Bent but not broken

Not my usual Sunday thoughts about work

2012-01-29T16:45:00.003-05:00

At exactly 4:41 pm this afternoon it hit me.

Holy shit - I start a new job tomorrow. Let the nerves, hives, and gastric upset begin.

Sure I'm excited, but I'm nervous too.

You know what I'm most worried about - the on-boarding. I mean, will it be good or will I be left on my own.

Because you know what? HR deserves good service too.

Last dance people

2012-01-27T06:05:00.003-05:00

The day is finally here. Friday.

But not just any Friday - my last Friday with my current employer.

I had a flash back to highschool dances when the opening chords of "Stairway to Heaven" started playing and teens scrambled to find their partner for that last dance. If you were fortunate enough to have gone with someone or had secured a partner earlier in the evening, you were calm and just shuffling it out. If you came alone, didn't do any propecting or were in the girls' bathroom putting on lip gloss and dashed out as soon as you knew it was last call only the arrive minutes after a perky little thing a year younger asked your "intended" to dance ...well then you might have been panicking or seriously pissed off (that bitch).

Regardless, when the song stopped...the dance was over.

So cue the Zepplin. I just fixed my lip gloss and I am ready to dance my way out of here.

'tis the season

2012-01-25T13:24:00.003-05:00

In theory I understand the purpose and the benefits of a performance evaluation program.

In practice, it rarely lives up to both the purpose or benefits.

Managers hate doing them (those that actually participate).

Employees think it's all smoke and mirrors.

HR, well we push the hell out of it but we too realize the futility of the process.

You know who some of the worst offenders are when it comes to following through on performance evaluation best practices.

Human Resources.

Something about cobbler's children having no shoes...

Exit Strategy

2012-01-23T10:38:00.002-05:00

The countdown is on and I'm in slightly manic mode because for some strange reason I have this feeling like I need to (and will be able) to complete everything that is on my plate before I leave.

As if I could.
As if I should try to.

Is it because I'm such a dedicated employe? Not really.

I believe it's similar to the complusion that makes me "do" my hair before I go to the hair stylists...I mean, I want a hair cut, but I don't want to look like I need a hair cut. It's also related to the same compulsion that makes me have a snack before going out for dinner - I want to eat, but I don't want to look like I need to eat.

So I suppose it's because I want to leave , but I don't want it to seem like I had to leave or that I couldn't do the work.

Talk about managing an exit strategy.

Stepping out

2012-01-20T06:43:00.002-05:00

So, I few days back I made some changes - I had actually planned to go a bit further than I did, but hey...baby steps.

I dropped the Corporate Daycare in favour of something a bit more whimsical and reflective of how I'm feeling these days. Besides, after over 5 years as CD...it was time.

I had started to think about dropping the whole anonymous things, but really I do not have the stomach to handle the amount of discomfort that thought caused, but...at the same time I needed to feel more "real".

So, I made a switch both here and on Twitter; however, it just didn't feel like enough.

And then inspiration hit - in the form of new acquaintances and a re-connection of an old one. I am trying to establish some sort of connection, so seeing my silly "BBNB" among all the real people just felt flat.

I mean, BBNB? Seriously, who am I - an American rapper?

So, I went for it and put out my name. Really only my first name, but still...work with me here. I know, the odds of another person who works in HR having the same first name are slim to none, but I'm willing to take the chance.

I'm starting to call it the, "I don't give a fuck 40s" period of my life.

So, there. I have yet another thing in common with Madonna. In addition to putting out a coffee table sex book, we both go by our first names and have a connection with the UK.

I realize that this all sounds like I'm just jumping on a bandwagon, and I suppose I am, but really...what is the point of Twitter?

To follow.

I'll believe in you, or I'll be leaving you tonight..

2012-01-18T20:26:00.004-05:00

Did you know that it's just as important to off-board your employees properly as it is to on-board them. Oh yes it is.

And I'm not just saying that because I'm currently in that position. Well, okay, I'm not just saying that because I'm currently in that position. Which I am.

There have been a lot of studies, blogs, and articles about the subject of on-boarding new employees into your company. There is a whack load of information. Google it. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Now, what about when your employee is leaving? I don't mean those that we are escorting out the door. Those we take care of - we draft up properly worded and legally sound releases and packages to ensure that these people will not be returning with either a gun or a lawyer.

I'm talking about those employees that willingly chose to leave your organization, for whatever reason. Sure, sure you do an exit interview and check off the administrative to-do list, but how do you treat an exiting employee.

Do you slowly withdraw from them, ignore them as you pass their desk, by-pass them in communications ('cause what's the point in including them).

Do you make snide comments about how they are "bailing" or are "traitors"...but in a joking voice? So it's all good.

Do you suddenly realize how much they take care of and try to squeeze years of knowledge and experience out of them onto the first available sponge?

Or do you simply congratulate them and wish them well?

I've experienced all these reactions before, as detailed here

And I'm going through it again. I'm a big girl and in HR, which pretty much means I'm invincible. I can take it, but I can also step outside myself and see the situation for what it is. It's a shitty way to end what was a good relationship.

I suppose I shouldn't ask for more...it's kind of like asking if we could still be friends, when I'm the one doing the breaking up. It's too raw, too soon. Give them time and they will come to remember all the good times we had.

However, you have to remember that these departing people, people like me, will talk about your organization when they leave and the impression you give them at the end will be the strongest and most recent one in their mind.

You need to show grace and tact to the end - no matter how irritated and frustrated you might be that you will have to pick up the slack. Ultimately you should want them to remember why they joined your organization in the first place and believe in your organization enough that they would be willing to recommend it to someone else.

And consider this final thought: most complainers are not anonymous bloggers.

Fine. I'll go play where I'm wanted.

2012-01-17T14:22:00.002-05:00

My week so far:
- Formally accept new job
- Resign from current job
- Manage to be stunned by my manager, once again

I am ego-centric enough to think that my boss would be somewhat disappointed that I announced that I’m leaving. And for the record, I don’t mean beg me to stay, or pull out her hair and sob “what will I do without you” kind of reactions. However, some kind of recognition that I had made a difference would have been appreciated.

What I certainly didn’t want is to have my manager cut me off during my opening sentence to tell me that she knows I’m handing in my resignation. She admitted that she had even bragged to people that she knew I was going to resign before our meeting. She almost seemed to delight in knowing that she had picked up on signs over the past week that this might be coming.

Yes she congratulated me on my new job. Yes she made it easy for me to tell her the news, but seriously – you are telling me that you knew I was quitting and the standout point was that you get to go around and say “I told you so” to your colleagues.

Is it me or is she missing something here?

Unless she wanted to me to leave (which very well may be the case), why would a manager admit that they knew an employee was planning on leaving and didn’t do or say anything?

For the record, I am leaving on good terms, with a good performance record, having successfully completed a number of projects recently. What became clear is that I was seen as a short-term employee who was never expected to stay, who was told repeatedly that there was no room for her to go, and that she was fully expected to move along...any day now.

All I can say is that that brief conversation only confirmed that I made the right decision.

Ch..ch..ch..changes.

2012-01-14T21:57:00.002-05:00

I took a deep breath a few weeks back and changed my blog name. And the world kept turning.

Monday morning I will hand in my resignation. This is something I have been day-dreaming about for a quite awhile, but truth be told, in my dreams there was a bit of drama, flair and involved me saying something like "fuck this, I'm out of here."

I'm going to go for low-key and humble. And while I will likely hold me breath for a brief second waiting the see the reaction, my prediction is that the world will continue to keep on spinning.

2012 is shaping up to be very interesting.

Hope to chat again soon.

Tolerance (or the lack thereof)

2012-01-06T11:59:00.001-05:00

One of my favourite movie lines of all time is from Austin Powers:

“There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch.”

This cracks me up every time I hear it. Why? Because I have a stupid sense of humour and because it’s so typical of what people actually think.

Here is my version of this:

Two things that really frustrate me: organizations that aren’t more flexible and tolerant of their employees’ family obligations and organization’s that don’t say anything when employees bring their kids into work.

I’m a family woman. I have kids. I have responsibilities, challenges, and obligations both at work and at home. But damned if I want to work beside someone’s 4-year old who is amusing himself by eating a constant supply of candy and playing maracas with the staplers because you have no sitter/ there’s no school/ they are sick/ they are suspended.

If you are someone who does bring their kids to the office, let me share a few tidbits with you:

- You are not being productive, and in fact, you are distracting everyone else with your constant “shushes” and “mommy/daddy said not to touch that”

- This is a professional environment – a child slumped half off the chair, spinning it around and around while playing his DS is not professional

- You child is not as cute/ funny/ sweet/ precocious as you think they are

- Your child is not being as quiet as you think they are being

- Almost everyone around you, even though they are smiling and not saying anything, is pissed off that you brought your kid in to work. You know who is the most pissed off? Those that have kids.

I believe that companies need to help and support their employees so that they can deal with situations that require them to take care of their families, but should that extend to bringing your child in to hang out for the day? I don’t think so. That’s where family care days, personal leave days, or working from home can comes in.

Companies need to be flexible, not foolish.

Changes

2012-01-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

I tend to think about making changes for quite some time before I actually do it.

I have changed my blog name after all of 30 seconds reflection.

Damn, that felt good.

I have come to realize that the Corporate Daycare moniker, while still true in some circles, is a bit condescending. I am sarcastic, but not condescending.

HR is an important strategic business unit that contributes to the overall operation and development of an organization.

So I'm told.

It's also a job. A sometimes interesting, often times frustrating job.

When people ask me what I do - I tell them I work in HR...I am not HR. I do not embody it, I do not lie awake thinking about it, I do not see myself dedicating my life to it.

So, the truth be told, I wanted to change the blog up to reflect that fact that I'm not all about HR. And that I don't want to diminish it's place in a company by implying it's a babysitting service. Although it sometimes is.

And so, I am facing challenges every day, in all aspects of my life, and yes I am bent, but not broken.

2012

2012-01-04T09:37:00.003-05:00

So it's a new year and to commemorate this, I am making a guest appearance on my own blog. How passé, I know.

Truth be told, I think about blogging a lot, but have become phenomenally good at justifying my laziness. Chalk that one up for my skills set.

This is going to be short and sweet, because I really don't know where I'm going with this. I have spent the last week and a half at home for the holidays, and while that is has been a good thing, it was also a bit disappointing.

- At some point everyone in my immediate family was sick
- I saw no one outside of my in-laws (and that was twice)
- I didn't go anywhere aside from the grocery store and a movie
- I didn't call anyone nor did anyone call me
- I ate more than I normally do
- I moved less that I normally do

...yeah, I've got come some serious First World problems.

No, I don't have problems - I'm not even going to pretend that I have problems. What I do have is this small fear that I'm wasting prime time.

I don't do resolutions, I don't do predictions, and I'm not looking to change my life or HR. I am hoping to get some perspective and enjoy the days. And I just don't want to be sitting here this time next year thinking, fuck - that was a big waste.

Cheers to 2012 and all that it has the potential to be.

How to have a really good Christmas

2011-12-01T14:41:00.001-05:00

Our family likes to wait until the last minute to decorate and put up our Christmas (yes, an HR person said CHRISTMAS) tree. It’s not because we are procrastinating, it’s just that it doesn’t seem right to have it up mid-November. A month is a very long time to look at sparkly, twinkly, musical items. And it’s not because we do the real tree thing – we have a cool and realistic looking artificial tree…it’s one of the few items that I prefer to go “fake”. Real trees are awesome, but they are messy.

We just like the Christmas mood to come to us and not force feed it down our throat.
For some reason it surprises people that I’m not a big fan of the Christmas time thing. I’m not sure why it’s a surprise – it involves committing to plans in advance, socializing, excessive consumerism, and guilt.

Now it’s no secret to those that know me that I’m a less than stellar daughter. I don’t play by the official rule book (daily phone calls, consulting on all decisions, overdoing the gratitude, caring about every ache and pain), but this doesn’t mean I’m cold and callous. I just don’t feel the need to force something that is very awkward and fake to me.

But at Christmas time, some people would rather the artificial sentiment, so long as it looks and smells like the real thing, rather than the real deal. They have the Hallmark/ Norman Rockwell image of what a family at Christmas should be, and dammit we will look the part…even when the other 364 days of the year we don’t even come close.

Like real trees, real sentiments and feelings are messy, but unlike trees, artificial sentiments just don’t cut it.

My very short list of items which are better as the real thing:

• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Cheese
• Books
• Feelings & sentiments

All of these have a cost associated with getting the real deal; however, they are infinitely more satisfying.

Why I'm not planning on serving crow anytime soon.

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

I was feeling nostalgic and decided to read some of my old posts.

Old posts from when I worked at my previous employer. And posts from when I left my previous employer, and then ones like this one.

I believe that I have found the support I needed.

Reality check. Check.

Going back

2011-11-10T10:11:00.000-05:00

If you had the opportunity to return to a former employer (that you left on good terms), into a new role, would you take it?

Is it enough that the role has changed and more in line with what you are looking for?

Is it possible to go back, with a new and fresh perspective, and tackle the issues that you previously faced? Or is it naive to assume that you will be able to re-integrate without people resenting and/or resisting your return?

How will the boomerang move look on the résumé? How will it look when you potentially leave them again in a few years? How will it feel when after the dust settles you start to remember that you didn’t just leave because of a new opportunity, but because there were other reasons? And those reasons are still there?

Despite the fact that I have HR insight into how this might play out and be perceived, I’m struggling with making the quick and obvious decision.

Why is it that the “easy” option is so damned tempting?

Too much information

2011-11-08T10:29:00.003-05:00

We have an occupational nurse that comes to our office every month to meet with employees regarding health concerns, follow-ups, and providing health and wellness information.

All this is great and I am glad our company provides this service; however, it would be so much better if she didn't send out a reminder email with the Subject line: My monthly visit.

I really do think it's too much to ask a group of adults to refrain from snickering every time that email goes around.

Myself included.

I'm a Gen-Xer. Get the hell off my lawn.

2011-11-04T09:56:00.004-04:00

Employers must prepare to engage grouchy Generation Xers, study finds

Really? Are we still harping on this? Are we still stretching the blanket of discontent over an entire generation?

Are Gen X-ers still the disillusioned, “grouchy” group that boomers, I mean people, claim we are. Probably, but is it because we grew up listening to Nirvana and watching Ethan Hawke? Or could it have anything to do with the fact that we, like most people, would rather be doing something other than work? Like reading comic books and wearing doc martens.

I find it insulting that it’s being theorized that the reason I’m not thrilled with my job is because I came home after school and my parents weren’t there until 5:30pm. Oh, my struggle with work-life balance – it’s because my parents got divorced. It's couldn't be because, maybe it's just an okay-job and well, work-life balance is tough to achieve.

The article suggests that “Generation Xers' expectations are not being met with regard to aspects such as pay, career advancement, and training and development” and “that these employees reported the lowest levels of satisfaction and met expectations, as well as the highest levels of conflict between work and family life."

Let me look at this from a slightly different angle. Gen Xers, who are currently between 32 and 46 years old, are feeling a little overwhelmed with work, kids, and their life not being what they thought it might be. Well no shit. Are we really the only generation to have gone through this?

Seriously.

I want to see this study repeated in 10-15 years when they Millennials are at this age. I’m sure they will be just having a blast. Granted their parents will continue to shelter them from the stressors of life, so maybe they won’t really notice that it’s not easy to work full-time, raise a family, pay bills, and still meet all those expectations that you had when you left school.

They will go through the same phase, but instead of blaming it on the grunge movement, it will be because of technology, social media, and those damn grouchy Gen-Xers who are now manning the show.

Remember, it is a generation’s obligation to blame the one before it for all its problems. That’s the natural order of things.

Oh, and get the hell off my lawn.

Asking the questions that matter

2011-10-20T10:00:00.001-04:00

I am seriously thinking of adding a new question into my interview repertoire.

