January 2008

Supervisor Q & A

Q One of my employees is  good at her job, but she hates it. I don’t have another position for her. Her poor attitude and low morale are becoming a problem. How can I help her find more job satisfaction?

  A  First, meet with your employee and set job performance goals for the next 6 to 12 months.  Review them periodically and reward her for steps taken to achieve the goals. Also, discuss any performance problems and recommend a self-referral to Performance EAP.  Maybe some personal issues are contributing to her poor attitude. If the behaviors are not corrected, consider making employee assistance a requirement.

If you need coaching before you begin, contact Performance EAP at 337-436-9533 to schedule an appointment. 

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 & A

Q I’m feeling very angry at work.  I used to enjoy my job, but now it just makes me mad. I feel disrespected, ignored, and unappreciated. Should I look for another job? 

A Remaining chronically angry can harm your health, so you are correct in seeking relief. But, before you send out your resume, consider a consultation with Performance EAP. An EAP counselor can help you identify what is making you feel angry and help you find a path to resolution. EAP counselors can help you answer tough questions and issues so you can be your best at work—and maybe even find your job satisfying again! Call Performance EAP for an appointment at 337-436-9533. 

 Submit your questions for The Other Side Q & A to Candis at candis@fyca.org, or fax 337-439-9941.


Ongoing Workshops @ Family & Youth

PARENTING 101

Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
 Six-week course that offers parents skills that will enhance the family structure.  Make a good home better, and a happy family a healthy family.

 ANGER MANAGEMENT

Thursdays, 6:00 p.m.
 Don’t let your anger take control! Join us for 1 individual session, 6 group sessions, then one follow-up session to get a handle on your anger.

 BRAINWORKS

First Tuesday in March, May, July, Sept., and Nov. 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
 For Parents, spouses, friends, teachers, or other adults who live with ADHD, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

 BODY BLUES

First Tuesday in April, June, Aug., Oct., and Dec.  5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
 Join us for tips on healthier living! For Parents and their children ages 9 and up! Begin to see yourself and your world differently.

For more information, or to register, call 337-436-9533.

Performance Employee Assistance and Business Services
a program of Family & Youth

 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.

 

Become a Star in 2008!

Just like the points of a star, most top notch employees demonstrate five common traits that make them shine bright. Each of these qualities can be learned and developed if and when one is willing to excel.

(1.) The first is PASSION.  Passion is all about being enthusiastic and tireless in the pursuit of performance goals.  Passionate employees are appreciative of the positive outcome of their work.  If we have little passion for what we do, it is much more difficult to go that extra mile.  On the other hand, if we have genuine passion for our work, even the most challenging tasks suddenly become doable.

(2.) The second is DETERMINATION.  Determination is all about deciding definitely and firmly.  When we have determination, we can see the outcome in our mind’s eye, and we know a positive outcome is achievable.  Determination is the fuel for our belief and our attempts to achieve big goals.

(3.) The third is TALENT.  Talent is all about identifying the things we love to do. What performance tasks are you engaged in when you notice that time seems to disappear?  Talents are not necessarily the things we do well (we do many things well).  Talents are the things we do that give us energy.

(4.) The fourth is SELF-DISCIPLINE.  Self-discipline is all about maintaining a state of action in pursuit of a goal.  It is a skill.  Staying focused is also about maturity and determination and talent.  All work together to help us achieve the best outcome in any work environment.

(5.) The fifth is BELIEF & TRUST.  Belief and trust are all about knowing that a particular outcome will be achieved even when it is not yet visible.  This skill is learned over time and perfected through experience.  One of the keys is setting the goal high enough to make a difference…but not so high as to make the goal overwhelming and impossible to achieve.

How bright is your star?  To learn more about your star quality, make an appointment today with an EAP counselor at Performance EAP (337.436.9533).

 

Harmony in Relationships Affect Heart Health

Positive relationships with others usually does the heart good, but did you know that conflict in close relationships may contribute to heart disease? According to a recent study out of England, disharmony in close relationships can literally cause heartache.  In the spirit of Valentine’s day, work on improving the harmony in your close relationships. It might help you live longer! If you need coaching before you get started, call Performance EAP at 337-436-9533.

 

'Tis the Season for Financial Distress

As the bills come in from the holiday season, remember that financial distress can lead to health concerns. Worry, fear, anger, and shame caused by debt overload can have consequences on your health.

Make 2008 a year to start getting out of debt! Start by looking over your expenditures over a three-month period. Do this by saving receipts for every purchase. You can also look over your check register online, a service offered by most banks. Then sort the purchases into categories, like necessary expenditures (gas, food, utility bills), entertainment, eating out, etc. Review each category and see where you can cut back. Take your lunch to work instead of eating out, cut back on gas usage, avoid vending machines, and making impulse purchases. You might find some extra green in your wallet at the end of the month that you can use to pay down your debt.

If you need counseling or coaching to help you get started, call Performance EAP at 337-436-9533.

 

Keep Words of Praise Close at Hand

When a customer, co-workers or supervisor expresses satisfaction in your work, listen closely. What skills, abilities, or personality traits are you demonstrating to earn this praise? These are the characteristics that make you an outstanding employee.  Make a file and keep notes of the positive words about you. When it’s time for a performance review, or to write a resume, review your file and use those words. You’ll make a believable impression.

 

News You Can Use

Connections Count! Family Focus Professional Development Conference

Feb. 20 & 21, 2008

L'Auberge du Lac

 

EAP Referral and Then What?

Employee Relations Workshop
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Light lunch included

Email Roxanne to register or call 337-436-9533