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November 2008 Supervisor Q & A Q As a supervisor, I feel it is important to address issues when I see them; however, I often experience resistance and anger. What are some good tips on how to approach these discussions? A There are many techniques for giving feedback; however, doing it well is an art. And doing a good job of giving feedback increases productivity. Many studies show employees think they don’t get enough, so it is important to always assume that employees want more. Supervisors who are feedback pros operate on the premise that most employees hired for their positions are fully capable of doing acceptable work, so feedback and constructive confrontation about performance becomes a partnership in communication—not a one-way attack. This mind-set includes investigating what employees think about their own performance, what guidance they are relying upon for what they are supposed to do, what changes you as a supervisor want, and the supervisor’s ability to explain specifically what is wanted from the employee. The bottom line is this: Never underestimate the power of feedback to help an employee become successful. Submit your supervisory questions for the Supervisor Q & A section to Candis at candis@fyca.org, or fax 337-439-9941.
The Other Side Q My company is laying off workers. My job is considered safe, but the stress of the situation is bothering me. I’m having trouble sleeping and feeling guilty because I still have a job. Should I call the EAP? A Don’t wait another minute to call! Many times remaining employees experience “layoff survivor syndrome.” Feelings such as grief, depression, anxiety, and depression are not unusual. This is especially problematic in workplaces that have a family-like culture. Performance EAP offers confidential counseling and coaching to help you during this stressful time, call 337-436-9533 for an appointment. Submit your questions for The Other Side Q & A to Candis at candis@fyca.org, or fax 337-439-9941. Past Issues For more information, or to register, call 337-436-9533.
Performance
Employee Assistance and Business Services Family &Youth’s guiding principle is that all individuals possess the ability to solve their own challenges and live full and healthy lives when support is available.
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Every Darn Thing is Your Own Fault! When something goes wrong in your department, do you hold others responsible for what could be your responsibility? Everybody does at one time or another. The way to stop shirking blame is to realize that by accepting it, you have control over your life – and your business. In his novel Green Hills of Africa, Ernest Hemingway recalls how he missed an easy shot at a prized sable bull. He could have blamed it on his guide, who surprised the animal, but he doesn’t. “Every damn thing is your own fault,” he concludes, “if you’re any good!” To be successful, managers must accept total responsibility for everything, writes Dan Kennedy, author of Confessions of an Entrepreneur. If you don’t, you’ll always find excuses that keep you from achieving what you want – “It’s this depressing building I’m in.” For example: A supervisor watches a salesman try to demonstrate how a sprinkling system works. The salesman bungles the job. He does not know his product well enough and blows a sale. Outraged, the supervisor calls the chief of the sales department on the carpet. The chief blames the “idiot salesman” and protests that “he just can’t get it right.” By blaming someone else, the chief lost control. He should have said, “Perhaps I need to train him better.” Intervene Early with Co-Worker Conflict When conflict with a coworker begins, act early to intervene. For best results, avoid denying or suppressing your feelings of anger as a coping strategy. As conflict worsens, the risk increases that you will act irrationally in response to a tense moment. Managing conflict is a life skill. To prevent problems:
Success comes by getting the desired change that works for you, not by making the co-worker feel punished or blamed. Practice these steps and a potentially difficult relationship can become a positive and beneficial one. Email Dragging Down Your Productivity? How many times a day do you check your email? Checking email again and again (and again) during the work day can cut down on your productivity. According to a recent survey by AOL, 20 percent of people check their email 10 times a day or more. Boost your productivity by choosing certain times of the day to check your email, and turning off alerts for incoming emails. Don’t forget to follow your company’s email policies. Teens Say It’s Easy to get Drugs and Alcohol It’s 10 p.m. on a weeknight, where are your teenagers? Recent survey reports 50% of teenagers who stay out past 10 p.m. with friends on weeknights are being exposed to drugs and alcohol. In addition the teens reported that marijuana is easier to purchase than alcohol. In fact, 42% say they could get it within the same day, and 23% say they could get it within the hour. Prescription drugs are also readily available, 34% say then get them from home. If you are worried about your teenager, or if you have a substance abuse issue, call Performance EAP at 337-436-9533 to set up a confidential appointment. Walk for Your Health & Your Wallet Walking benefits your health and your wallet, especially if you are financially responsible for any of your own health care costs such as co-pays for doctor office visits or medications. Research has demonstrated that adults, especially those older than 50, who remain active and exercise regularly will significantly reduce health costs to employers. Logically, if employers are saving money, so are you! News You Can Use
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SMART PARENTING ANGER
MANAGEMENT Anger may be our most misunderstood emotion. Although it is a normal and positive emotion when handled effectively, out-of-control anger can be destructive when mishandled. Don’t let your anger take control! Join us for one individual session, six group sessions, then one follow-up session and get a handle on your anger! For more info call 337-436-9533 or email Bill@fyca.org.
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