I started writing a WorkHack blog entry on remembering names. In fact, it was pretty much done. Then I Googled it and saw how thoroughly exhausted the topic is. We've made a commitment to our readers and listeners to offer a unique take on all things work related. That being said, I literally just hit delete on the whole piece.You already know you need to make an effort to "catch" their name, repeat it immediately, sprinkle it in throughout the conversation and say it again at the end.You probably also know that it's useful to ask people how it is spelled or what variation they prefer to help you recall it later on. Andrew? Andy? Drew?I always try to draw a parallel between the name and a famous person or band or song. Whatever. Enough about that.Eric and I are almost done with the Working Podcast #53 - our first show back after an extended hiatus. I can't even begin to tell you how excited we are to be back on this … [Read more...] about Blog Entry Deleted for Lameness
Archives for 2007
Stroking Each Other At Work
I recently was scanning my bookshelf and stumbled back onto an oldie but a goodie, "The Games People Play" by Dr. Eric Berne. While it's not a career book, if you've ever felt that each day at work repeats like a vicious cycle, the book will give you some interesting insight into how people interact. At the very least, you'll know you're not alone!Today I'm gonna talk about "strokes." I will resist any temptation I have to be punny. In the world of Transactional Analysis (also known as TA, and sounds much scarier than it it) a stroke is the fundamental unit of a social transaction. The underlining theme is that all of us need recognition from other people - even though we spend a lot of time trying to convince ourselves otherwise. These strokes can all add up to a ritual, many of which we have EVERY freakin' morning!ME: "Hey Bob."CO-WORKER: "Hey Andrew."ME: "Can't believe it's winter, eh?"CO-WORKER: … [Read more...] about Stroking Each Other At Work
Should Offices Ban Smelly Foods?
Sitting at my desk. Minding my own business. And then it hit. A smell that was like no other. Fortunately, I've never smelled a dead body in my life. But I imagine it smelling something like this.Apparently, it's called natto. And it got the whole office talking. In fact, I don't think that poor Asian girl I work with is ever coming back.A Google search turned up that natto is a traditional Japanese food made from fermented soybeans. Man, I like soy - but this stuff is rancid. Seriously, we're all so distracted now that it's impossible to work.Granted, if our bastard employers gave us the lunch hour we deserve, eating at your desk would be a non-issue.Do you think certain foods should be banned from the office? I've got my list below (by no means complete!) and I'd love to hear from you. Visit the message board to join the conversation.Natto (a new reason to bring up an old topic!)EggsTunaSalamiAny type of nuked … [Read more...] about Should Offices Ban Smelly Foods?
Boss's Pants On Fire!
Your boss wears these underpants. Well, 2 out of 5 at least. Many newspapers and Web sites that cover the "career genre" are running this headline today: "2 of 5 Bosses Don't Keep Word." Yeah, no shit Sherlock. Why do people jump all over every survey conducted by Anybody, USA? I really hope as this podcast/blog grows we will give the hardest working souls out there a voice. No statistical garbage. Cause at the end of the day, do you care if you're among the 99% who couldn't care less about career surveys?That being said, I'll contradict myself and post a few findings by a study that will be released later in the year by The Leadership Quarterly (sounds sooooo important):• 39% of workers said supervisors broke promises.(Supervisors ARE human. Would you expect anything better?)• 37% said their supervisor failed to give credit when due.(Where the hell do the 63% work?)• 31% said their supervisor gave them … [Read more...] about Boss's Pants On Fire!
9 Positive Items for Your Desk in '07
A clear desk means a clear mind. It also means a quick exit! But that doesn't mean you don't have room for some personal items. We're anchored to our desks for the majority of the day - so we might as well make the best of it. Here are some personal items that I have found very useful to keep on my desk. Your results may vary. I'd love for you to share your ideas in the comments section below. And this is the kind of stuff you won't mind leaving behind if you ever get fired!Plant This Did you know that the large seed in the center of a papaya can turn into the perfect office plant? Aside from giving you a boost of oxygen, a plant is something that can still thrive - even as your career dies! To learn more about the benefits of desk plants and what kind will work for you, listen to episode #42 of the Working Podcast.Breathing ReminderPut a tiny symbol in your field of vision (mine is on my monitor) that serves no other purpose than remind you to take … [Read more...] about 9 Positive Items for Your Desk in '07