What kind of car do you drive?

Oh I know the pitfalls and lack of “validity” that this question has, but I can’t say I much care. Based on my 2-hour commute each day, I’m starting to build up a generalization theory based on the kind of car people drive.

Right off the bat – Echo, Corolla, and Ford Focus...odds are you are going to be late for work (drive a little bit slower?!) or calling in because your vehicle is broken down. Again.

Jeep anything – especially Liberty or Wrangler –I’m going to be wary of attitude. First of all let me clarify, you do not own the fuckin road – so stop driving like it. I’m anticipating that you will be wasting people’s time at work explaining how some other idiot driver caused you to get into an accident

PT Cruiser, Scion, Honda Element – I’m questioning your ability to make good
decisions. Honestly.

Escapade, SUV, Suburban – you are likely going to be highly focused on the salary as you are getting tired of choosing between food for your kids and gas for your vehicle

Honda (except Element, see above) and Mazda (except Miata, see my thoughts on these) – you are going to go with the flow, not stir it up too much and blend in

Mercedes, BMWs, Audis – you will still have to show me some substance in an interview, I am not impressed by a car that is referred to by alpha-numeric BS (seriously hate the demise of car names)

Hybrid or Smart car – good on ya, but do not get preach-y with me and sell me a story about how you only want to work for a company that has a 25-year Environmental and Social Responsibility Strategy…or whether our free coffee is also free trade

Bicycle – Awesome, you won’t need a parking pass and you are in good physical condition, but your serious lack of judgment when it comes to biking into work during -a 25C snow storm (and creating havoc on the roadway) makes me wonder about the chaos you can cause in the workplace

There is nothing I like more than simplifying my screening process – especially when it involves using heavily biased personal opinions. Makes me think of how recruiting must have been in the “good old days”.

HR-ing myself to death

2011-10-19T12:25:00.001-04:00

The expression “physician heal thyself” speaks volumes to me.
Aside from the obvious fact that I am not medically trained in any way, shape or form at all…I am a big believer that before you can start to help others (and by this, I actually mean judge them for their short-comings), I need to get myself straightened up.

Especially in terms of HR.

Often I find myself sitting around at a meeting table, asking an employee on how they feel about their work, the company, their future with us and they are telling me about how happy they are here, how challenged they are, how they want to come to work every day.

Of course, my first reaction is actually – bullshit. No one WANTS to come to work every day. And happy?!

Honestly. My first reaction to someone telling me that they like being here – at a company that I promote throughout recruiting process – one that I’m trying to improve in terms of adding value-added resource – is bullshit.

I am thinking I need to give my head a serious shake. Either that or I need to take a near-lethal dose of smarten the hell up. Really, what I would tell an employee sitting in my cute new brown loafers is – either get with the program or leave.

And I know I’m not the only one. I’ve talked to quite a few jaded HR people and it’s not about naively accepting everything someone tells you, but we are a little too quick to look for the “real” meaning behind the words.

Before we can expect anyone else to buy into HR, we have to believe in ourselves.

So, I’m prescribing myself a dose of optimism, which oddly enough, is recommended to be taken with alcohol.

Getting my yang on

2011-10-18T12:48:00.000-04:00

So I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but I’ve been away.

I haven’t been travelling extensively across the world. I haven’t started a new company. I haven’t been camping out in a park across from Wall St. I haven’t been sitting in a cave trying to find myself. I’ve just been… being.

I’ve been purposefully lazy. I have been somewhat introspective, trying to figure out what I should be doing (now and next), and doing yin yoga. I love Yin because it’s quiet, it promotes deep stretching, and it helps me to focus on what’s going on rather than the parade of absurdity that’s constantly running through my brain. I really enjoy it; however, it’s coming to an end.

I’m getting antsy and feel like I need to be more physically active. I got out of my sparse attitude and having been buying new clothes. I’m bidding my time, but slowly lining myself up to drop-kick my boss. I don’t mean up and quit, but more like stop being the flippin’ doormat that I feel I’ve become around her. I feel like writing again.

Maybe it’s the cooler weather. Maybe it’s the fall-back-to-school routine, but I feel a change in momentum.

For every yin there is a yang.

And Yang I am.

Living under (ground) cover

2011-06-30T09:36:00.002-04:00

This time of year finds me knee deep in my garden admiring my handiwork. Scratch that. Admiring Nature’s handiwork. I’m a lazy gardener that relies heavily on perennials that come back every year bigger and better. It’s true. Almost every year my garden looks better, with little interference from me.

People think I’m pretty damn good at gardening. Oh sure, from far away and if you squint, it looks lush, but a closer inspection reveals that some plants have taken over, causing others to disappear, and then it just looks out of whack.

So I decided that maybe I would intervene and clean it up a bit. You know, do some actual gardening. One of the major culprits is some of the ground cover I put in. In the early spring it looks great because it fills in the open spaces and provides an instant garden. The problem is that at this time of the year, it just doesn’t know when to stop, and looks somewhat out of control.

So I slowly started pulling it back and realized there’s a whole freakin’ garden hidden under it. Slow be damned, I started yanking it out like a madwoman. And within a few short hours, I had a new garden; complete with plants that I forgot had existed. Once again symmetry and harmony existed in my world.

It took me by surprise that I was so hesitant to reduce the amount of ground cover – I felt almost guilty because it’s not like it’s a weed, so it seemed sacrilegious to get rid of a “real” plant. But truthfully, it was acting like a weed. I had to remind myself that I’m the gardener – the one in control – and not the plants. Seriously, until they start walking and taking over the world à la Day of the Triffids, I should be the one calling the shots.

The truth is that ground covers do have a purpose in my garden – they are fillers, they are the plants that allow my garden to “fake it until it makes it”. But the problem is that it was too easy to become lazy and let them do all the work for me.

I often read about people giving others the career advice to “fake it” until they actually know what they are doing in a new role. I think there is some validity to this – sometimes you can smile and nod at the right time and get up to speed without others realizing that you weren’t really who they thought you were. By the time you are in full swing, no one is the wiser.

Often though, people forget to remove the cover – the fakeness. They get so used to just winging it that there’s little substance to who they are. They are continually deferring decisions, they can’t commit to an answer, and they frequently parrot others, because they just haven’t put in the roots to establish actual competence. They have lost sight of the real reason that they needed to go under “cover”, which was a temporary blanket until they established a real base.

So I my advice to those giving out advice – you need to add a caveat: Fake it until you make it, but you need to be aware of when you should stop faking it.

At some point someone’s going to mistake you for a weed and yank your ass out of the garden.

Why sometimes it's just not worth pointing out the obvious

2011-06-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I've decided to put my high horse in the stable and get back down to talking about the meat and potatoes of my world - stupid shit people do at work.

We have a temporary administrative assistant who I think is quite quirky and nice. She's fast, she's efficient, and gets bored at an impossible to respond rate. She is an educated mid-20 something, who doesn't know what to do with her life. She considers herself spontaneous, but I would counter with erratic.

We often share stories of family woes - she lives with and deals with her younger 20-something sister and I have a teenage daughter. Oddly enough, we share very similar stories.

The other day, after I listened to her vent about how irresponsible, immature, and totally dependant her sister is. She can't make a decision to save her life. I listened & nodded a lot. She went on and on about how she was more mature, how she was being held back in life, how she is challenged with trying to live her life independently and sometimes against the culture of her parents. Still I listened & nodded.

After lunch the admin jumped on me. She had received a text from her sister and had been waiting for me all lunch before responding - "She wants to meet for coffee after work...what should I do? Tell me what to do? Seriously, tell me what I should do."

Apparently it's a family trait.

Detached reality

2011-06-12T16:04:00.000-04:00

What a weird breed of people we are brewing.

It use to be that a kid who managed to get himself cut bad enough to require stitches would be hurt, a bit upset, and none too pleased about the idea of having a doctor use a fishing lure to do needlepoint on the cut.

And I'm thinking that mine would have reacted this way too, if he hadn't been viewing it through a screen. Rather than suffer, my kid decides to capture this event on video (ipod).

Watching it later (and yes, I did watch it as I wasn't with him for the live procedure), I was amazed at my son's calm questions to the doctor about the procedure. It was like he didn't realize it was his leg that was being worked on (except for that last stitch, where there wasn't as much freezing).

And I think that's the key. Watching it the way he did created a detachment that is usually reserved for television shows and video games. It's all too easy to forgot that this is really happening, that it involves a real person, with feelings and emotions. Only when it hit a sore spot (literally) was he reminded of this.

I have to admit, my first thought was that maybe he'll be a surgeon. My next thought, a sociopath. Seriously, to me the fundamental difference is the level of detachment...can you relate and empathize with the person you are cutting up?

I'm no worry-wort, but it disturbs me when people can completely detach themselves from what's going on when they see it on the screen. Even if it's someone they know. Even if it's them. It may seem likes it's just a video, or a picture**, but it's of a real person.

(** This doesn't refer to the jackasses who do stupid things and post them on youtube or the ignorants of the world who take naked pictures and text them around...I'm talking about the people who were captured in their less than finest moments and made a public mockery).

For the best

2011-06-10T15:36:00.004-04:00

I was eating lunch at a local coffee shop the other day with a colleague when a woman standing beside our table suddenly leaned down and hugged me. I had not really noticed who was standing there, but quickly recognized her as a woman I used to work with at a previous employer, where neither of us are anymore.

In HR, meeting former employees can be pleasant, but it's mainly awkward. Whether there was a good work relationship or not, I know more about the employee than former colleagues do. And if it wasn't the greatest working relationship - then I really know more than others.

I would classify this lunch time meeting in the very awkward category. I knew about the poor work relationship, I knew too much about her personal life because she had no privacy boundaries, and I knew about the circumstances leading up to her termination (through former managers)...that occurred after I left the company.

This woman was in the wrong job for her skill set. I knew it, her supervisor knew, and eventually she came to know it, but management wasn't ready to admit defeat. So, instead of flexibility we end up with a break in the employee. She went off on leave - tried to deal with her problems (few of which were work related) and postponed coming back a few times. When she finally did come back, management finally saw what the rest of us had seen earlier on. So they terminated her.

When I saw this woman the other day, she asked me if I had heard what happened to her and I replied vaguely that I heard she was no longer there. Her response was a blunt - they fired me because I had depression. Based on the sequence of events and the way things played out, this is what she was left to believe.

She has found a replacement job that pays the bills while she goes back to school to pursue her "dream", but she's not grateful for the experience nor is she praising it as being "the best thing for her".

Please remember this when you are terminating someone. Maybe it is the kick in the pants they need. Maybe it will motivate them to do something they are more suited to. But please don't act like (or even say that) you are doing them a favour by terminating them.

It's humiliating, it's demoralizing, and when you screw it up, you contribute to the development of one bitter person.

What choice do I have?

2011-05-28T14:50:00.003-04:00

I know. It's been awhile.

I've been here, but not really - I've been reading and contemplating, but just not going that extra step to put my thoughts down here.

It was a choice I made.

A huge pet peeve of mine is when people lament that they "don't/ didn't have a choice". Of course you do, you always have a choice - you just may not like the options.

This is especially true at work when it's easy to defer accountability by saying, I didn't have a choice - my boss told me to/ my colleague wasn't there/ no one said I couldn't do that...you ALWAYS have a choice.

So, I had to make a choice on how I wanted to spend my precious and limited spare time. And while it was an option to try and maintain Twitter conversations during the pm only, and try and put out meaningless drivel, I mean a blog post on a more regular basis...I chose another option.

I have started a work journal - sort of a blog-lite...all the analysis of my work, without the heavy side of sarcasm. This allows me to hash out my thoughts about work, while at work, and not feel like I'm doing something that HR will get riled up about. (Hang on a minute...)

Do I miss sharing all this vital information with the world? Not really.

I'm re-thinking what I do want to share on this blog, because quite honestly it was never meant to be a diary, nor a page from my day-timer (8:30 am - At Starbucks enjoying organic coffee...mmmmm). I have considered how I could contribute to the HR discussions out there; however, there are WAY more interesting and intelligent HR blogs out there.

So many choices....

Milestone

2011-05-02T21:59:00.002-04:00

Today was my one year anniversary at my current employer. And to celebrate, I did what I have done for the past twelve months - I congratulates myself for making it through another week and rewarded myself for a job well done. I am the best boss I have ever had.
Too bad I can't approve a raise or a work from home arrangement. Oh well, I'm in HR - there's only so much I can do.

So raise a glass and join me in a toast.

To me.

Writing a wrong

2011-04-17T09:18:00.004-04:00

There are frequent intervals in my life when I just close up shop and work on autopilot (and apparently use a ridiculous amount of clichés).

This is one of those times. There's nothing wrong, no impending situation - just me being me.

I'm going through my days and nights, with little resistance, but also little challenge and I'm okay with that right now. Some times I just like to coast. But, I can see that there are some hills looming and I'm going to have to switch gears if I'm going to make it over. For now though, I'm enjoying cruise mode.

Something I've always wanted to do is write. Some may argue that through this blog I already have, but the blog is interesting (I think) short bursts of thoughts. When I think of writing, I think of a longer more developed thought process. The problem is that my scope of imagination is quite limited. Which is one of the reasons I don't blog frequently.

Advice out there will tell you to write often and about anything - just write, write, and write. I get that, but I'm not one to talk for the sake of talking, so a by-product is that I don't blog for the sake of blogging. I'm not really interested in sharing where and what I had for breakfast - that's what Twitter is for, which I've also stopped using (no offence to anyone, but I really don't have the persistence, patience, and continual web-access to make it worth my while).

Although I do like blogging.
And writing.
But, just not for the sake of it.
Despite the fact that this post is really starting to prove me wrong.

Seriously, I think that I just needed to state to myself and anyone who might be reading that it's okay if I'm not "on".

I realized that it doesn't make me less of a writer just because I write less.

Stretching

2011-03-31T09:56:00.002-04:00

Turns out I have a bit of an issue with tension in my neck and shoulders.

Shocking, I know.

It's always been there, but it seems though that things are not getting better and, in fact, may be causing other physical issues. Not to mention it can make me downright bitchy.

So I've sought some help with this - visited my first registered massage therapist and received some homework in the form of stretches.

The therapist recommended that I tape the pictures of stretches up in my work area to remind me that I need to do my stretches. I am a visual person, but I really don't want these crappy sketches taped to my cubicle wall. My solution was to keep them in my drawer for reference, but I typed up a relatively inconspicuous one-word reminder that I put in front of me.

The word: Stretch

When my neck starts to bug me and I look at this word it does remind me to take a few minutes. Interestingly enough, there have been other times when I've felt like I'm just going through the motions and not getting anywhere new and I've found myself glancing over at the word and it reminded me that perhaps I need to stretch more than my neck muscles.

Friday Fav's

2011-03-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

And here are the things that helped me make it through my first week back from vacation:

1. Candied ginger
2. My slightly neurotic, but completely hilarious admin assistant
3. Paramore
4. Lunch-time conversations with my colleague (why yes, we are 12 years old)
5. Planning summer vacation get-away
6. Grass has been sighted (the snow is almost gone)
7. No bootcamp (yessss)

Warning signs

2011-03-23T18:47:00.002-04:00

This week we had the unfortunate experience of having to deal with an emergency evacuation in our building. No, this wasn't an ill-timed fire drill, but reaction to a real threat made to our organization.

As is the case in many of these scenarios, it turned out to be a hoax. Oh, the call was real, but there was nothing that materialized. Whether it was some jackass having a good laugh or a seriously upset person - they made a claim that we couldn't ignore. You can't take a chance and need to follow procedures, because you just never know.

The fallout included an incredibly unproductive workforce the next morning, numerous meetings, a realization that the procedures in place are not really adequate and loads of theories and gossip. It also prompted an awareness among everyone - suddenly people were a bit more sensitive to their work environment.

