Four Tips to Successful Delegating | ehotelier.com News Archives
Monday, May 28, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
How to cope with a coworker from HELL- article from BRAZEN LIFE
INCREDIBLE and poignant article written by Kelly Gurnett from Brazen Life. Everyone has experienced working with a coworker from hell but did you know how much it affects everyone? Read this amazing article that makes so much sense and makes you really think before speaking next time your at work and ready to speak up.
Is your resume boring or super-hero style? Find outhow to create a resume and cover letter that will get you called in for that coveted interview.
If you’ve been in the workforce for any length of time, chances are you’ve run into one of them—the coworkers who make everyone else’s days miserable. You wish they would just get fired, and maybe someday they will; karma’s gotta come around eventually, right?.
But until then, here are some tips for dealing some of the most common incarnations of The Coworker from Hell – without getting fired yourself.
The Grump
It was cute when Eeyore did it, but not so cute when the middle-aged woman the next cube over sighs, “Well, that figures…” every time the printer jams. You dread asking her anything because you know it will be met with a belabored sigh and the inference that you’re part of the universe’s grand scheme to keep her down.
The best way to deal with The Grump is to kill her with kindness (and then promptly ignore her).Be polite, be upbeat and let every frown and under-the-breath mutter roll right off you.
You will probably never be able to de-grumpifya Grump, but you don’t have to let her bad attitude ruin your day. (Plus, nothing bothers a Grump more than someone who refuses to sympathize with their woes. Not that you’d be so devious as to use cheerfulness as a weapon, but I’m just sayin’…)
The Bully
If you think you’ve outgrown playground politics, think again. Grownups still find plenty of ways to intimidate and exert power over others because they feel insecure about themselves. Taking note of every time you run five minutes past your lunch? Or cc’ing the boss on an e-mail complaining to you about a personal conflict? Office bullies want nothing more than to bring other people down to make themselves look better.
The one and only way to handle an office Bully is to ignore them and take the high road. Don’t respond unless it’s absolutely necessary (as in saving your reputation from that libelous cc).
If you do need to respond, be polite, be respectful and say as little as possible. Bring any potentially work-threatening conflicts to your supervisor’s attention rather than trying to hash them out with the Bully.
Be the grownup—don’t engage, don’t fuel the fire and soon enough the Bully will either get frustrated and bother someone else or cross the line so far that management takes notice.
The Clinger
You took the new girl out for lunch to make her feel welcome, and now she’s waiting for you every day at noon asking, “So, where are we going today?”
You have to be kind with a Clinger. It can be tough making friends at work, and you’ve obviously helped this person feel like they belong. Don’t cut them off altogether; instead, try to gradually extricate yourself from being their 24/7 pal.
Claim other obligations you have to fulfill now and then. Help introduce them to other people in the office. Make it clear that you’re available, but not constantly available. Gently prying yourself from a Clinger’s grip is much more effective than suddenly ignoring them altogether, which can result in an unfortunate “Why do you hate me what did I do how can I make it up to you?!” reaction.
The Chatty Cathy (or Charles)
Your best defense against a chatty coworker is your environment: you’re at work. Just tell them you have work to do.
There are plenty of ways to do this tactfully: “I’m so sorry to have to run, but the boss is expecting that report from me,” or “I hate to cut you off, but I have a deadline.” Preface your exit with a statement that expresses your regret, then get the heck out of there.
Don’t feel bad if you need to interrupt a Chatterbox mid-sentence; some of them don’t leave room to get a word in edgewise. Some won’t even care that you’ve left and will latch on to the next available person without skipping a beat.
Which brings up the dilemma of the Ultimate Chatterbox, the sort that doesn’t get the hint even after you’ve gone back to your desk, sat down and started typing while they continue to regale you. In those cases, the other person has basically decreed that politeness has gone out the window. Continue to type away, refuse to lend even an “Mm-hmm,” even pick up the phone and start making a call if you want to. When the Chatterbox realizes she’s not getting any kind of reaction, she’ll get bored and move on.
The Gossip
The thing to remember with an office Gossip is however much secret enjoyment you get from hearing the latest dish on your boss, you are palling up to the office Gossip. Just because you’ve shared some juicy exchanges doesn’t make you immune to becoming one of their hot topics down the road. (Or from being labeled a gossip yourself if people find out you’ve been swapping stories.)
Be extremely careful what you say around a Gossip. Practice phrases like, “That’s really none of my business” and “I’m sorry; I’ve got work to do right now.” The further away you keep from a Gossip, the better you are. Nothing good ever comes from talking behind people’s backs.
When all else fails
If a coworker is really preventing you from getting your work done, or if they’re acting unethically or harassing you, it’s not tattling to take it to your superiors. Some people are just difficult to work with, but when it crosses the line and reaches any of these extents, you have the right to stand up for yourself. Don’t forget that!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Boringness: The Secret to Great Leadership - Joel Stein - Harvard Business Review
We are ALL searching for the best leaders. They are obviously what makes a company thrive, what makes incredible colleagues and makes better people.
