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Archive for the ‘Engagagement’ Category
HR How-To: How To Make Friends at Work
Aug 19Your boss isn’t out to get you. And your coworkers aren’t enemies in your race to the top. But if you’re stuck in this mindset, chances are it’s because you don’t have friends in the office. The good news is that bridging the gap between strangers and friends is easier than you think. Here we’ll show you five easy ways to make work better by making office friends.
1. Organize outings.
On a hot day, wouldn’t you just love an afternoon ice cream break? The next time you get an urge to take an afternoon break, go for it. And invite others along, too. You’ll realize you weren’t the only one itching to get out of the office for a few minutes.
2. Be the one to help out in a pinch.
We all have the kind of days when we don’t even have time to take a break for a quick bite to eat. But the next time you see one of your coworkers in over her head, don’t just walk on by and snicker to yourself. Stop by her desk. Ask if there’s anything you can do to help her out—even if it just means picking up an extra sandwich at the cafeteria.
3. Say goodbye to that “strictly business” email nonsense.
Just because you like to keep your work email separate from your personal one doesn’t mean you have to be all business all of the time. The next time you see an article, Woot shirt or a funny xkcd you think a coworker would enjoy, don’t hold yourself back. Just don’t turn into the guy who sends out 10 emails a day.
4. Ask about their day. And mean it.
That means you can’t stop at, “Hi, how are you?” It means remembering what they told you the day before and following through the day after. This shows you were actually listening and that you actually care. You’ll notice it’s a lot easier to understand why a coworker may be underperforming when you know their 18-year-old cat just died.
5. Share things.
More things than your stapler, that is. The next time you read a good book or buy a new CD, bring it into the office and pass it along. Sharing personal items brings a personal touch to your office relationships—not to mention expose you to some cool things you haven’t heard of before.
Here’s the bottom line: If you really want to enjoy your job, you have to appreciate the people. Having friends in the office is just one easy way for you to make work better.
Home HR: How to Get Through a Holiday Weekend
Jul 1You may be off from work for a couple of days, but that doesn’t mean you can put those HR skills on the backburner. If you’re spending the long weekend with your extended family, you may need to pull in a few strategies you learned in the boardroom. Here are a few go-to HR solutions for some potential scenarios this Fourth of July weekend.
Situation 1: Trouble in paradise
A genial day at the beach has rapidly degenerated. With two feuding in-laws, a crying child and a stubborn grandmother who insists on going topless, you’re concerned your public disturbance may alert the attention of authorities.
What you’d like to do:
Pretend like you actually belong to that nice, quiet family sitting to your right.
The HR solution:
Solve one problem at a time. In this case, grandma’s indecent exposure may take precedence. Tackle the feuding in-laws the same way you’d handle a hostile meeting—take a break. Encourage the two to take their argument to another part of the beach, or enlist one of them on an ice cream mission to appease the crying one.
Situation 2: The unexpected guest
Your 30-year-old son shows up at your annual family barbeque with a surprise guest—a bubble-gum popping 19-year-old who’s barely wearing enough clothes to be allowed inside of a shopping mall.
What you’d like to do:
“Accidentally” spill some ketchup on her so you have an excuse to give her an acceptable change of clothes.
The HR solution:
Exercise some self-control. And don’t just judge a book by its cover. Try to look past this less-than-pleasant-surprise and instead focus on other elements of the situation—like your sparkling conversation skills. The main idea here is to keep your cool and conduct business…err…barbeque as usual.
Situation 3: Fire emergency
An evening activity of sparklers in the front lawn goes awry when somebody accidentally lights the picnic tablecloth on fire.
What you’d like to do:
Run screaming into your neighbor’s yard and duck under their porch.
The HR solution:
Before you do anything, take a deep breath. Then assess the situation. Look around the yard. Is there anybody near the flame? How big is it? Will your fire extinguisher do (you do have one, right?) or do you need to call 9-1-1? Safety is the most important thing. And being prepared in advance for these emergencies will help you focus when the real pressure is on.
World Cup, Enthusiasm and HR
Jun 11
That’s my son, Stephen, on his way to school this morning. He’s a fan of the Netherlands team in the World Cup.
Have you ever been to a soccer match (yes, they call it football) outside the U.S.? It’s crazy great. The fans are incredibly enthusiastic and loyal. They sing songs. They cheer endlessly. They celebrate.