When I arrived home early and thought about the situation further, I mulled over something a wise man (oh, alright, my husband) said - "it's not the one's that call in before you have to worry about.." And it's true. It's the ones that call in after to claim responsibility that chill the bones.

And because I'm in HR, I have to over-apply my revelations and in this case, I'm thinking about those employees that often gripe and complain that they need to find a new job, or they hate their manager, or they are feeling stressed out. It's because they are so vocal about it that we are able to talk to them about whatever is pissing them off that day and can hopefully help them (or their managers).

My thoughts are that it's the ones that you don't hear from that should worry you. They are the employees that just quietly show up at your desk one day to hand in their resignation letter.

Really, there are always warning signs - some are very obvious and easy to see/hear - these are the ones we tend to focus on. We can't ignore them, because you never know.

However, it's other warning signs - the subtle and almost undetectable - that we need to watch for because they are the ones you are not prepared to handle. And it's here that a sensitivity to the work climate can come in handy. You need to be able to sense when something's off with an employee or a group. And when I say you - I mean HR, Managers, colleagues, whoever...

Really - why would you wait until after to make the call on something like this?

From nothing comes much

2011-03-21T06:00:00.002-04:00

A funny thing happened to me on my week’s vacation. I did not think about work at all. Therefore, by funny, I mean interesting and not ha-ha.

The week flew by with equal parts of being busy and doing absolutely nothing. In fact, there were times when I did so little that it made me tired. Ever feel that way? It’s a great feeling.

During my week, I puttered away with spring-cleaning. I attacked piles of stuff that have been lingering in closets and backrooms for years. After a brief moment of reflection on whether I would truly need some items – I purged.

We are also in the process of re-painting, which as any good re-painter knows, involves completely emptying the rooms. As such, we need to decide what will go back in the room and I’m adamant that only those things that we want in there will make it back. This means that many a knick-knack or picture that was a gift will be relegated to accessory purgatory. (An advanced apology to anyone who gave us something that we have now deemed unworthy).

And to complete my cleansing, I dumped my bootcamp class. I know that it’s normal to not “enjoy” exercising, but for christsake, if I have to mentally verbally abuse my self into doing something that I don’t want to do – then it’s time for the old heave-ho. Honestly, I’m HR right? What would I tell someone who came to me and presented the same story. Give it up – you don’t need more guilt in your life. Find something you enjoy doing.

And so I took my own advice.

Turns out, I like doing nothing.

Of course, like most indulgences, it should be enjoyed in moderation, so I will savour those moments and try to balance it out with a little chaos, some business, and a dash of stress - that’s where work comes in.

Happy Monday.

This week's top 5

2011-03-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

I may have been on vacation this week, but there are still things that make it that much better (as if not working wasn't good enough):

1. Dark chocolate
2. Dire Straits (feeling kind of nostalgic)
3. The smell of Spring...it's true, I can practical smell the sap in the maple trees)
4. My freshly painted hallway/entrance/stairwell....wow, 1 down..2 rooms to go
5. Unrestricted reading time

I hope to have something more stimulating to share, but without the inspiration of workplace follies, I'm somewhat at a loss. The good news. I'm back on Monday, so that's likely to resume.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

2011-03-11T09:04:00.000-05:00

There are often points in the interview when the candidate pauses just a few seconds too long before they continue their thought and I just know what’s coming.

The big reveal.

The moment when they cross the line and say something that you really don’t want them to say. Honestly, with the amount of information available out there on what you should or shouldn’t say in an interview, it’s incredible how people just don’t know to shut the faucet off.

When I really think about it though, it’s not that much of a surprise. People have become so use to sharing everything about their lives (what they ate for breakfast, where they are standing, what they are thinking) that it really isn’t far fetched that they would continue this in an interview scenario.

Think about it, many people I know don’t think too long and hard about their Twitter and Facebook posts – seconds after they have a thought, they post it. This is much to their detriment since nothing can make an intelligent, balanced person look like an emotional idiot as quickly as an ill-timed and hastily typed tweet.

So, when people get use to thinking/sharing like this, it’s only natural that the same thing will happen in a face-to-face interview. Instead of telling me that you’ve overcome some personal challenges, you decide to tell me that you took your two kids and left an abusive relationship. Instead of telling me that you did have difficulty managing stress, but now practice yoga and exercise – you tell me that you had a breakdown, had to take Prozac and were warned by your doctor to find better ways to deal with it.

Maybe it’s me with the issue. Maybe my nature to keep my private life private (except as a blogger who hides behind a cute picture and witty name) is the problem. Perhaps I need to be able to sift through all the blah, blah that you are sharing and recognize that you will hopefully use more discretion in the workplace. That the fact that you feel comfortable enough to talk about personal and irrelevant parts of your life with someone you doesn’t really know is a sign that you are an open communicator and good at building relationships.

Yeah. Maybe it is my issue.

But the reality is that since I’m the one sitting on the other side of the interview table, my issue is now yours. I’m no plumber, but when a faucet won’t stop dripping, I know how to make it stop.

It's Friday. Finally.

2011-03-11T08:07:00.001-05:00

Here are the things keeping me sane this week:

1. Raspberry-Lemonade lip balm (if there was any kind of nutritional value – I would eat it)
2. The view out my back windows at home
3. Coldplay
4. Coffee
5. My colleague at work
6. The fact that I’m off on vacation next week

This week I needed every last one of them to help me make it through.

A few of my favourite things....

2011-03-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

In an attempt to remind myself that not everything sucks (melodramatic much?!), I have been creating mental lists of thing that I like.

I’ve decided to share what’s on that list and Friday seems like a good day to it. I need to point out that I am not going to list my family and friends, as they are a given and transcend any list that I could ever make. I’m talking about the little things, the not so obvious and the sometimes very trivial things that make me smile.

So, as of today – these are the things that are helping me get through the week:

1. Goat cheese – on pretty much anything and for any meal
2. The Kings of Leon
3. Ginger tisane
4. Younglovehome.com
5. Planning the redo of my main floor (as inspired by #4 on the list)
6. My son’s stories of what happens in a grade 5 lunchroom (you couldn’t pay me to be a monitor in that room)
7. Listening to Breaking Dawn in the car (to numb the pain of my commute)

Turning Corners

2011-02-18T11:29:00.001-05:00

I am always amazed to find myself in the places that I end up. One minute I’m wandering around, not entirely sure of where I’m going, and then *bang* I’m there.

I have a pretty good sense of direction, but readily admit that it’s based more on instinct than some innate compass or photographic memory of maps. Although I often hit traffic, obstacles, and sometimes have to circle back – I always end up where I want to be.

The physical layout of my workplace is very open concept – everyone is in work stations (and I mean everyone). In many ways it’s good, but for those people like me that like some structure and guidance, the lack of hallways and defined paths to take can be a bit annoying. Often times I find myself walking through someone’s workspace because it’s the most direct route to get where I want to be.

Of course there are external and some internal walls and these walls naturally have corners. Interestingly enough, when I use these as a point of reference, I can keep my bearings.

Then there’s the whole figurative element. The cultural environment of my workplace is not what I would consider “open”, but it certainly lacks the structure and guidelines that I would normally rely on. This has left me feeling disoriented, unsure of which way the traffic is flowing, where the obstacles are and, some days, a bad case of road rage.

However, recently I turned a corner – it was mid week and I had the revelation that I knew where I was and what I was doing. I worked on projects, answered questions, and felt productive – all without wondering whether I was heading in the right direction.

Like I said, *bang* I’m there.

Great expectations

2011-02-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Thought for today:

What if you realized that in order for you to progress in your career with your company you would have to focus on the smoke and mirrors of business: work over-time whether it's needed or not, constantly rush around, focus on quantity and not quality work, and put your needs above those of others.

Would you play the game to get that "exceeds expectations" rating?

Or would you be okay with "meets expectations" and leaving the office and work behind at the end of the day?

I guess it all depends on whose expectations we are talking about.

How NOT to fire someone

2011-02-09T10:08:00.000-05:00

No one likes to terminate employees, whether they deserve it or not. It's not fun, it's disturbing, but it is sometimes part of the job.

There are more theories out there on when, where and how to do the deed than you can shake a stick at. And some would argue that there is no perfect time, place, and way to do it.

Agreed.

But, there are are certainly things to avoid. Allow me to list a few:

1. Do not schedule the meeting on a Friday in the middle of the afternoon.
2. Do not invite the employee to this meeting by saying it's their performance evaluation.
3.Do not push back the meeting 30 minutes before it's scheduled.
4. Do not push it back a second time.
5. Do not hold the meeting in a central meeting room.
6. With glass walls
7. And have employee facing outward.
8. Do not allow the meeting to last 35 minutes.

I would love to tell you this really didn't happen. But it did.

I would love to tell you that it wasn't within an HR group. But it was.

I am embarrassed for all those that were involved.

Play it forward vs Pay it forward

2011-02-07T21:38:00.003-05:00

I'm often comparing management to parenting. It's not so much that I think (all) employees are like children, but rather that both are roles that you only really learn by doing.

No one is born a manager any more than they are born a parent - people learn how to do these things. And despite the plethora of how-to books in both areas promising to make people better managers/parents, it doesn't happen. These books just give you something to think about and interesting facts to quote on Twitter.

I would imagine that most managers and/or parents have witnessed others in these roles and, at one time or another, have said to themselves, "I won't do what my manager/parent did..." or conversely, "When I have employees/kids, I will do what my manager/parent did..." We learn from others and hopefully we take away both the positive and negative experiences - they provide us with a portfolio of experience, without having to actually go through every situation ourselves.

The problem is that there is a certain population in both roles that don't learn, or perhaps I should say they learn the wrong lesson. Rather than taking their own experiences as an employee/child and building on it - they twist and pervert the message until they do exactly what was done with them, with the rationale that if that's what they got, then it's what they will give.

How sad. How petty.

Today I had a "Pre-evaluation". Why pre? Because my manager hasn't completed mine yet, but still had to provide me with my score, along with some rationale for it, before I saw the renumeration table. There was no apology for the fact that this 2-minute talk was lacking in consideration or detail. In fact, I was told I was lucky since it was 1 minute longer than the one she got from her boss. And then went on to repeat the same message that was she was told.

And there we have it.

She got a crappy hand-out, so goddamit, so was I.
And I'd better like it too.

Instead of taking the opportunity to stop the cycle and make a conscious decision to provide better management, she chose to keep the it going.

When you chose "play it forward" over "pay it forward", you are re-cycling bad habits, you are passing along the wrong message, and you are losing people.

Trust me on the last one. I know.

Peter's Principle in Practice

2011-01-29T14:39:00.003-05:00

Reason #467 on why I don't think I want to be top dog in HR.

Apparently it inhibits your ability to act like a mature adult.

I am uncertain whether this is a chicken or egg argument - does the job make you an idiot or do you have to be an idiot to get it?

I know I am using an extra-wide brush to paint this situation, but let me add the following caveat...MY experience with HR Directors makes dealing with my 14-year emotional, irrational daughter seem easy.

There. I got that off my chest.

(And before someone beats me to it...I know, us Advisors, we are all a bunch of whiners)

A conversation worth having

2011-01-21T06:30:00.000-05:00

I have the habit of having an entire conversation in my head, with me playing both the role of myself and whoever it is I want to talk to. I do this because I like to be prepared and have a sense of how things are going to play out. I like to know which words are coming next

Oh, and this irritates my husband.

Because sometimes after about 10 minutes of internal debate, of which he is completely oblivious, I will turn to him and say, "Oh never mind."

You see, I've gone through what I want to say, what I know he will respond, what I will counter with, and so on and so forth until I get the the end. If I know that it's an argument not worth having, then I don't have it.

I did admit to doing this once and he was insulted that I would presume to know what he would say. I then re-enacted the internal conversation to him. He agreed with my assessment of what he would say. Quelle surprise.

And I do this with just about all situations that eat at me. Such as the conversation that I want to have with my boss. I need to talk to her about the (lack) of communication and direction that I am feeling, the fact that she often makes me feel incredibly stupid, and whether I'm doing a good job.

I know. I'm a 20-year old employee trapped in a 40-year body.

The problem is that every time I start rehearsing, I mean preparing, for the conversation - I hit walls. I counter my own arguments and I am honestly having a hard time determining whether it's my voice or hers that I'm hearing.

Shit like this floats around in my head:
No one can "make" you feel stupid - you have to let them
You are over-analyzing her behaviour - she's just busy
You said you like to work independently
You could always just ask her if you want to know something

And so, I rationalize - how can I go in there and come across like a mature, professional adult when the basis of my point sounds something like "why don't you like me".

I know, I know - don't provide problems, provide solutions. Well, my solution, at this present time, is "stop being such a douche bag and start being a manager".

Sigh.

And the conversation continues to turn in my head like a 45. (And I'm banking on someone reading this to know what the hell a 45 is). Of course, not only does the conversation continue, but so do the issues.

I would love to end this post neatly with some insightful comment or a witty tie-in to another point, but the reality is that this is one time that I just cannot seem to find the words that should come next.

Definitely not the best buy

2011-01-20T12:30:00.000-05:00

Recently I brought my son to a certain electronics box store (cough…Best Buy…cough, cough) to purchase something that he had been saving up for over a year. He had been hoarding gift cards received for birthdays and Christmas and finally had enough, along with almost all the cash in his account, to buy in iPod Touch.

There was no talking him out of this purchase (and I tried) – he was focused, determined, and had stuck with his plan for well over a year. This kid was excited.

So what a complete and utter freakin let-down that some kid working there had to dampen the experience. My son is 10 (but looks more like 8), and it should have been a dead give-away by his ear-to-ear grin and the way he carefully pulled out the gift cards from his wallet that this was a huge purchase for him. And maybe the kid (and he was a kid) working the cash would have noticed, had he even acknowledged my son or looked at him. But he didn’t.

Oh I get it. We interrupted his conversation with the cute girl working at the other cash. He was likely tired because he had to be awake before noon on a Saturday and quite frankly, getting paid to work is over-rated.

I’ve been there and done that. And I was also brought back to my senses by a woman who once called me on my crappy attitude while working customer service in an hourly job. She bluntly asked me, “Do you like your job?” I was embarrassed and caught of guard, but answered that yes, I did. She then pointed out that I sure didn’t act like it. That has resonated with me since it happened, over 20 years ago.

So I was primed and ready to ask this kid at Best Buy the same question, but he had already walked away.

There are days when I don’t want to come to work. There are days when I hate my job and the last frickin thing I want to do is smile and act like I care about someone else’s issues. But you know what – I do it.

Why?

Because maybe it’s the 50th time that someone has asked me that same question or maybe it’s the 10th interview and I can’t stand the idea of saying the same spiel, but for the person on the other side of the desk it IS important and it isn’t the same ole-same ole.

When it comes to providing good service, the sooner you realize it is not about you, the better it will go. And to the dude at Best Buy, if I ever get you again – I definitely won’t hesitate before I ask my question.

Bring out your fertilizer

2011-01-18T13:16:00.003-05:00

I’m often reading about what HR needs to do or stop doing in order to improve its image/value/presence. I think I might have come up with something....

Recently I had an epiphany while doing groceries:

Bananas are excellent source of potassium.

Actually, my epiphany was that HR needs to go organic.

Seriously.

You slap the word “organic” onto a product and suddenly it is not only more appealing, but its worth more. A lot more. And the bonus is that you don’t really have to be fully organic, you can just claim to be. The methods for evaluating this are iffy at best.

Think about it. It’s also probably easier than petitioning to have HR recommended by 4 out of 5 dentists.

(And I wonder why I’ve never been invited to a branding meeting…)

Degrees of competency

2011-01-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

At lunch today, the conversation with my colleague started as it generally does - with one of us saying, "I can't stand my boss".

Today was her turn.

I know it sounds petty and almost cliché-ish to be bitching about your boss (so, 2000), but the reality is that we are both struggling with values and ideas that conflict with those of our bosses and the company.

