?
8.  Do you notice your breathing or heart changes its pace whenever you walk into an area?
9.  Do you feel like you are going crazy or have frequent headaches in certain parts of the work environment? 
10.  Is the color or décor of the walls, furniture or flooring stimulating a bad mood or vibe?

Some issues can easily be rectified by cleaning, removal, or rearrangement.  Others will need environmental tests and maintenance.  Bring up any issues with Human Resources or the onsite supervisor or manager.  It is your right to voice concerns, if left unaddressed by management then discuss with owners or corporate representatives otherwise seek different employment.

Nicholl McGuire is an author, blogger and virtual assistant.  You can learn more about this writer here.