Great read about the secret to great leadersip by Joel Stein
Boringness: The Secret to Great Leadership - Joel Stein - Harvard Business Review
Great read about the secret to great leadersip by Joel Stein
Boringness: The Secret to Great Leadership - Joel Stein - Harvard Business Review
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Moving into a smaller venue
It can be said that starting at the top and working your way backwards is certainly not the optimal plan for ones career, however, sometimes taking a step back is a giant leap forward. So I'm told. ;)
Going from a property with 1300 + rooms to one that is only peaking at 64, you have to switch your gears. It is imperative that you remember one thing however, GUEST SERVICE EXCELLENCE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVERY!!
Small town Inn's and Resorts have an opportunity to shine for the traveler. Ensuring that the proper people are being hired is really the key. Everyone should be extremely focused on each guest that walks through their doors. The WOW factor is something that can certainly be created in these situations.
I am coming in from a two of the most highly populated cities in Canada. That means PEOPLE. Guests are coming from every corner of your eyes and the level of service tends to differ. When you are forced to move to small town Canada, your opportunity to showcase your talents is prevalent. Previous properties have offered much training and have even offered you the opportunities to be promoted, however now is the time to showcase that.
Ensuring that each and every guest is treated with respect and even so much as allowing your new colleagues to see how the BIG CITY DWELLERS do their thing. I know that my new employers had their doubts about bringing in a city gal, but as I have been trying to explain to them from the original telephone call, a guest is a guest is a guest. Doesn't matter if it is Walt Disney, Casino Rama or small town Canada, each and every guest should be treated with the very same principals of those pricier, higher budgeted properties.
Being in the guest service industry allows me the opportunity to share some time with all walks of life. I can also assure you that there are many richer people staying at the smaller properties although you may not even recognize what they look like. You don't become wealthy by throwing away your money. Being practical is truly how it is done. I would never say that staying at the Fairmont Royal York isn't a treat but that's exactly what it is, a TREAT!!
The regular Joe and Becky don't stay there on a regular basis and these are the people that become those wealthy people.
As they walk into the lobby, a friendly smile and a lovely chit chat is exactly what I like to offer each guest. I truly love to hear where people are traveling from, what they doing whilst in the area and any extra little something I can provide for them, well that makes MY day, not to mention their travel experience.
So, as I start the newest chapter in my life's novel, I look most forward to the people I will meet here along my travels and look to them to teach ME something that I may share with others along my journey.
Going from a property with 1300 + rooms to one that is only peaking at 64, you have to switch your gears. It is imperative that you remember one thing however, GUEST SERVICE EXCELLENCE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVERY!!
Small town Inn's and Resorts have an opportunity to shine for the traveler. Ensuring that the proper people are being hired is really the key. Everyone should be extremely focused on each guest that walks through their doors. The WOW factor is something that can certainly be created in these situations.
I am coming in from a two of the most highly populated cities in Canada. That means PEOPLE. Guests are coming from every corner of your eyes and the level of service tends to differ. When you are forced to move to small town Canada, your opportunity to showcase your talents is prevalent. Previous properties have offered much training and have even offered you the opportunities to be promoted, however now is the time to showcase that.
Ensuring that each and every guest is treated with respect and even so much as allowing your new colleagues to see how the BIG CITY DWELLERS do their thing. I know that my new employers had their doubts about bringing in a city gal, but as I have been trying to explain to them from the original telephone call, a guest is a guest is a guest. Doesn't matter if it is Walt Disney, Casino Rama or small town Canada, each and every guest should be treated with the very same principals of those pricier, higher budgeted properties.
Being in the guest service industry allows me the opportunity to share some time with all walks of life. I can also assure you that there are many richer people staying at the smaller properties although you may not even recognize what they look like. You don't become wealthy by throwing away your money. Being practical is truly how it is done. I would never say that staying at the Fairmont Royal York isn't a treat but that's exactly what it is, a TREAT!!
The regular Joe and Becky don't stay there on a regular basis and these are the people that become those wealthy people.
As they walk into the lobby, a friendly smile and a lovely chit chat is exactly what I like to offer each guest. I truly love to hear where people are traveling from, what they doing whilst in the area and any extra little something I can provide for them, well that makes MY day, not to mention their travel experience.
So, as I start the newest chapter in my life's novel, I look most forward to the people I will meet here along my travels and look to them to teach ME something that I may share with others along my journey.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Top 10 Don'ts When Staying in a Hotel | ehotelier.com News Archives
Being in the industry for many years now, these Top 10 DON'TS for a Hotel stay are a shining example of what many, MANY of us have faced whilst being the face BEHIND the desk.
Reading these allowed me to remember some NOT so fun times during my career and hope that others will read them and remember them whilst they travel.
Top 10 Don'ts When Staying in a Hotel | ehotelier.com News Archives
Top 10 Don'ts When Staying in a Hotel | ehotelier.com News Archives
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