It seems that my colleague's boss has taken to repeatedly bringing up the fact that she doesn't have her university degree. My colleague is in the process of completing it (part-time, on her her own time and own dime), but yet her boss keeps throwing it in her face. It's mentioned when salary increases come up, development opportunities come up, and when...well pretty much anytime.

What the boss has forgotten is that she hired my colleague. Nothing hidden.

My colleague is very mature and insightful - she's incredibly perceptive and a person with very strong values. She knowledgeable, personable, organized, energetic, enthusiastic, experienced, and hard-working.

But she doesn't have a degree. And this - apparently - trumps everything.

The reality is that a piece of paper does not make you better in HR. It gives you background, a foundation, and a potentially unrealistic idea of how the real business world actually works.

My armchair assessment is that her boss is threatened by the fact that my colleague is very competent and has a better grasp of HR than she does, despite all her education. The boss' degree did not come with a cape of confidence and user manual on how to apply it. And that pisses her off.

My colleague has listened to me piss and moan about my circumstance. She has given me feedback on work situations, and has been a never-ending HR resource. She may be younger, but she is very wise.

So, it sit in this comfy armchair with my degree and designation hanging on the wall behind me and the idea of being smug is so unfathomable. How can I be - I've learned so much from someone who is supposedly "lacking".

HR Four-sight

2011-01-13T18:20:00.003-05:00

Although I have a relatively clean work area, I had a manager recently ask me: why in the world would I have four pairs of black shoes tucked underneath my desk.

(Do I need to point out the manager was a man. The fact that this question was asked pretty much screams it out.)

I tend to be a witty...sorry, scratch that...sarcastic person, but I did refrain from using this tone when I explained the necessity of multiple pairs of same-coloured footwear.

This manager is responsible for a group of accountants and I asked him whether, on a functional basis, they all have the same job/ responsibilities. He said that yes, technically they did.

Then I asked. Are they all the same type of person? Do they bring the same qualities to work? Do they have the same strengths? Same personality? Do they offer the same dynamics to every situation? Do you respond to each one the same way? Do you feel differently when you interact with each one?

His answer:"...uh,…no....and yes..uh..."

Exactly.

And that. THAT is why I have four pairs of black shoes neatly tucked underneath my desk.

What motivates you - an axe or a carrot?

2011-01-10T13:15:00.005-05:00

Interesting fact about me: I do my best at work when I'm on my way out the door.

I mean this both literally and figuratively.

I've noticed that nothing ramps up my productivity like when I'm preparing for being away from the office - whether it's for an afternoon away or a vacation. I clean shit up, I put together lists that mean something, I get those nagging little tasks done, I make those calls I've been putting off....

Similarly, when I'm either leaving my job (or think I might have a good opportunity to), I get organized - I start documenting my processes, I clean up my emails, my files, my drawers...I'm much more open with my opinion, particularly when I don't agree.

And nothing motivates me to work harder than being given feedback that I might not be meeting expectations - suddenly I'm out to prove my worth again.

What this means is, that despite the hives and gastro discomforts, and loss of sleep that stress can cause me, I do my best with one foot out the door.

How's that for a motivation strategy. Apparently I'm more motivated by an axe behind me than a carrot in front of me.

Temporary insanity

2011-01-03T09:01:00.002-05:00

Here is a tidbit for any job seekers out there that may stumble across my blog and be so inspired by my wisdom.

Managers are scared of temporary employees. And not for the reason you might think.

When an employee goes on leave, let's say a maternity leave (which is 1 year in Canada), a manager has the choice to try and backfill the role using existing staff (this doesn't generally go over well) or they can bring in a temporary employee.

First, it's hard to find a good temp because, well, they are temp. Most people I know are looking for a long-term commitment and want silly things like benefits, vacation, and security (highly overrated!). However, when you have a 1 year contract, you can draw people in because there is the possibility of an extension or getting another position within the same company.

For managers, the scary factor is not about bringing in some headcase that irreversibly screws everything up - it's quite the opposite. What if the temp employee is better than the permanent employee. What if they like them better? What if they are more efficient? What if all those complaints and excuses that your permanent employee had suddenly evaporate when the new person comes in - because they weren't valid.

And the reality of any of these happening is great because a good temp will work their ass off - they will learn everything they can, they will do the right things, may the right choices, ask questions. It's like a permanent interview for them and they are not going to blow it.

So it's very likely that a manager may be left thinking...I don't want "Jane" to come back. I like "Joan" better.

And that is where I, along with my manager, find ourselves. We have a Jane that quite frankly would make my 2011 but not returning to work. We also had a Joan - a brilliant Joan that I wanted to keep, but she was good enough to get a perm job with us, elsewhere.

And now I have another Joan starting tomorrow.

And I'm both excited and scared.

Resolutions: The Ultimate Blame Game

2011-01-01T00:00:00.001-05:00

At this time of the year, many people are gearing up to start a new and better life (Jan 1st), only to slide back to their normal routine, somewhere around January 15th.

To start the process, it is important to take stock of what you currently have, what you want, and what you need to do to get where you want. Unfortunately, many people add another element.

Blame.

For them, it's important to establish who is responsible for their current situation and who are the enablers in their lives. Who are those evil people holding them back or pushing them in the wrong direction.

Because the reality is that it is so much easier to blame someone else than it is to accept that you are ultimately responsible for your choices.

So please people, do yourself and others a favour and take a pass on the blame this year and help yourself to an extra serving of accountability. I think you will find that it will help you in all the goals that you make set out in the New Year.

Happy 2011

Pick me, pick me!...oh!...oh!...pick me!

2010-12-21T10:35:00.003-05:00

Grade six was one of the best school years I had. I don’t know exactly why, but everything just seemed to flow right and I had fun.

One of the highlights from that year was being “allowed” to play baseball with the boys because a) I could throw, b) I could catch, and c) I did not screech every time the ball came near me. So lunch hour would find the group of us running to the ball diamond to stake claim and set-up a game.

When it came to picking the teams – we did it the good old fashion way of having two captains pick teams from the rest of us hopefuls standing there. The captains were generally the boys that were the best ball players and the most respected in the class.

As the only girl representing, I would understand if you thought that I was one of the last, if not the last, picked for the team, but I wasn’t. I was a decent player, but not the best by any stretch. And yet I was consistently in the first half of the picks. I was a good team player, I didn’t suck out when I got called out, and (I suspect) I was the only one wearing a training bra.

This was a big deal for me and was what I would consider to be the most little-known and incredibly motivating moment in my life.

Until yesterday.

I have recommended and referred to My Hell is Other People in various blog posts because I think that it’s a great blog. It’s intelligent, it’s funny, and it challenges me to think. And rumour has it the blogger behind the blog is a tall British guy…which just makes everything that much better.

So when I read through his annual My Hell is Other People awards that he had listed I was absolutely thrilled to see my blog listed. Honestly. I’m good at being bossy, correcting people’s spelling, and witty retorts, but not so much when it comes to promoting my work. To have him do this for me…wow.

So getting picked first for the grade six lunch time baseball team?! Pfff…whatever. TheHRD picked me...I now have a brand new little-known and incredibly motivating moment in my life.

(Incidentally, as a result of these awards I have now added a number of new blogs to my list of those that I will follow…great work!)

A tale of two parties

2010-12-19T15:34:00.003-05:00

This past weekend was my company's Christmas party. It was my first one with them, so I was both interested and tentative to see how things would be.

It was held at a beautiful venue - very classy, with good food, and very generous amounts of free alcohol, which would have been great if I could actually have had some. Being new, being in HR, and being told by my director - the three reasons why I ended up being the DD last night. As far as parties go, it was okay - there was nothing bad per se, but it wasn't very inspiring either.

Now at this same venue were a number of other company parties - one of which we happen to know someone attending, so we snuck out of mine and snuck into theirs to say hello.

And it was hello - Hello real party!

The difference, not only in decor (video screens, glow bracelets, and a photo booth), but the atmosphere and "vibe" was incredible. We ended up finishing our evening there.

As in many cases, an outsider opinion is often more perceptive and valuable.

And in this case, the outsider was my husband. He has attended many a Christmas party at the various companies I have worked with and he said that at each, even knowing all the bullshit and politics going on behind the scene, he has bought into what they are selling. This goes beyond how much money was spent or how hip the event was. Generally at some point the GM, VP, or CEO has stood up and talked about the year that has gone by and the one to come and was able to draw in someone who doesn't even work there.

His comment on this year's company function - nothing. It was cold and emotionally detached. There was nothing specific that was wrong, but you just didn't get the feeling that everyone was on board or enjoying themselves. There was a great divide between the demographics, with little to bridge the two. When the meal was over, there was a significant drop in attendance.

Interestingly enough, this is exactly how I have been feeling about the company within the workplace. Apparently its an under current that flows through all events.

At the other party, it was jumping - it seemed like everyone was upbeat - whether they were mingling, dancing, or sitting at a table chatting. You just got the sense that people wanted to be there. I can only surmise that this is how they feel about their workplace.

This has made me think that perhaps before joining a new organization, I need to find out what their Christmas party is like.

Going out on a limb

2010-12-09T12:46:00.000-05:00

Remember when you were a kid and you did things with very little thought about consequences beyond, “will I get in trouble”.

I enjoyed climbing trees – those with a ton of branches that allowed you to scale up to a considerable height. I didn’t think much about the “danger” of it until it came time to come down, and even then it was it was only a momentary pause.

So I find myself at the bottom of a tree looking up at the branches and wondering just how high I want to climb and how thin a branch do I want to rest on. Because as any good tree-climber will tell you, there are good sturdy supportive branches, and then there are questionable twigs.

I’ve recently interviewed for a position that would allow me to reclaim some much needed personal time, but perhaps at the cost of putting me right out of my comfort zone.

To make things more interesting, my husband is considering making a similar move.

Neither of our decisions would be ridiculously drastic, but we wouldn’t be perched on the sturdy branch either. No doubt there would be some swaying in the wind and holding on tightly, but I’m imaging the view.

On those occasions when I made the wrong branch choice and it either broke under my weight or I slide off, I typically slide down a bit and then regained my footing. Sure my knees, arms, and clothing got scrapped and cut. But overall it was so worth it.

It's not easy being green

2010-12-04T08:23:00.003-05:00

Interesting fact:

Frogs that live in colder climates hibernate. Some dig holes or find cracks in logs or rock areas. Their heart beats and breathing slow down and their body temperature reaches close to the outside temperature.

Apparently I have more in common with frogs than I realized.

Yes. I am still here.

I have recently re-emerged from the rock that I had crawled under. A tad dramatic? Perhaps, but it really does feel that way.

Of late, I have done a very good job of adapting to my work surroundings. So good that I have slipped into the manic mode during the day and then compensated by crashing every evening to conserve my energy for the next day. I have passed on reading books, blogging, communicating with people that do not either a) work with me or b) live with me. In short, I've gone into a form of hibernation.

I realize that for various reasons this is not healthy, but truthfully it's so damn easy to do. Sadly, not everyone feels that this is a bad thing. I have tried on a few occasions to talk to my boss about this and the response has been "...I've been doing it for 3 years; you get use to it."

Interestingly I tend to do the opposite of what I should in these situations. When I'm tired, I drink coffee and not water, when I'm lacking energy I sit on my arse rather than exercise, and when I should talk to people I shut down.

I understand it's up to no one but me to take responsibility for anything that I'm lacking in my life. And sure, I could compensate by donning my Wonder Woman outfit, filling every waking hour with "life balancing" activities, but quite frankly red knee-high boots are just not my style.

Maybe I'll just start by this post and gradually move myself back up the evolutionary chain.

Head cold vs head case

2010-11-11T14:06:00.004-05:00

Holy mother of god.

Not only am I suffering from a head cold, but I have had to endure the most painful interview. A wise person might equate one situation with the other and reason that the interview seemed painful because I am sick.

Wrong.

It was painful because the candidate proved to be a head case. The person I spoke to on the phone - the business-minded, well-spoken, intelligent, highly motivated person - did not show up today. Instead, it was Agnes the cat lady.

And apparently Agnes had a tough time picking out what to wear, which might explain her tardiness, so she opted for the same thing she has probably been wearing since Monday.

Or perhaps she was exhausted, since she seemed unable to hold her head up with only her neck muscles.

Or maybe she was concerned about her upcoming medical treatment, which she felt the need to shae in the interview. It's to help her breathing. Good, because apparently the cigarettes you had before coming in are not working.

Or maybe it's the fact that she would have to work with and report to a woman, which she pointed out she's not fond of doing.

Or maybe it was the plethora of excuses as to why her testing results were going to suck.

Nah..it's probably just my head cold that made the interview seem so bad.

Recognition shouldn't be kitschy, but it can

2010-11-06T06:45:00.003-04:00

I don't often delve into my personal feelings and circumstances because, well quite frankly as an HR person, this is not my comfort zone. (wink) However, it happens that a recent event has taught me a powerful lesson.

My grandmother had this really kitschy ceramic cookie jar. It was really nothing special, with no antique-road-show value. I just thought it was cool, partially because it had been on her counter top for the 39 years of my life (and likely before then).

I never really said anything to anyone about it, but on a visit to her house not too long ago, when there was no reason to suspect she was going to become very ill, I joked with her about it. I told her if she ever want to get rid of that jar, I would love to have it. She seemed surprised and told me the back story of how she got it.
I figured that was the last of it, since it did seem to have sentimental value to her and quite frankly, in the hierarchy of dutiful and favourite grandchildren, I wasn't at the top.

Fast forward to this week.

My grandmother recently passed away and her family was cleaning up her house. My dad called to tell me he had a few things he picked up and said he had something I might be interested in - the cookie jar.

I was overwhelmed and thought, what an amazing coincidence. I hadn't told anyone about it.

Except my grandmother.

Apparently in all the chaos and noise that was her family (6 kids plus their spouses, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren) and the fact that I'm sort of fringe family (not part of the inner sanctum)she heard me. In fact, she not only heard me, but did something about it by telling another person to ensure that when the time came, it would happen.

I can often come across as a jaded and cynical HR person. And I often am.

To me, most employee recognition programs smack of the kindergarten days of gold stars and can seem impersonal and trite. They recognize people for things they are being paid to do. And rarely to do they recognize the actual person. I do not need a paper weight or a gift certificate that tells me - you did a good job on Project XYZ. I don't believe most people do.

However if , among the chaos and noise of an organization, with it's numerous employees, both member of the fringe and inner sanctum, someone were to actually listen to an individual and act upon that person's need or request - I cannot begin to tell you how invaluable and powerful that gesture would be.

What means infinitesimally more to me is not that I will have that cookie jar on my counter, but the fact that my grandmother heard my passing comment and remembered me.

My grandmother would have rocked as a manager.

It's crunch time!

2010-10-26T18:37:00.003-04:00

As predicted, I'm down to the final few months of the year and I'm starting to look at how I can eliminate the remainder of my To Do List - 2010.

I have knocked another 14 off the list, which leaves me with 26 of the original 52. Crap - some I have no control over, others are completely and utterly in my control - I just need to get the lead out.

1. Use stairs instead of elevator at work for an entire week (well kind of, since the stairs only go to the 5th floor and I have to take the elevator from the 5th to 7th)- must do this daily at my new work, not as many stairs, but no elevator.

8. Clean-up and organize my home filing system. Did it!

14. Submit at least one pay input without it coming back needing revision (you have to know our system to realize that this is a huge thorn in my side) Did it and no longer have to do it!

18. Create my Exit Plan for my next job (see Punk Rock HR for inspiration)Done and it worked pretty well!

20. Have a Harry Potter movie marathon pre-Deathly Hallows release (I know…geeky, but come on, it’s so worth it) Booked for the weekend of November 6th.

23. Stay in town and attend family function for at least one holiday function other than Christmas. Attended my Grandmother's b-day party, which I am very grateful for considering her recent passing.

