My Crazy Office What’s the Plan? January 3, 2013 / March 13, 2016 by Katherine Crowley | Leave a Comment At the start of a new year, it’s common for individuals to set new intentions, make resolutions and map out new goals. But what if you aren’t sure what you want to accomplish this year? How do you make a plan? Sometimes, the best way to begin planning is by remembering what matters to you. […] Read more » 2013 business plan career goals plan worklife
My Crazy Office Making the Holidays Yours December 10, 2012 / March 13, 2016 by Katherine Crowley | Leave a Comment It’s everywhere — music, decorations, jingles, wrapped gifts, advertisements to buy, buy, buy. “Ho Ho Ho!” But what if you feel, “No, No, No!” this holiday season. Honestly, it is obnoxious to expect people to be happy just because a holiday declares you should be. As a result, this time of year fills many people […] Read more »
meditation My Crazy Office When Talking Beats Texting at Work December 5, 2012 / March 13, 2016 by Katherine Crowley | Leave a Comment The digital age is amazing. We can deliver all kinds of messages and solve all kinds of problems. Here’s the trick — electronic communication (email, texts, tweets) when addressing an emotionally charged situation is always open to misinterpretation. When in doubt, say it to the other person’s face. Old fashioned? Maybe. But sensitive material deserves […] Read more » digital communication email emotions at work text tweet workplace communication
My Crazy Office The 6 Rules Of Managing Up June 26, 2012 / March 13, 2016 by Kathi Elster | Leave a Comment Train Your Boss to meet with you regularly Come to every meeting with a Detailed Agenda Keep a pulse on your bosses Changing Priorities Take the time to See Your Boss’s Side of things Anticipate Problems and offer solutions Always be prepared to give a Status Report on your projects Read more »
My Crazy Office 3 Things Managers Do Right!!!!! June 25, 2012 / March 13, 2016 by Kathi Elster | Leave a Comment Over-communicate – let people know what is happening even if it’s bad news. Listen – to staff when they have ideas or concerns. Show compassion – for their staff. Read more » listen over communicate show compassion
My Crazy Office 3 Things Managers Do Wrong!!! June 22, 2012 / March 13, 2016 by Kathi Elster | Leave a Comment Letting their stress seep out in the form of anger, anxiety and even fear. Telling staff things like – “You better watch out” or “Heads are going to role” or “You better figure out how to keep this place in business” Having a lot of mysterious closed door meetings. Read more » anger anxiety closed door meetings
My Crazy Office Principles For Managing Conflict At Work June 20, 2012 / March 13, 2016 by Kathi Elster | Leave a Comment Maintain Mutual Respect: Ask yourself or get parties to ask: “How can I discuss our differences in ways that allow the other person to retain his/her dignity? How can I avoid having the other person feel denigrated or put down? Seek Common Ground: Explore overarching goals, values and shared purpose. Try to see things through […] Read more »
My Crazy Office Mental Abuse at Work? June 18, 2012 / March 13, 2016 by Kathi Elster | Leave a Comment Mental abuse in the workplace is more common than you might think. It could be an angry aggressive boss, a mean condescending co-worker, or a group of bullies that band together and target others in the office. An abusive work environment erodes productivity and hurts those involved emotionally, sometimes escalating into making people physically sick. […] Read more » aggressive boss angry boss condescending co-worker high turnover workplace bullies