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No 57                                                                               May 2005

The Back Sundeck

Remember over Christmas when we had that day of Summer. A friend and I were sitting at the BBQ table talking about our respective situation of the way we obtain our incomes.

We were enjoying an after-lunch coffee when it occurred to us that we were indulging in one of the activities that can be a true luxuries of the work-from-home lifestyle.

I began to flash back as to what it was like working the more traditional 9-to-5+ job, and once again I realised how great it was to be able to work from home on MY schedule, not someone else's! My friend had to take his annual leave over the Christmas/New Year period when he would have preferred to work (his family were visiting the in-laws in the US). On the other hand, I was having a "time-out" hopefully entertaining, but certainly relaxing.

There's no denying it - in the work situation, I'm the toughest boss I've ever had - but even the most compassionate employers have no way of knowing, let alone accommodating, those times when you just simply have to say "STOP!"

You know what I'm talking about - you've been hard at work on your job for weeks, giving your all to your employer, and all at once your mind and body says to you, "I've got to get out of here!" We've all been there, right? You just want a break, a chance to be by yourself and sort through all the things that are weighing on your mind. Perhaps you'll just sneak outside for a few minutes, take a walk, grab a cup of coffee ... you know it will make you more productive.

Sometimes, with an employer, you can do that...but more often than not, you can't.

Or you won't, because you don't want your supervisor or work colleagues to view you as a "slacker."

So you plug away, not able to give your all to your job simply because you're not able to refresh yourself on YOUR timetable.

Not so when I work from home. Make no mistake; I work very long portfolio hours - many more than I did at any of my traditional jobs. But when the time comes to take a break, regardless of the hour, I have the freedom to do just that.

And that's when I head for the sun deck.

The Bearer of Bad News

Nobody likes to be the bearer of bad news but as a portfolio worker/contractor, it may be you.

Avoidance only increases tension and fear. Employees need and deserve to know if they are under-performing, if layoffs are pending, or if the company has lost a major client. Whether you're the decision-maker or simply the messenger, consider these tips when bad news must be shared:

Spreading the news slowly over time only prolongs the agony. People often sense that something is wrong and if you string them along, they will be stressed and distrustful. This affects your relationship with them and your reputation. When you do it in a timely fashion, this will give people the opportunity to regroup, strategise, or make other plans.

Accept Responsibility

If you or the company is responsible for the impending bad news, take responsibility. Getting defensive will only escalate conflicts. Accept your part in the decision but avoid apologising if it's not appropriate. There is a difference between taking responsibility and being at fault.

 Be Honest

The quickest way to lose credibility is to lie. That doesn't mean you should tell every detail. It would be cruel to tell a job candidate all the negative things the committee said. "We decided on another candidate whose experience was a better match," is candid and respectful. If the bad news is that you can't pay your bill, let the collector know and state how you plan to solve the problem.

Choose the Appropriate Venue

When delivering bad news, determine where and with whom you'll deliver it. If a company is going to announce layoffs, it is best to hear it in person from the leader than to read about it in the paper or to receive an interoffice memo. If you're afraid a person will be volatile, have a neutral third party present. Most of all, bad news should not be delivered by letter or email because it will be perceived as cold and unfeeling.

 Listen

It is understandable that people will be upset by bad news. Be willing to listen and to respect their emotions. If a product is discontinued, your customer may not be happy with a substitute. So don't be surprised if they express dissatisfaction. Let them vent and acknowledge their feelings. Until they feel heard, any solution will fall on deaf ears. Listening is the highest form of respect.

We all have to deliver bad news from time to time. The good news is that the message can be delivered in a way that preserves self-esteem and long term relationships.

25 Office Organising Tips

1. Clean out each desk drawer, to free up even more valuable storage space.
2. Clear off the top of your desk, then wipe off the surface of the desktop.
3. Keep essential items on your desktop (computer, phone, fax, card file).
4. If you work with more than one person create an in box for each person.
5. Have a master to-do list for each day at your desk.
6. Pre-Sort the mail. To-File, To-Read, To-Contact (write or call).
7. Use a variety of containers to organise office supplies, paper clips and pens.
8. Use a variety of desktop organisers or trays to organise papers that come across your desk.
9. Create a separate drawer for personal paperwork, items, etc.
10. Use storage boxes to store dated files.
11. Purchase Magazine boxes to store booklets, magazines, and catalogues you want to keep.
12. Create a file for magazine articles or scan them into your computer.
13. Filing system should be simple easy and manageable.
14. Colour-coding your files makes it faster to find information.
15. Do not over stuff folders. It may be time to toss some of the information in the folder .
16. Never overload a filing drawer. It will make it difficult to retrieve information in the drawers.
17. Sub-divide larger files with interior file folders.
18. Tab hanging file folders in the front.
19. Return calls in batches. Leave specific messages and the time you called if the person you're trying to reach isn't available.
20. Empty workspace of everything but the project(s) you're working on to cut down on distractions.
21. Keep an assortment of all-occasion cards and stamps in your desk.
22. Keep takeout menus from favourite restaurants so you can order ahead and pick up dinner on your way home.
23. When using more than one checking account, colour coded checks are an easy way to identify each account.
24. At the end of each project or event, organise paperwork and file or store it.
25. Straighten desk at the end of the day and especially at the end of the week so that you can start each morning with a clear desk.

That's the list, I can't say that I am successful with its implementation - ed

© 2003 The Nework Centre   |   email neworknz@yahoo.co.nz

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