27. Replace and/or get rid of all my ill-fitting or unworn clothing. Check

30. Re-paint the entire main floor of the house (okay…pick out the paint colour and have hubby paint the entire main floor of the house)Almost there (picking the colours)

31. Shift the focus of my job from Administration with HR functions to HR with Administrative functions (either here or elsewhere)New job, new focus.

32. Land me a couple of interviews for opportunities that will get me closer to where I want to be (home)Okay on the interviews, but not closer to home...yet

34. Get another tattoo…this time not so plain-Jane Decided to x-nay this one.

37. Get over my bum knee and ageing hip and get out skiing this winter. I am ready for ski season - thank you yoga.

44. Add some annual plants to the gardens and not just rely on the perennials to make me look like an accomplished gardener. I did this and forgot that it was even on my list.

51. Learn my grandma’s recipe for butter-sugar pie. Sigh, this one will never happen.

Perspective

2010-10-23T08:49:00.002-04:00

A not so stellar day at my work:
- Interviews
- An Admin asst (not mine) who feels it is absolutely necessary to punch holes in paper. All day. At her desk. Which is across from mine
- Ambiguous directives from my boss
- A disillusioned colleague that I'm trying to encourage to hang in there

My husband's not so stellar work day:
- 12-hour night shift that becomes 14 with OT
- No down time
- No break from same colleague for entire shift

Yeah, okay.

Perspective slap.
I needed that.

Wastoids of my time

2010-10-21T21:29:00.004-04:00

Generally speaking, recruiting hasn't been my favourite aspect of HR, but I still try to do a good job at it. And every once in awhile, I start to get into a groove and I really don't mind it.

Then something like this arrives in my email box.

(from actual cover letter, which was wittily called "Not a cover letter")

I'm not really a cover letter kind of guy, I've read many in my day and to my experience, they're usually quite narcissistic. My resume speaks for itself. If you find by my skills and experience that I'd be a fit for your company, I'd be more than happy to tell you how wonderful I am over the phone or in person.

Sincerely,

Now some people might think - hey this is different, it will make him stand out, and it will probably get him an interview since they will just want to meet the guy.

Sure.

If I had nothing else to do in my day than to meet people for the sake of it. Quite honestly this was stupid. Yes it got my attention. Hell, I'm even blogging about it, but I am certainly not calling him.

Why? Because this person wasn't applying for some hip, creative, "out-of-the-box" position. He applied to a technical job that we need to fill; a job that we need to fill with a professional that will "fit our company".

My analysis: He sent me a cover letter (that isn't a cover letter)that reads like his dad told him to apply for the job, but he didn't really want to and is hoping like hell that his piss poor attempt at an application with be rejected.

Mission accomplished.

And this is what bugs me about recruiting.
The wastoids of my time.

Eyes wide shut

2010-10-19T21:25:00.003-04:00

As an experiment, I have left one of my daughter's shirts on the floor outside of her room. I wanted to see how long it would take before she realized it was there and picked it up. There was no way she could leave her room without either stepping on or over it.

Hours later and countless trips in and out of her room and it was still there. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and asked when she planned on picking up her shirt.

Her response, "What shirt?"

Although it was blatantly obvious and unavoidably there, she just didn't see it.

The frustration and disbelief I felt was so similar to what I deal with at work when talking to mangers about employee retention that I felt the need to go find a coffee machine and caffeinate my sorrows.

There are some really obvious things we can do to improve retention. So easy, that even the employees are coming to us and telling us what they need and want - Never mind reading their minds or assuming.

And yet, what I hear is, "what retention problem?"

Exactly.

Admin?! You can't handle the admin!

2010-10-19T06:17:00.000-04:00

Okay, here is today’s recruiting beef:

Unlike being a One-Hit-Wonder/ Top 40 singer, not everyone can be an Administrative Assistant.

Just because you know how to use Word, answered a phone, and can make copies without jamming the machine – you are not automatically qualified for this job.

In fact, if you have innocently equated a receptionist with an administrative assistant, I would argue you have absolutely no idea of the value and worth of this job.

A good admin assistant will make it look easy. They will organize and coordinate the hell out of things so that even you look good.

So people, stop insulting me by assuming that since you are in between professional jobs that you can swing it as an admin assistant – I don’t want your résumés. You are wasting both of our time since you are missing vital qualifications - the “istant part…the “ass” part, you seem to have covered.

Mid-way to where?

2010-10-11T11:59:00.001-04:00

Please tell me – is there some sort of unofficial handbook for men that reach middle age?

Is there a chapter on mode of transportation, that goes a little like this…

“Congratulations – you’ve made it. Upon achieving middle age, one must purchase a convertible car (preferably Miata) in an eye-catching colour (preferably red).

To attain this, you may be required to dispense of more practical and economical vehicles. However, remember to save enough to purchase a ball cap, which must be worn at all times when driving your car.”

Oh sure, I’m generalizing, but there are enough examples out there to support this idea.

Interestingly enough I don’t see people my age (those damned Gen-Xers) going through this. And why, well I was trying to explain it to a colleague the other day, but something I read yesterday summed it up perfectly.

…how can you have a mid-life crisis when you’re still waiting to grow up?

I’m not a big on generalizing behaviour based solely on what year you were born in (except for a certain group waiting in line at their Mazda dealership), but there is no doubt that there is some truth to the “generations”.

As X-ers, not all of us decided Ethan Hawke was a role model. Many of us chose to walk the more traditional route – get a job, buy a house, get married, have kids…damn the divorce rates and boomers.

And yet, how we approached this and how we lived through them has been different. We’ve been completely naïve in some respects and completely jaded in others.

I work hard, plug away, and get frustrated with people that whine about ridiculous things like not having access to Facebook at work. I still believe in progression based on merit (I’m a hopeless optimist) and cringe at the policies in place in schools (unlimited re-takes on a test, one warning (per assignment!) for plagiarism…WTF??).

I’m always shocked when I remember how old I am (not that a quick glance in the mirror or constant reminders from my kids doesn’t confirm it), but because I just don’t feel that weighted, wizened, and experienced person I expected to become.

It’s true – I don’t feel like I want to relieve my youth…I’m still waiting to move out of the first one.

I weep for the future of this person's kids

2010-10-08T06:20:00.004-04:00

Consider this as proof that we are not out of the woods with regards to economic issues.
A brainiac we know was explaining, smugly I might add, that he had reconsidered moving houses as it was going to be too expensive. He then bragged that he had chosen instead to pay off his car and boat loans. Impressive only until he explained that yes, he put the expenses on his mortgage. Ah yes, paid off in full since he no longer gets a monthly statement from Visa.

Brilliant.

The one where I become open to new concepts

2010-10-06T19:41:00.003-04:00

I haven't been a big believer in “personal brands” – it smacks of the latest and greatest marketing ploy. I know, I’m cynical that way.

And speaking of cynical people (nice segue, huh?), I was visiting Laurie’s blog and was struck by her latest post. i encourage you to read all about it here.

I would like to share some of it though - here are the signs that she feels may be an indication that your personal brand is on the downslide.

There are no easy ways to figure out if your personal brand is in the toilet, but here are some signs.

1. You reply to people on Twitter and no one responds back. (Yup.)

2. You post really awesome stuff on Facebook and it’s met with crickets. (Not FB, but blogger, yes)

3. Calls go unreturned.

4. People keep telling you that they never got your email messages and/or your messages went to the spam folder.

5. You’re pushing out great content — in conversations, on LinkedIN groups, on various social networks — and it doesn’t get picked up. Hmmm...

Shit. I’m in big trouble.

I test positive on many of these – particularly the last one. Which is exactly why I’m sharing Laurie’s thoughts…she says it best, as she generally does.

And now I’m starting to think this personal branding might have something to it.

Perhaps I am just failing in my personal brand. And up until now, I’ve just chalked it up to me being a bitch.

Running a home-based business

2010-10-05T14:44:00.001-04:00

I would like to put a question out there and it may be more directed towards those that have children, but I will extend it to those that do not have children, since typically they have an opinion on child-rearing and while it’s not as valid (just kidding…sort of), it might be interesting to hear another perspective.

Do you (or would you) pay your children to do specific chores at home?

Before you answer, allow me to elaborate.

My son asked me last night if I would pay him to make his lunch for school the next day. I didn’t hesitate with my answer – “No.”

We give our kids a monthly allowance with which they can do what they will – save or spend, (although we do offer subtle suggestions towards the saving). How do they earn it – well, it’s based on a set of expectations– nothing complicated, but to sum it up – doing their part to contribute to the running of the household – whether it’s keeping their room tidy, doing laundry, or setting the table.

We do not assign a monetary value for a specific task because I don’t need my kid determining whether it’s worth a dollar for him to empty the trash bins. They need to be emptied and he needs to do it.

I know from personal experience that this is how they might look at the situation. My parents did opt to do the fee per service route and whether I did something would depend more on whether I needed the cash then whether the task needed to be done. A quick check in my wallet revealed I had five dollars…yeah, I’m not cleaning any stinking toilets this week.

I work with people that may have grown up with this mentality – the person who does A-L (because M-Z are not part of their job). The person who submits 15 minutes of OT, but has no issues taking multiple smoke breaks. The person who complains that they were passed over for personal advancement, but does nothing to demonstrate that they are willing to contribute to the overall team/department.

So, my kids get a monthly amount for doing their job – being part of the household. By not getting bogged down in specific tasks, I have eliminated the “it’s not my job” and have allowed for progression – as they develop, so do their roles. It also provides me with the ability to change their role at my discretion.

Sound like I can’t leave HR at home? Possibly, but consider that I offer constant and immediate feedback, frequent monitoring, regular progress reviews, and their allowance is reviewed annually.

I’m not suggesting you should work 60 hours/ week when you are only paid for 40. I believe that work is work and that you are entitled to a life outside it. However, I also believe that there are times when you should do something without asking what’s in it for.

So, back to my son’s request to be paid for making his lunch…I did say no, but I also provided him a rationale. I explained very nicely that I wasn’t going to pay him since I didn’t hire him to do that job and quite frankly he has little to no experience in food preparation.

I consider him more of an unpaid intern learning many lessons.

Regularly inconsistent

2010-09-30T14:40:00.002-04:00

Okay, confession time.

I’m willing to put two things on the table: one personal and one professional.

#1 – I don’t floss every day.

I know. Don't judge me. Not only do I know that it is important not from an oral hygiene point of view, but apparently also from a heart-healthly point of view. Oh and then there’s the whole role model thing I’m suppose to be doing for my kids.

Hey, there have even been times when I’ve even skipped brushing. Tiredness, laziness, illness, whatever the reason – sometimes it just isn’t going to happen. Don’t say it - I know.

But here’s the thing. I went to the dentist’s this morning and she said things look fine. No issues – keep up the good work. I admitted that I don’t floss every day (I did not mention the occasional skipping of brushing) and she said that it happens.

Overall though, things look fine. Keep up the good work. I and my teeth have survived for another 6 months and I did it without stressing out that I did not floss twice a day every day.

#2 – I don’t use standardized questions in interviews

I know. Again, no judgment please.

I do plan out questions to ask and go into an interview with a list, but then I may get creative. I add sub-questions to dig more, I skip questions that are applicable to that person, and I re-word questions depending on the candidate.

Many out there will tell me that this is not an accurate way to compare candidates – how can you compare apples to apples if the meeting room, seating arrangement, questions, and weather are not the same for each and every interview.

Well, quite simply you can’t…because people are not apples. The amount of variance that exists among people ensures this. I’m doomed to fail even before I begin.

Oh sure there are basics that I am going to cover with each person – certain answers that I need to get, but really it’s about having a discussion between you and the candidate – what are they looking for, what can the offer, what are we looking for and what can we offer them.

And I’m not talking complete free-form interviewing – I’m just pointing out that interviewing is not a science. I have worked in a R&D environment and I am very familiar with the concept of control testing – one sneeze and a week’s worth of work can be ruined by a little mucus. This is not the way to handle people.

Being consistent is a good thing, but being a slave to it is not.

So to all those suppliers trying to push their products and systems on me - go sell crazy somewhere else.

My job description in Twitterspeak (140-words or less)

2010-09-27T12:48:00.005-04:00

I don't enjoy small talk, I like conversations to have a point, and I like simplying things. This is one reason I'm good at my job - I look at ways to increase efficiency without adding layers and window dressing.

I have been struggling of late with what are the expectations are for my job (it's a new position). I was reviewing my job description and realized it is way too wordy, which may have led me down this path of confusion.

I've taken the liberty of re-writing it:

Responsibilities:
Whatever my boss doesn't feel like doing that day

I am much more comfortable knowing that I am not expected to know what I will be doing on any given day.

Working on the follow through

2010-09-22T13:23:00.002-04:00

I recently observed possibly the stupidest piece of HR-ing that I’ve seen in some time.

An HR Manager decided that her Admin Assistant just wasn’t cutting it (and she truly wasn’t). The Manager made the decision to let her go. Yeah – a decisive, timely, and professional move!

The HR Manager then told her management group that she was letting the Admin Assistant go. She told another Admin Assistant, who could possibly help out, that she was letting her Admin assistant go. But, and I think you might be able to guess where this is going, she did not tell the actual admin assistant in question.

Now, the Admin Assistant may not having been performing well, but she wasn’t completely unobservant and sensed something was going down. She went to the manager and initiated a conversation about feedback, needing more time to prove herself, a second chance etc…The manager was caught of guard by this (as she had not prepared any kind of package) and admitted there were issues, but granted an extension on the probation period.

So, the way I see it, we are now have two issues:

1 – We are paying the Admin Assistant to look for another job. She knows her time here is limited, but she bought herself some time.

2 - The repercussions of the Manager not following through with something she had openly committed to.

Between the two issues, I believe that the second has the biggest immediate and future impact on the company.

The reality is that when you don’t follow through – not only does the job not get done, not only does your credibility take a hit, but people that had a vested interested in what you were suppose to do will never forget.

Ever.

Giving HR a bad name

2010-09-14T18:53:00.003-04:00

Today at an industry seminar I met the HR Director of my husband's employer. This was unintentional and I would say serendipitous; however, that would imply some level of whimsy and coolness.

And this most certainly was not.

This person was an ass. Actually, worse than that, he was a smug and smarmy ass.

The sad thing is that my husband has been telling me this for some time. I was hesitant to believe him since he doesn't have an appreciation for HR and all the convoluted and deep thought-processes that those of us in it must go through. I believe my exact words were, "You just don't understand HR."

Turns out he was right about this one.

This Dick-rector was an idiot who, even after I mentioned that my husband works for his employer (and yes I was tempted to not say anything, but felt it was only "fair" to give the guy a chance to zip it), went on to make marginalizing and disparaging remarks about the work setting and the employees.

First of all: Know and respect your audience.

Second of all: This is your employer as well. Your employees. Your credibility. Shut the fuck up.

I'm nothing if I'm not passive-aggressive, so I didn't say much at the time - I need time to process and simmer, but before leaving the session, when we were saying our good-byes, I pointedly said:

"It was enlightening to meet you - it explains so much about what I've heard."

At least he had the decency to look a bit taken back by this. Either that, or he didn't get it.

Crushed realities

2010-09-08T09:42:00.000-04:00

I have recently accepted the fact that the unrequited crushes that I have developed over are just not going to happen:

• Edward Cullen (fictional character)
• Jake Ryan (fictional character)
• Neil Patrick Harris (apparently I’m not his type)

So it is with this realization that I have come to see that there are similar situations in my work life:

• Employee engagement (urban myth)
• Management that accepts full responsibility and accountability (another bed-time story)
• Universally accepted and applied employee development plans

It saddens me to think that I would have to resort to living a fantasy life for these things to come true.

And yet, a girl can dream.

Why I'm signing up for sensitivity training.