When I think about employee engagement, that’s the kind I think of. True joy. Crazy enthusiasm.
What would it take for HR to create that kind of engagement? I say start now.
The Elements of Communication: Hi-drogen
Apr 26
General
Hi-drogen [hahy-druh-juhn] is the first element of communication since the easiest way to begin a conversation is with, “Hi.”
Hi-drogen is the most abundant communication element. However, naturally occurring hi-drogen is relatively rare on Earth due in part to the prolific amount of language permutations.
Although essential in spoken conversation, hi-drogen is not observed as often in other communication pieces, such as brochures, posters and really long email chains.
Unlike many other communication elements, hi-drogen has the unique capability of being able to cheer people up immediately, just as its absence can do the opposite. Scientists have observed that this element is most effective when used appropriately, frequently and genuinely, with a smile.
Applications
There are five primary applications of hi-drogen:
1. Cursory
The most common application of this communication element is its use as a cursory, empty greeting, where neither party actually pays attention to the response, as shown in the following example:
“Hi, how are you?”
“Good, how are you?”
“Good, how are you?”
“Umm…good.”
“Oh. Right…”
2. Professional
Coupled with a handshake, this application of hi-drogen is seen by many as the best type of introduction. Critics of the “professional” application claim it can appear forced, and complain that they end up spending more time worrying about how to secure the “upper hand” position in the handshake than on the actual conversation.
“Hi, nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.”
“I’m looking forward to working with you.”
“Likewise.”
3. Silly
Derivations of hi-drogen applied with the “silly” style are most commonly seen via text messages, IM conversations and viral Internet sites, the most popular of which being LOLcats. Taken out of context, these “silly” applications are mostly used by the bored, those who like to entertain themselves with nonsensical language and the typical teenager. These are not meant for professional use.
“O hai.”
“O hai. I can haz cheezeburger?”
4. Flirty
Designed to be fun and cutesy, the “flirty” application often includes a long string of “i’s” at the end of the word, and quite possibly and emoticon or two. This is typically used by star-crossed lovers who want to showcase their love for each other via their Facebook walls. (Warning: Too much use of this application may cause you to lose Facebook friends who don’t appreciate such sappy displays of affection.)
“Hiiiiiiiiii. Thinking about you… 
”
“Hiiiiiiiiiii. <3 <3 <3"
5. Genuine interest
The “genuine interest” application of hi-drogen is the rarest of all, mostly because it requires the undivided attention of both participating parties. This application carries with it the positive effect of having a true, down-to-Earth conversation, making both individuals feel valued, as shown here:
“Hi, how are you?”
“Eh, you know, alright…”
“Hm…tough weekend?”
“Actually, yes…”
“Well, let’s meet for lunch later today to chat a bit.”
If properly executed, effective use of hi-drogen can guarantee you’ll have your audience at “Hello.”
Shape Up HR With These At-Work Exercises
Apr 22Last week we walked you through some ways to slim down your HR communications. This week it’s time to bulk it up. Follow these exercises to see how you can shape up your at-work HR routine. After a few weeks of practicing these exercises, you’ll make you and your company stronger.
WARM UP
Brain cell build-up
Construct an academic foundation for what you do by making sure you keep on top of the latest principles, techniques and HR-related issues. Start out by reading 3-5 articles or blog posts every day.
Works to shape up your intelligence, HR know-how and online presence
CARDIO ROUTINE
Communication cultivation
Create an internal communication platform that plays to the human aspect of your job. This means, as much as possible, talk to your employees without all of that jargon, legal language. You’ll have them from, “Hello.”
Works to shape up your employee trust, writing skills and positive attitude
Work out with your competition
For most companies, HR isn’t a strategic advantage, which means you don’t need to keep your programs a secret. Get to know your peers at other companies. Sharing your success stories will make everyone stronger.
Works to shape up your teamwork, networking and critical thinking
Buff up your work force
Give your entire HR team a little more street cred by offering real training exercises that do things like teach managers how to manage or show off the power of online social media.
Works to shape up your HR team, managers and employee relationships
COOL DOWN
Bulk up by cutting back
Here’s the part where you start thinking critically and realistically about the current state of your policies and programs. Figure out what works and what doesn’t.
Works to shape up your policies, programs and brainstorming skills
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