MJ in Your PC

Remember that Rockwell/Michael Jackson song..."I always feel like somebody's watchin' me! Can't I get no privacy? Nooooo!"

Computer systems and equipment (including any email sent or received), are the property of the employer. Personal privacy, real or implied, does not exist...even after business hours when you're off the clock.

Most policy & procedure manuals clearly outline terms and conditions for computer & Internet usage. Many companies classify personal use of computers as grounds for dismissal.

We interrupt this blog entry to bring you a message from Bill Gates:

"I'M NOT SENDING YOU $100!"

My policy? When in doubt, throw it out. The delete button is a fab feature. Unless, of course, you think that forwarding that chain letter to 6 friends will bring you a better job with better benefits...in which case, I'm all for it.

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Trump Your Hiring Slump

Sometimes new hires don't work out despite hours of exhausting resume reviews, interviews, reference checks, personality tests...you get the point.

This is natural and it happens. Neither the employee or the employer should feel badly.

Food for Thought:
Perhaps "The Donald" has it right. Not that a 14-week interview process is a good idea, but perhaps there is something to having a 'hands-on' interview where the employee actually performs the duties of the job for a day (or a week). It may be less expensive than advertising, interviewing and a potential wrong hire.

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Vulture Culture

Like buzzards circling a carcass, many co-workers are circling waiting for a colleague to fail (rather than helping them out); waiting for a position to be eliminated; waiting for someone to falter so they can pick the bones clean.

Sick to think about, but it happens all of the time.

Negativity and conflict in the workplace is detrimental to the overall "success" of an organization.

To schedule a conflict resolution training in your office, contact me today.

LoTo BB with BB

The Mayo Clinic promotes the following tips to reduce stress:

1. Plan each day.
2. Prioritize your tasks.
3. Delegate.
4. Get plenty of sleep and exercise.


5. Attend D.J. Urban Kobbb's Lowertown Band Brawl
   May 10, 3-6:30 p.m.
   Texaco station (7th and Madison Street)

(Okay, so #5 is my professional tip...but music has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and increase work performance)!

Hope to see you there!
www.donnamariawalker.com

I Ain't Stewart Smalley

Some consultants offer you little more advice than to look in the mirror and say...
And then they look at you and say..."That'll be $3,000!"

Donna-Maria Walker, LLC is committed to helping organizations achieve higher levels of satisfaction through the implementation of strategic communication and employee/volunteer training & development.

While trainings are fun, they are also hard work.
While speeches are motivational, they are also highly educational and results-oriented.

You're good enough and smart enough to know when it's time for some serious training in your organization. Contact me today.

www.donnamariawalker.com

More Morale

Low morale in the workplace can be a result of many contributing factors including
employee terminations, promotion of incompetent co-workers, unresolved conflict, unstable organizational and/or financial health, unreasonable and relentless workloads, demanding supervisors, unengaged/non-supportive supervisors, poor environmental conditions...and the list goes on.

Let me assure you of one thing...low morale is VERY costly to an organization either in the form of lost productivity or turnover. Have the courage to look at yourself and your organization objectively.

Contact me today to schedule your free 1-hour initial consultation. Let's create a customized plan to increase morale in your organization!

Suggested Reading

Negotiating salary, job duties and other critical aspects of your job can be a daunting task. Typically, organizations provide 6 month and/or annual reviews which usually include opportunities to communicate performance objectives, duties, salary and other critical aspects of your job.

This book is filled with some good tips and ideas that can help.

www.donnamariawalker.com