2010-09-07T09:58:00.003-04:00

The English language is a wonderfully complex and convoluted thing. With only a few syllables you can encourage, compliment, insult or isolate a person.

As an example, let’s talk about the r-word.

Yes, that word that gets tossed around innocuously in day-to-day conversation. Some people feel it’s no big deal, others get completely and utterly up-in-arms over its use. I suppose it depends on your background and your current status.

Personally, I think people take it much too seriously.

Honestly, it’s a just a word, people and I’m not ashamed to put it out there….

Retired.

There, I’ve written it.
Let the comments and backlash begin.

There was a time when people yearned for the days when they could stop going to their job and enjoy the next stage of their life. A time, when not only were they proud of their non-working status, but reveled in it.

Not so now. There is so much identity tied to work and work status, that the thought of no longer being connected to an organization or job title is absolutely scary and unthinkable. And while water-cooler talk may have employees imagining what they would do if they won the lottery – few are able to articulate what their plans are for retirement.

I’ve witnessed various people make the transition and some take to it so well that they often claim, “I don’t know how I had time to work before…” Others, struggle with the change. Although I’m not in their shoes, I can imagine that lack of preparation (and I’m not talking financial) is the key. If you have nothing else in your life other than your job, what ARE you going to do in retirement?

We’ve often heard the recommendation to find what you’re passionate about and then make it your career. For those of us that don’t luck in to this as a job, you can make it your retirement. But like the on-going investment of funds you need to take care of – you need to start developing this portfolio now.

I recently made the mistake of implying to a new retiree that she was “no longer working”…apparently this was the wrong thing to say. Boy, was it the wrong thing to say. Calling her a retiree was tantamount to calling her Granny (which, incidentally she is, and generates a similar reaction).

Like I said, using the r-word can produce some strong reactions.

First day jitters

2010-09-07T07:55:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of school for kids in my area.

To make it doubly-fun, it’s the first day of high school for my daughter. I am young enough at heart to remember high school – some events are in such clear techno-colour detail that it makes me shudder. Like most people, you could not pay me to re-do this time in my life, even with what I now know.

It is with these thoughts in my head that I worry for my daughter. She will make her own mistakes, social faux-pas, and discoveries. She is not doomed to repeat mine – I realize that.

My first day of high school, I was late for homeroom (couldn’t find it) and pretty much late for every subsequent class that day as I didn’t know the floor plan. I wouldn’t dare ask anyone that wasn’t in my grade as you were labeled a “minor niner” and I believe there was an unofficial punishment for speaking to someone in a grade lower to you. Sure, it was exciting, but more than that it was intimidating and ridiculously stressful.

The glimmer of hope I see for her is that her school has done a tremendous job on on-boarding the grade 9. Sure there were the presentations, the parent-night, and the BBQ. But they’ve have taken the extra step of creating groups and having students in older grades help them out, not only the first, not only the first week, but the first few months. They will help them find their classes, encourage them to join groups, touch base with them, and generally – make them feel part of the school.

This is brilliant. This is so easy and yet, has so much impact.

Interestingly enough, I have a new hire starting today…it is my plan to encourage a similar on-boarding for him.

Pro-Am circuit of HR

2010-09-03T08:32:00.000-04:00

There is such a push to prove that HR is a legitimate business operation, that this “push” has become a business in itself. The amount of designations, categorizations, silos, and so forth have made HR Associations worldwide a pretty penny in their personal development and training sessions.

Along with this need to prove, is the need to justify. I recently attended an HR training session (to earn recertification points, of course) and I was struck with level of defensiveness in the room. The entire crew of participants consisted of HR folk and yet, the amount of one-upping was incredible.

There was such a large amount of shouting out that they were not “Personnel”; that they were not soft, kind-hearted, motherly figures; that they were hard-nosed, business-speaking, HR professionals. And yet, I fear that they couldn’t walk the talk.

With this much energy and passion spent on promoting yourself and your profession, I wonder what you have left to give to your job. And make no mistake, it is a job – hopefully one you enjoy and are good at, but a job nonetheless.

And then I have to ask, at what point do you become a professional? After you take a degree and/or a few courses? After a few years of experiences? A combination of both?

I myself fall into this category – I have a designation, which if I breakdown the acronym, ends with Professional. I do not believe I have earned this title, nor do I see myself yet worthy of it. I am not trying to being modest; I am being realistic. I understand HR, I work in HR, but I am not yet a professional. I have many years of work ahead of me, many experiences to go through, before I would be able to confidently represent myself as a professional. And even then…

When someone asks you where you work or what you do for a living – do you answer: I am a HR Generalist for Company X or do you answer, I work in HR as a Generalist for Company X.

Semantics perhaps, but there is a significant difference – one is a lifestyle, the other is your job/career. Is HR your life or your work?

Heaven help you if HR is your life.

Selective tolerance

2010-08-27T08:56:00.001-04:00

I really hate when people say this in interviews:

“I get along with everyone.”

That’s just not realistic.

I would like to consider myself a tolerant and patient person, particularly since I’m in HR, and I am. Just not with everyone.

I don’t like everyone, I don’t tolerate everyone and I’m certainly not patient with everyone. Just ask the new admin assistant who moved into the cubicle next to me.

And really, why should I be?

Why should I be tolerant of employees that aren’t cutting it? Why should I be patient with someone who disregards the obvious and won’t take accountability, and quite frankly annoys the crap out of me?

I realize this says much more about me than the person draining my energy, but what it says is that I’m not willing to put up with poor performance and irritating habits.

You telling me that “you get along with everyone” implies that you may not be willing to challenge people that need to be challenged and that you are willing to overlook poor behaviour in others.

Either that or you are a liar.

Recruiter Droppings

2010-08-13T07:31:00.004-04:00

I had lunch with a recruiter yesterday and even though I knew it would be painful, I was still surprised at HOW painful it was.

Why?

The woman spent the entire time name-dropping. She went out of her way to show that she had memorized our spaghetti-like org chart and then proceeded to list off how she knew them, where they first met, and what they were wearing. Okay, that last one isn't true.

It didn't matter which company, topic, city, socioeconomic issues, or television show we discussed. She knew someone. In fact, she knew someone who knew someone. And she wanted to make sure I knew this.

On the surface seems like a great quality for a recruiter: large network, exceptional memory, loves to share info...

The problem I have is what her lack of a filter. Or how I did I put it in my head yesterday..."shut the fuck up". Seriously.

Use your powers for good, not to try and impress me. And beyond impressing me - I knew for a fact that many of the facts and links in the web she was creating were incorrect.

Recruiters - there is a fine line between sales and bullshit. Walk it carefully.

Campground revelations

2010-08-02T08:28:00.004-04:00

My recent trip was a 5-day real* camping trip.

*The real is per my son and comes from the fact that we sleep in a tent and not a house-on-wheels RV. (Of course, I didn't point out to my son that the availability of an electrical outlet, water tap, showers, and flush toilets isn't exactly real camping - I thought I would let the kid have this one.)

We had a great time and this was one of the best maintained National parks we have stayed at - super walking/biking trails, beautiful but natural beaches, quiet, clean, and relaxing.

However, me being me, there are a few small things that I noticed that I could have done without (or maybe it's better to say what others could have done without).

- A ocean-side campground wind turbine: great renewable energy source - not so great source of painfully annoying noise during windy nights (did I mention it was ocean-side?!)

- Speedos. On anyone.

- Satellite-fed, flat-screen television screens on the exterior of RVS.

- Crackberry junkies trying desperately to get reception and/or take a call while walking on the beach

- Power tourists: really, do you need to see everything the area has to offer in one afternoon?

It was interesting to see the variance in what people can leave behind and what people feel are necessitities on vacation. I suppose if you can bring it with you, then why not? I suppose that if it will cause you more stress worrying about missing a text or call, then stay connected.

However, it's amazing what you can learn to live without when you give a try. Given the camp site set-ups of some of our neighbours, they aren't going to be trying this any time soon.

We did leave a number of things behind and as we sat on a bluff overlooking the ocean one evening my kids agreed that the view was WAY more impressive than anything on television.

Take that Oasis HD on a flat-screen.

Me: in 3-D!

2010-08-02T08:02:00.006-04:00

One thing a long, long road trip provides you with is time. Time to stare out the window, time to reassure your partner that you do know how read a map, and time to chat.

I did a lot of the staring out of the window because the scenery was beautiful and because I've been wondering what the hell is missing in me. Lately, I just don't feel complete (and please, no stupid Jerry-Maguire/Tom-Cruise comments, *gack*).

I've come to the realization that somehow I've reverted to living my life in 2-D. I have work and I have home, both important, challenging, and rewarding parts of my life, but there's just something missing.

Over the past few years I focused on getting my HR education and then accreditation - this filled that 3rd "D" for me. Prior to that, I was focused on getting into shape and taking my frustrations out on a punching bag. It too was a good way to add that extra dimension.

I realize now that I've fallen into the trap of the perfect work-life balance: 50% work & 50% home. This leaves very little in terms of creativity and a socially acceptable way of dealing with my frustration.

Of course, it's easy to say - I'll do the things I enjoy: reading, gardening, going for long walks on the beach - but there needs to be more to this. There has to be that personal development that we always preach at work. Make it a stretch, make it a challenge (and by challenge, I don't mean the 12-day Activia yogurt challenge).

During the chat portion of the trip, my husband suggested doing some courses again. I thought about this for about 30 seconds before answering: "No fuckin' way - I need a break from school". For some reason, he didn't offer any more suggestions after this. (Sorry dear)

Personal development should be exactly that: Personal. Something that you want to do, something that fits into and will add to your life. Something that will make you feel like you are still an individual and not just an employee and/or family member.

I haven't yet decided what to do, but it's actually fun just thinking up possibilities.

Life lessons: Getting the answer you want & not necessarily the one you need

2010-08-02T07:21:00.003-04:00

Lately I've realized that my kids inspire many of my musings. Something happens with them at home and I can generally apply the situation to work or life in general.

Yesterday my son came up to me and proudly announced that he has discovered how to climb up on the roof of the garage without a ladder. No problemo AND Dad is okay with it.

I have learned over the years to question this last statement. It's not (entirely) because I don't trust my husband's judgement, but this is the same parental figure that thought it was okay to teach my son how to build the proper bonfire using a gas-oil mix as ignition.

So, I asked for clarification: "Dad is okay with you going on the roof?"

And my son said, "yes".

I asked for further clarification: "Dad specifically said it was okay for you to go on the roof?"

And my son (who is honest to a fault), answered: "Well, he didn't say it was okay, but he didn't say I couldn't."

A-ha. Okay then.

My son, in addition to discovering his spider-monkey skills, has learned the art of asking the right person at the right time. In other words, ask dad something when he is busy working in the garage and isn't really focusing on the question and apt to answer "That's cool" to whatever you tell him.

Getting the answer you want, and knowing who to ask for it, is an important skill - it requires persuasion, it requires perception, and it requires knowledge of the power infrastructure.

How much time is wasted by people that ask stupid questions (and YES, there is such a thing as a stupid question) to the right people or conversely, asking the right questions, but to the wrong people.

I'm glad my son is off to a good start in this respect.

I'm also glad that the hasn't discovered the fine art of humility and keeping his mouth shut, which allows me to step in and provide the answer he needs. Call it whatever you want...perspective, common sense, or in this instance (as per my son)"over-reaction".

Having that last point of contact before you jump is an important step. Being able to bounce an idea off of someone can save you a whole lot of grief. That is what I see myself doing in HR - no, not being a mother to the employees - but rather someone who can play devil's advocate and ask whether your current course of action is based on a need or a want.

Sometimes the difference between the two is as fine as a hairline fracture in your arm.

Deadliest Candidate

2010-07-22T08:34:00.002-04:00

There is a cool TV show called “Deadliest Warrior” based on the age old premise of “who would win a fight between X and Y”. It has become a staple in my 10-year old’s life and the fact that he can watch last season’s episodes online is about as close to paradise as it gets (it also supports his argument that everything he needs to know in life can be found on Youtube and the Internet in general).

I love the idea of the show, since I remember debating the whole Batman vs. Superman showdown when I was a kid. The fact that a few other people haven’t grown out of this habit, created some fancy-schmancy computer simulation programs, and made a TV show pitch is kind of cool. The fact that it’s geared towards couch-ninjas that love the idea of testing weaponry on pig carcasses…not so much.

In addition to pairing up unlikely enemies, the program analyzes the effectiveness of each warrior’s short-range, mid-range, and long-range weapons. They then plug all of this into a program that runs simulated battles to determine who would likely come out the winner.

I want this for recruiting. Imagine the possibilities. You are down to two potential candidates. One is stronger in the technical area and the other seems to have a better organizational fit.

Which one will fair better?

So we skip the pig carcasses and plug into the computer program their various strengths and arsenal, from their ability to engage in small talk to creating a viable department budget. Then we let them battle it out.

Who will walk away with a few scratches, but their head held high and who will be left lying on the battlefield, bleeding and wounded?

Not only would this make candidate selection easier – it would be a hell of lot more fun.

Who is getting the best of you?

2010-07-20T23:25:00.004-04:00

Part of working in a professional environment is well, dressing the part. I'm not really a fashion-gal, but do like to dress nicely and look part HR and part sexy-librarian. I am SO kidding on the second part.

Anyhow, I dash off in the morning and then arrive home some 9 hours later with one thought in mind - comfort. Full fledge yoga pant/ pyjama pants, t-shirt and flip flops. Despite the fact that it takes me a good 30 minutes to get ready in the morning, it takes me 2 minutes to un-do it.

Of late, I've noticed my husband's wistful look when I arrive home all professional-ed up only to disappear and return moments later as Comfort Woman.
Does he complain? No.
Is that a damn good thing?
Oh ya.

But, I've often wondered, who IS getting the best of me?

Who gets to see me looking my best and acting on my best behaviour? Who gets to listen to me discuss a number of topics in an assertive and persuasive manner, in English and French? Who gets to see me stay calm in the face of idiocy? Who benefits from my focused and undivided attention?

It doesn't take much to realize that it isn't my family.

And while this may not seem fair, I am truly comforted by the fact that they see me looking less than stellar, losing my shit over little things, jumping from one topic to another, as well as one activity to another, and making absolutely no sense at times...and yet they love and accept me.

It doesn't take much to realize that my work wouldn't be so tolerant.

So while the pay may not be as good, the benefits are certainly better. For that reason, I'm going to try and save some of my best for home.

Tomorrow, I will speak only in French and I will dress up when I do the dishes.

Can I expense a mirror?

2010-07-11T09:29:00.003-04:00

So I'm slowly settling into my new job and one thing that has really helped is that my boss went on vacation. It appears my boss has either been a) sheltering me from the horrors that are HR or b)not bothering to delegate work to me. I'm going with option B.

Once people have been reaching her out of office messages they've contacted me and soon found out that I AM more than just office eye candy. In one instance, I had a discussion with a manager who wants me to look into some "soft skills" traning for one of her employees.

The manager's diagnosis: the employee has a confidence issue. He doesn't come to her for help and whenever he does (either in person or by email), he acts likes he's bothering her. He seems to require contsant reassurance that he's doing the right thing.

I'm pretty decent when it comes to displaying a neutral reaction, but I do have this one facial quirk (a certain eyebrow) that I seem unable to control in the face of questionable situations. This was one instance.

I asked the manager:

1. Do you give him feedback on his work? - Yes, when he comes to me.

2. Are you often too busy to help him? - Yes, I have a heavy workload.

3. The employee is relatively new - how was his training? - It's pretty much on-the-job and as we go along. I let them tell me when they don't understand something and then we go over that.

At this point, I am hoping that the manager is picking up what I'm shelling out, but alas...the manager then asked again, do I know of a course that might help the employee with these issues?

I'm seriously considering that my best investment is to take the money we would spend on a course and purchasing a large gilded-frame mirror that I could hold up to the manager.

What CAN'T we learn from BP?!

2010-06-29T08:10:00.005-04:00

Okay, I'm a bit cycnical this morning. TheHRD has just pointed out that I will spend the majority of my life doing something that I studiously try to avoid...working. This hasn't put me in the best frame of mind.

So, I just have to put this in writing.

Is there nothing that we can't blame BP for? Now, I'm not condoning or defending them in any shape or form. My solution for the leak was to shove all the BP executives into the pipe. I'm assuming their egos and ignorance could have filled that sucker nicely. However, if I read another blog or article that using BP as an analogy for all that can go wrong in every aspect of your world...blech.

Seriously. Having trouble in your marriage? I'm sure there is some lesson from the BP debacle that can help you through it. I'm surprised that Dr. Phil hasn't jumped all over it...or maybe he has, but I missed that one.

I'm all for teachable moments, but really people...I consider myself to dabble in the over-analysis department, but in instances like this what is needed are solutions and assessments, not a 6-degrees-to-Kevin-Bacon on how this disaster can be related to your department's failure to meet its objectives. I've actually heard people say, "well I guess compared to the BP spill, our mistake isn't that bad!"

Wowza.

(BTW: Any similarity of this post to another is a complete coincidence - in my defence, I don't too much of what others write.)

Measuring my interest

2010-06-24T17:57:00.005-04:00

There is a lot of buzz going on the blogs today about metrics in HR. I felt the need to throw my quarter into the hat.

Despite the fact that I'm a huge fan of tracking and love spreadsheets, I find many HR metrics to be obvious, and well, useless.

I like the idea of the unofficial and harder to substantiate measures. Like if someone were to ask how much my kids have grown in the last year, I would explain that I've noticed that the toothpaste spatters on the wall around the sink have moved from just below my shoulder level to at my shoulder level. So, about that much.

At work, it doesn't really do much good to be able to say that we've lost 10 people in the accounting department over the past year and that accordingly, we have hired 10 people in the same departement to replace said departures. Apparently the first 10 didn't work out. And really, it paints a pretty picture to say that recruiting turnaround is 30 days, but does that mean that these are the right people.

What is of interest is that in most of the exit interviews, the departing employees' pointed out that the hours are ridiculous and that our company has a reputation in the region for over-working accountants. Interestingly enough, most of our recent applicants are from outside the city, which may substantiate the previous claim. In fact, many of the departing said that their new employer hired them because they figured if they can work for us, they handle stress....

So, what I need is to be able to measure how many of the new employers have heard this reputation of ours and consider applicants because of it. Also, how many applicants in the area avoid us because of this reputation.

All of these are tough to measure, but it has a helluva lot more value to me.

All aboard

2010-06-17T22:36:00.007-04:00

Much has been said, posted, tweeted, AND blogged about proper on-boarding and/or orientation of new hires.

You call it orientation, I call it on-boarding. Tomato, tomatoe.

One reason I like the term on-boarding, is because to me it sounds like you are going to be given a set of guidelines on what you need to do to get through your first few weeks. As in - the safety rafts are over there, the life jackets are under the seats, and oh, no smoking in the lavatories.

Orientation (again in my opinion) means we will point you in the right direction and then you are on your own. Look for the signs, avoid the black diamonds, and next Friday is Hawaiian shirt day.

I realize that I'm basing all of this on semantics (and over simplifying), but I don't think I'm that far off. And really, a fancy three-page scheduled orientation means squat if the person doing the orienting is an ass. Or doesn't know what they are doing. Or fills up three days with fluff.

Please people, get to the good stuff. Oh I know that you need to cover the policies (especially the important ones like dress code), procedures, health & safety, and IT, but come on...get to the stuff we really need to know in order to be successful in our jobs...like the gossip and where the post-it notes are kept.

In my recent experience, I didn't really have an orientation (why would I, I'm in HR), but my boss did spend some time on-boarding me to the company.

In that hour, I got some pretty important information, such as:
- which person I needed to be careful with my words around, because it was a direct link to the VP
- which persons are having inter-office relationships that are causing issues because of reporting structures and possible fall-out
- who really called the shots among the senior management group
- who were the people identified as stars and who is on the shit list

Now these are things that I can work with. So, after the necessary seat belt demonstration and pointing out of the obvious exits, remember to ensure that someone is providing your new hires with the REALLY important information.

Beyoncé called...she wants my Independent Woman badge revoked.

2010-06-14T18:35:00.005-04:00

Ever have flashes of yourself and you just think "Ugh, did I just do/say that"?

I pride myself on being an independant and relative stable person; however, tiredness, a ridiculously busy schedule, and just poor alignment of the stars have left me...well, a tad over-sensitive.

This is tonight's winner moment for me...

My husband: Why don't you stay home tonight instead of going to the soccer game.

Me: Why? Don't you want me to go?

My husband: (rolls eyes b/c he can just tell this isn't going to go well)...Noooo, I thought you might want a break

Me: Oh. Well, when I said that you don't want me to go, I meant it in general terms and not in the "do-you-not-love-me-and why don't-we-spend-any-time-together-any more" kind of way. I'm fine with it, I just thought it's no big deal..and I don't want to seem clingy or anything...and...well...

My husband: (closes eyes and rubs temple)

Me: Uh yeah...maybe I'll stay home.

I think that I've just had my Independant Woman badge revoked.

Ready to be a big girl now

2010-06-12T22:46:00.003-04:00

I have been fortunate to have worked for a few really good managers. The odd thing is that is that with all of these manageers, I started out by not liking them. Some it was their attitude, for others it was their lack of communication skills. However, when I think about it, the main reason was that they challenged me. And not in the “I’m looking for new challenges” way, but rather in the “what the hell are you doing” way.

I like to consider myself an intelligent and hard-working person. The reality is, and I fully admit this, I have a tendency to look for shortcuts and not push myself very hard. So, when I have someone who calls me on this, my initial reaction is something along the lines of – “fuck you”.

For some strange reason, I don’t like being told that I’m not trying very hard. Even when I know it to be true. So I pout, I grumble, I write snarky blog posts, and then I decide to get even. Oh yes, that’s right - revenge will be mine.

If they think I’m under performing, well then, I’ll just show them what I’m capable of. Who the hell do they think they are telling me that I need to improve on my willingness to share and play nicely with others. That’s right – I will make them regret their words.

Because at heart, I’m that 9-year old girl who still hasn’t grasped the concept of reverse psychology and the principles of motivation. I’m still out to prove that dammit I can too play baseball with the boys at lunch hour.

An interesting thing starts to happen when I make the decision to shove it down my boss’ throat. I do better. And I start to work well with my boss. And I begin to respect them for their insight and for giving me that kick in the ass.

It is with all of this ass-kicking experience that I’m looking at my current manager and hope that she isn’t an exception. It’s been a good start and although I’m not a group hug kind of gal, it’s been rather distant, with vague direction and a lot of repetition. And by repetition, I mean I have been told the same story or explanation at least 5 times and I’ve only been there for 5 weeks.

The 9-year old me is thinking, “Great, another wonderful manager...get ready to dig my heals in and resist”

However, the 38 year old me has stepped up and finally decided that I will work harder and smarter now, without waiting for my manager to ask me the dreaded question: “Do you feel that this is your best work?”

So no pouting or grumbling. However, no can-do on eliminating the snarky blog posts. I’ve got to leave some fun in it for me.

From cougars to crow...

2010-05-21T17:41:00.000-04:00

I’m now into week three of the new job, which means that I’m slowly approaching the one month mark. This is good. If I knew exactly what I was suppose to do, I might be getting into a groove, but fortunately I get to keep guessing.

Jokes aside, I’m digging the new role, but know I have to get my ass moving on demonstrating my value. This company is dynamic and moving and it will be important for me to not just look busy, but actually be busy.

Since my departure from my previous employer, I have received a number of emails from senior management asking me:

- Where can they locate the employee file folders?
- Where they should order these from?
- Where can they send the company-logo coffee mug that I left behind?
- What is in the boxes in my old office?

I’m completely serious.

Apparently senior management had been relying on me to not have to talk to the employees. Apparently they I dealt with ordering the supplies. Shit, no wonder they were so upset when I left.

When I handed in my resignation, my former employer did ask if I wanted them to counter. They asked whether it was salary, vacation, and work hours… what they could offer to make me stay. I did not entertain this because my role would not have changed and I would have begun searching again in a few months. A parting comment was that if I wanted to come back – they would take me.

At the time I thought this was a nice gesture, if only lip service. However, yesterday I received an email from my former boss who forwarded me a “potentially serious email” (it was spam telling me that my offshore bank account that I don’t have had been suspended). She ended the email by saying that she hoped all was well, unless I was ready to “eat crow”.

Again, I’m completely serious.

I know that my role has not been filled. I know that she is doing double-duty right now. I know it would be “so easy” if I just walked back in. So I’m keeping this in mind as I read into her comment.

My former employer seems to think it knows me well enough that I have made a grave mistake; that I should not have left, but like an indulgent parent, will let me learn my lesson and then take me back (after the I-told-you-so spiel).

Well here’s the rub, if my former employer knew me well, they would know that even if I had made that mistake, there is no way in hell I would admit it to them, especially after that comment.

Yes, I will learn lessons, but I’ve vowed not only to take the harder paths, but also avoid backtracking.

Oh, and eating crow. I mean, what do you even serve with that?

I'm thinking the mascot for our team will be a cougar

2010-05-20T20:09:00.005-04:00

One of the reasons I was looking to make a change in my HR career was that I wanted to work with like-minded individuals. No, scratch that - that would be way too messed up. I wanted to work with other people in HR.

In my new job I am now a member of an HR group - spread among three different divisions, but still we are all on the same (dark)side.

This week we went to a lunch with a recruiting firm that was looking to wine and dine, I mean sell their services to us.

Let me set the scene: four late-20s/mid-30s...okay, late-30s HR gals, with two 20-something, fashionably hip recruiter guys....The lunch was good, the sales pitch was meh, but the insight following the lunch was fascinating.

Upon returning to the office, we HR gals debriefed on the recruiting firm:

HR Gal#1: So? What did you think of Company Y?

HR Gal#2: They were really hot.

HR Gal#1: Yes, but they are totally gay.

HR Gal#2: Really - how do you know this?

HR Gal#1: I've gone out partying with them before. Trust me. I know.

(HR Gal #3 calls bullshit, but in her head, since she hasn't been there long enough)

HR Gal#3: That doesn't matter anyways - they were good-looking. You can be gay and hot.

HR Gal#1: I know, but still...

HR Gal#4: I don't think they could offer us anything in terms of recruiting services that we don't already have.

HR Gal#1: Agreed, but at least we got a good lunch out of it.

...

Turns out I have found my HR group AND like-minded individuals.

Why I want more than just "World Peace"

2010-05-15T10:42:00.009-04:00

Often I find myself sitting in front of the computer wanting to write a blog post. I want to say something intellectually stimulating, entertaining, and thought-provoking. It rarely happens though.

I sit. I start typing. I save as a draft. I leave. I come back. I re-read my draft. I delete the draft.

I follow a number of blogs and have a true appreciation for the time and creativity that goes into regular posting. I read these avidly and then get inspired. I try to come up with something equally worthy, but at the same time trying my damnest to not sound like a copycat.

The truth is I have moments of brilliance where I feel that I'm "on" and then the rest of the time I'm just commenting on stuff. Sort of the blog equivalent of those tweets telling the world "I'm at Starbucks having an orange-mocha frappachino". Like, who gives a crap.

And then last night while I was watching Miss Congeniality I had an epiphany. Oh yes, the powers of Sandra Bullock now extend to providing epiphanies.

There is a scene where unwilling participant Gracie (Sandra Bullock) is placed in the Miss USA beauty pageant and has to answer the question, "What is the one most important thing our society needs?". Up to that point, all of the other contestants have answered "World Peace" and the audience applauds with appreciation.

When it's her turn, Gracie takes the mike and says, "That would be... harsher punishment for parole violators, Stan". The audience is silent.
She then continues, "...and World Peace."
The audience breaks out it applause.

And so it seems that when you start blogging in a somewhat general area (HR, for example), there is a feeling that to get any kind of response, you need to jump on the bandwagon and write about what everyone else is writing about.

I've seen examples of other bloggers that try to branch out, make personal posts or comment on world affairs, and you can almost hear the crickets. Then they get back on track, rail about recruiting, organizational dysfunctional, or the latest and greatest conference and the comments and the connection are back.

Back to my epiphany. Somewhere down the line I starting writing more for other people that for my own amusement and I starting getting hung up on what others wanted to read about rather than what I wanted to write about.

So Stan, to answer your question on what is the most important thing our blogging community needs, it would be the ability to not take itself so seriously and be open to all facets of our lives.

Oh, and World peace.

Uphill, both ways, in the snow...? You're hired!

2010-05-14T22:13:00.006-04:00

More and more I see managers wanting to hire people who remind them of themselves.

As in, "He reminds me of me when I got out of school and had no experience. I had nothing but a lot of gumption..."

I'm sorry, but gumption doesn't cut it anymore.

Really people, have you learned nothing from Austin Powers.
No good comes of having a Mini-Me.

Just ask Dr Evil.

(Or God)

Something to think of before you drink the kool-aid

2010-05-12T17:46:00.004-04:00

I'm now into week two and the shiny car smell is leaving the job. This is not to say that's it no longer a good job, but well...it is now feeling like a job.

I don't drink enough water, not because I'm not aware of the all the wonderful life-prolonging, wrinkle-preventing, cleansing benefits, but because it's very plain tasting. So every once in awhile I try to jazz it up - add a slice of lemon or brew herbal tea. This helps.

Then there are times when I get sucked into one of those jazzy new water drinks. Adult kool-aid, if you will. And I drink these down thinking - wow, I love the taste. Think of how much more water I'm going to consume.

Then reality hits. The flavour becomes slightly cloying and then unpleasant, and I'm left with the thought that I haven't come across some fantastic elixir - I'm drinking flavoured water. Plain ole water, with colour and taste added to make it appealing.

And so it is with a new job. Jazz it up with a new title, new office, new people, new responsibilities, and even a new salary, but when you get past the flavour - it's still a job that involves work.

It's a good idea to keep that in mind before you decide to make that next big move. Never mind grass being greener..think about the water being sweeter in Kool-Aid. It may taste different, but it's still water.

Incidentally, no regrets here on my move. I spent the day trying to decipher comp billing and feel as though my eyes have sunk into the back of my head so my state of mind isn't too perky.

Stay tuned.

Open to suggestions

2010-05-10T21:57:00.003-04:00

When I took my new job, I took on more than just learning a new business, remembering new faces, and adapting to 'our' way of doing things...I had to adjust to being in a cubicle.

Oh I know that sounds snobby, but like I care. I had a hard-walled office with a door. That locked. That, to me, was ideal.

However, after the initial shock wore off, I've discovered that I'm more than okay with it. I'm also now part of a group in HR, which is new to me and the ability to turn to my neighbour and bounce ideas off her is great.

I know that my ability to produce good HR has not been affected. There are meeting rooms I can use for confidential conversations and the bonus is that my set-up actually deters those random confessional moments.

Do I miss the privacy? Absolutely.
Would I jump at the chance to have an office with a door. Hell yes.

In the meantime, I have decided to be open to the concept of open concept. Besides, it has done wonders for my work ethic - it's harder to spend my days reading HR blogs when they are easily visible over my shoulder.

Lessons learned during a walkabout

2010-04-30T21:42:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it takes a significant event to make you realize your impact. It would be like what Oprah would call an "a-ha" moment , if I actually watched and followed Oprah. Which I don't. So I'm going to call it my "d'oh" moment, because I'm more likely to relate to and follow advice from Homer Simpson. Sad bit true.

I've blathered and built up to my recent resignation so that if you have been reading my posts you should now know that I've finally completed
my last day. To me it started off like any other. I have no regrets about my decision to move on, so I'm not sad. And this seemed to bother many who repeatedly asked me of I was okay and if was hanging there.

Though I have been there for over 2 years, I do not feel any strong personal tie to either the company or my coworkers. This may sound insensitive but truly I am not. First, in HR - it's somewhat counter-productive to get too close to the people you work with.

And secondly, the last time I resigned from a job, I was leaving a company where I had been for ten years. I had a close group and it broke my heart to leave. I had no regrets in making the move, but it was one of the hardest things I have done. So in comparison, this move was easier.

Clearly I take longer to build close ties with others and to feel comfortable in my work environment

My coworkers gave a nice lunch and very generous gift, which was very humbling since I am basically a department of one - I am the sole HR person and sometimes didn't belong to any group, but worked for them all. Often times I felt left on my own and just a fixture. However, I soon realized that they did not see it that way.

I realized it must be similar to how teachers feel. In the same way that a teacher must deal with many students, it can be hard to feel as though you really know each one and whether you are making an impact. Certainly you have your favourites or problem kids, but the majority fall somewhere in the middle. Of course, from the students' perspective, there is but one teacher to know and focus on.

On my last day, what I wanted to do was just quietly slip out at the end of the day. What I was expected to (and did) was take about 2 hours to walk around, stop at most desks and talk to people. Initially it felt insincere, but slowly I saw that it was a nice way to finish and truly leave on a high note.

By the end of my last day, I had learned an important lesson. How I handled
my departure had everything to do with others and little to do with me.

As they reminded me during my walk-around - I will miss them.

Life is like a pile of shredded paper...

2010-04-29T14:11:00.004-04:00

Alrighty - I've got a bone to pick to with anyone out there providing career guidance to job-seekers and giving them the ole Tony Robbins "take control" speech, insisting that they are completely in charge of the interview.

You are not helping anyone, especially the job-seeker.

I'm pro "mutual-consideration", meaning that I think it's important for both the person looking for work and the people offering work to consider their own needs, as well as those of the person on the other side of the desk.

Today I had an overly aggressive (yes aggressive, not assertive) candidate that cut me off mid-sentence while I welcomed her. Her words: "I need to know exactly what this job involves before I decide whether or not I want to continue with this interview".

First - We haven't even started the interview
Second - I'm seriously considering whether I want to start the interview
Third - WTF

And it continued.

She repeatedly interrupted both the manager and me, slammed her hands on the table to add emphasis, and then announced that she wanted to be honest with us and explained she did not have one of the core requirements (which in the phone screen and on her CV, she said she did have). Of course, she was willing to learn.

She made a point of saying that she knows what she wants and she doesn't want to waste anyone's time. Oh honey, I'm afraid it's much too late for that.

At this point I ended the interview - gracefully, I might add. Thanked her for her "honesty", and escorted her out. I then shredded her CV.

The entire process took about 7 minutes; the shortest interview I had ever done.

So, back to my opening rant.

Dear job-advice guru, if you are, have, or are thinking of writing or providing the following advice to job-seekers:

The job-seekers must make the company work for them
The company needs to sell themselves to the job-seekers
The job seekers are in the driver's seat,
The job seekers make all the decisions

...I respectfully direct you to take a look at the growing pile of shredded paper in my office.

Culture Club

2010-04-26T21:32:00.003-04:00

Being the dedicated employee that I am, I have managed to book my final week with numerous interviews for positions we are recruiting. What better way to end my employment relationship with my employer than by bringing on-board people that I will have absolutely nothing to do with.

Today I had two positive and productive interviews - one which will most likely lead to a hire. The other, while still good, will not; however, I should point out thaat she was quite prepared to ask me questions and one stuck with me.

She asked, "what is the culture like in the office?"

This is hardly a show-stopping and unique question, but surprisingly few people ask it (or some variation on it). It's a good question because although you will likely not get a 100% honest answer, you do get a good sense of how the company will promote itself.

With the question on the table, the manager turned to me with a look of desperation. Clearly she wasn't prepared to articulate who were were. Maybe that was for the best. It would have likely been something along the lines of - 'we all get along'.

I was more prepared to handle this one and while it may have seemed that I was spinning off in sales mode, I was being truthful. I rather think that it is what I do not say that means more.

I do not say we are like a big family. My experience with family includes heavy doses of dysfunctional, so I certainly don't want to promote that as a core value.

I do not say everyone gets along. Pu-leeze. As if.

I do not say that we are a very flexible organization. Yes, there are some options, but the flexible ones - they are exceptions. Our organization is comfortably behind in this respect.

Instead, I speak more of a community atmosphere, which captures the idea that there is representation from different walks of life - from the professional, to the not so professional. From the lifer to the employee that is just bidding time until the next job offer comes in.

I point out the open concept which means that we don't have the "silo" syndrome going on. Of course, it also means you have absolutely no privacy.

I know I do a good job of promoting our company culture and it's not because I make it so appealing, but because one month after someone starts with us, after the haze starts to wear off, they aren't surprised to find out where they are.

Internal issues - like jobs and heartburn

2010-04-23T16:04:00.006-04:00

This blog entry is in response to a comment on my last post regarding my personal decision of resigning (and how people take it personally).

My response became too long-winded for a mere comment and really, I had nothing else to blog about.

Congratulations on your new job! I too am looking for a new position - mostly within my current company - so I hope to be experiencing some of your pain (and excitement) in the near future. Any advice on moving one within the company?

Caveat: I like to tell people what to do, but please don't see this as an 'official guide' or an exhaustive list. I'm just happy to share my insight.

First, thank you very much.

My recent experience was outside of my current company (hence the branding of traitor). Without knowing the details about your company, your current job, and your goals - the best advice I can give is that you treat an internal job move the same way that you would an external.

That means:

1. Be discrete: don't talk about this with your coworkers. Sure there's a chance they will figure it out or hear about it, but at least you were professional about it. Besides, you don't know who else might have applied.

2. Research the department and/or role you are looking for; you have every advantage of knowing the company, the culture, and the business challenges - use this!

3. Prepare for the interviews as if they don't know you (nothing is worse than hearing, "well you know what I do..." in an interview)- don't assume the interviewers will fill in the blanks

4. Acknowledge any elephants in the room. This doesn't mean treat the interview like a confessional, but the reality is that supervisors/managers talk amongst each other, so there's a good chance they know about your recent job error or attendance issue. You need to assure the new manager that you are committed to improving.

5. Dress the part. I don't care if you get comments from your co-workers - show that you want this. The external candidates are.

6. Avoid giving the impression you are trying to escape your current role. You need to demonstrate you are looking to move forward, not away.

7. Depending on your company, there may be (and likely is) political manoeuvring going on that has nothing to do with you personally - you may not get the job and it has NOTHING to do with your skills and fit.

Now - if you are successful.

1 - Congratulations - you obviously followed my advice above to a "T"

2 - If you are prone to heartburn or stomach-wrenching bouts of guilt, load up on Xantac, you are going to need it.

3- Be prepared for the fallout from your current boss/group - not everyone is going to be thrilled about your new move, especially when they realize they will have to pick up the slack for the short (or possibly long) term.

4- Be prepared to work your ass off to prove yourself in your new role - internal transfers don't always get the leeway that new hires do - you will be expected to know more than you may;

5- Do. Not. Burn. Your. Bridges. Ever. No matter how much you may have hated your former colleagues and/or boss.

6- Don't apologize for getting the job. (refer to #3)

7- Make sure you get a deadline for a transfer. Going externally means the luxury of giving a firm notice period. Internally, departments tend to blur this and will have you work dual roles...sometimes for an indefinite period of time or until the replace you (which often time is synonymous).

Like any kind of change, there are positive and negative aspects. Remember why you are doing this - hopefully it's for career advancement and new challenges.Ultimately you go to work to do your work; it's not your responsibility to ensure that everyone's auras are glowing.

Good luck with your the potential move.

(Oh and if anyone else would like to add any other advice, since I'm certainly not an expert on this, please feel free).

The post in which I make the decision to tell you it's not about you

2010-04-20T17:49:00.006-04:00

A wise man once told me there is no such thing as coincidence. I agreed with him then and still do.

I was prepared to sit down and blog out my experiences of the past few days, but checked into my email before doing so. Why? Because I'm addicted to checking my gmail.

Interestingly enough a former colleague (and wise guy) wrote to me this afternoon about the fallout of an employee's recent resignation and the manager's handling of the situation. To sum it up - it was ALL about him.

Why this is coincidental for me is that I resigned from my job yesterday and since that time, I have been on the receiving end of some expected and unexpected responses, but the common thread among them was how my departure was about THEM.

I suppose it's human nature to try and relate to any situation by first applying how it will impact our self. How will this affect me? Now, who will do this for me? What does this say about me? How could you do this to me?

The reality is that my decision to resign has little to nothing to do with you. It's about me and my desire to move on to new challenges, to make more money, and to change things up. This is very hard for people to accept.

First off all, it's considered selfish. How can you place your needs above those of the greater good (read: us)? And yes, I was told this.

Secondly, it makes people question their own situation. Why am I still here? I wish I could make a change, but I can't? Again, this was said to me.

Thirdly, it's a change that the other person had no say in and god knows, most people aren't big on change. People that hardly acknowledged me (other than to avert their eyes as I passed), have declared that this is devastating to them - they were comfortable with me and now they have to get use to someone new.

Fourthly, and this is for the supervisors and managers out there. There is often a sense of panic that sets in when they realize that they need to replace someone and they remember that they never got that back-filling training plan going and now they are going to have to get their hands dirty. And for those lacking cnfidence, there's the thought that maybe people will assume it's because of their inadequacy as a manager that the person resigned. This panic can often manifest as anger.

For many, this is personal. I have betrayed them. I am a traitor. One of my VPs has not spoken to me since I advised them. Unless there is an audience, I don't expect him to change this behaviour.

I'm sure enough of myself and my decisions that I can handle this. I am aware that people's acceptance of change often has to go through stages before they can truly accept it. I can ride it out for the next few days and if it doesn't improve, I'll move on.

After all, it was my decision.

Preparing for departure

2010-04-15T22:11:00.006-04:00

I'm a big list maker. They keep me organized and it's just so damn fun to cross things off.

This is my unofficial list of "Things to do in the next 2 weeks, before I leave my current job"

1. Finally do my filing
2. Fill all those vacant postings that I've been ignoring for the past few weeks
3. Use speaker phone for every phone conversation whenever my office neighbour is in
4. Clean up my emails, especially the personal ones
5. Actually leave the office at the end of the day when I should (or said I would)
5. Pilfer as many post-it pads as I can
6. Take a lunch every single day, for the full allotted time
7. Oh...and tell my boss that I'm resigning...hmmm...maybe that should be #1

Of course, this is very different than the 5-page summary that I've just put together for my manager outlining the status of all the stuff I have on the go and what I can feasibly accomplish in the next two weeks.

Sigh. That's me, responsible to the core.

Twist of fate

2010-04-15T21:11:00.003-04:00

Rarely are things as simple and straightforward as I would like them to be.

In a strange twist of events, on the same day that I get the job offer I have been waiting for, my colleague calls me to tell me that she's leaving in a few weeks.

This means that I will be the pourer of salt , instead of the initial wounder. And you know what a bad rap salt has these days.

The situation has become bittersweet for me and for a short time, made me reconsider my next move. I respect my manager and don't want to create an even more difficult situation, but is that truly a good reason to decline an offer?

Like the route on the sign above, I am determined to avoid taking the easy route (my usual modus operandi)...it may be easier to manage, but it's probably not as interesting.

I will take the new job, I will leave in 2 weeks, and I will likely feel like a shmuck in the meantime.

Going for the KO

2010-04-07T15:30:00.002-04:00

I have survived Round 2 and have been told I'm being brought in for Round 3.

Now, in addition to changing my mindset from behavioural-based questions to business strategy (meeting Executives), I'm working on my best confidence-inspriring smile and deciding on which outfit will say she's-the-one-to-hire.

I feel like I'm a contestant on American Idol - only without having to sing (thank god for all concerned) and no Ryan Seacrest to make inane small talk in between meetings.

I am thinking of bringing someone to play the bagpipes with me though. Just for the standout factor.

My poker face may not give me away, but the fact that I'm curled up in the fetal position might...

2010-04-04T21:42:00.005-04:00

I could never be a double-agent. My stomach lining just couldn't handle it.

Although currently employed with a good company, I am seeking new opportunities. I like to consider this while things are going well and not wait until I've hit the wall of desperation.

So, I talk to people, I watch the postings, and from time to time I apply for a position that I believe I am qualified for and that I'm interested in. I state these seemingly obvious reasons for an application, because not everyone meets these two checks, as evidenced by the pile of CVs I've rejected.

So, last week I had an interview. More of a meet and greet, but an interview none the less. I've been called back for a second one and I'm very eager about the opportunity. The rub is that now I'm starting to get a wee bit panicky about the whole "how do I explain I'm heading out again". I start to wonder whether management has become suspicious, I worry about staying focused at work, and I start imagining all the things that I need to take care of should I resign.

When I'm very nervous I get hives. When I'm anxious, my stomach and all its contents are in constant motion. So combine this with the family get-together and Easter chocolate this past weekend and I'm in fine form.

I am hoping that I can keep up the calm demeanour and hide the telltale signs that I see in employees that I suspect of being part of the same mission I am.

It's an odd feeling to be back on the other side of the desk and vulnerable to all the weaknesses of mere employees.

Patience my dear...patience

2010-04-01T08:26:00.003-04:00

Recruiting has increased significantly in the past few weeks around here and along with the extra work comes the increase in supervisors' stress level and a decrease in their patience level.

A supervisor came to me yesterday to advise that an key employee has resigned and given just under 2 weeks notice. My mind automatically started making a to-do list for posting, potential candidates, interview times, etc....

The supervisor then looked at me, very seriously, and said - ideally they want someone in the role by this Monday so that the existing employee can train her.

I reminded the supervisor that Friday is a holiday and for many (although not us) so is Monday. Although it typically takes 4 weeks to fill a role (assuming the candidate we hire is already working and needs to give some notice), we may be able to pull this off sooner.

The supervisor understood, but asked if we could skip the whole posting/ screening/ interview thing and just hire someone.

I looked at the supervisor, very seriously, and asked - does the body I put in the chair still have be warm or are you flexible on this?

Proof that life isn't fair

2010-03-30T07:26:00.002-04:00

I spent the entire day manning our company booth at a Job Fair yesterday. It was so much fun that I'm heading back today. I suppose it's HR penance.

Actually there are many interesting people, but there are only so many ways to repeat the same information, in both English and French, that by the end of the day I was getting close to that "lose it" point.

Something that I saw which really surprised me was that I had quite a few parents visit me on behalf of their "child". This is debatable since not many adults would be seeking permanent full-time employment for their 13-year old, so I'm assuming these are fully functional near adults that have over-involved parents. There were also a number of students there with their moms, with the mom doing most of the talking.

I worry about this. I'm a parent and I know how it feels to want to do everything for your child, whether it be the obvious math homework or spread peanut butter on a piece of toast, but the reality is they have to do this. They have to experience the errors, the learning curves, and joy of ensuring the peanut butter doesn't get on the crust and you don't rip the bread.

I recently attended a session on generations in the workplace and while I don't fully subscribe to labelling someone based on the year they were born (I am Gen X, I'm suppose to be skeptical), there is certainly truth in the fact that many newcomers to the workforce are operating with a different set of expectations.

Part of this comes from the fact that at no point has anyone pushed them off the diving board and said - Now swim to the side of the pool; we won't let you drown, but you've got to find a way to do it on your own.

Harsh, perhaps...but who said life was fair. Or easy.

Just to show that I'm not entirely bitter, I do believe that more direction, expectations, and feedback should be given to all employees - not just the Gen Ys who supposedly demand it. At the same time I caution automatically dolling all of these out without allowing someone to develop their resourcefulness and iniative.