In this My Crazy Office podcast, Kathi and Katherine explore an important question for anyone in management: How much should you invest in a bad hire? They start with a question from a manager who hired a very likeable person who lacks the skills needed for the job. This manager has invested time and money trying to upgrade the new hire’s skills, but it’s not working. Do you wonder how much to invest in someone who isn’t able to do the job? Listen here.
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Are you an over-talker? Do you manage someone who talks too much? Over-talking can be a real obstacle to moving your career forward. It can compromise your reputation and cause people to avoid you, personally and professionally. In this podcast, Kathi and Katherine examine the problem of over-talking at work and offer concrete tips for how to deal with it.
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It’s not enough to hire someone with the right skill set. You want to hire the right personality — for your company and the job. In this My Crazy Office episode, Kathi and Katherine discuss why personality, in the form of work ethic, professional behavior, and interpersonal skills, is what employers really pay for.
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Kathi and Katherine talk about burnout prevention for high performers on this week’s episode of the My Crazy Office podcast.
First we give advice to an employee who is great at their job but drowning in work.
Then we discuss how managers can protect their stellar employees from working too hard and burning out.
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Kathi and Katherine talk about working from home versus working onsite on this week’s episode of the My Crazy Office podcast.
First we give advice to someone whose work performance improved at home and is conflicted about returning to the office.
Then we discuss what managers can do if they have staff members that work better from home.
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Kathi and Katherine talk about performance on this week’s episode of the My Crazy Office podcast.
First we give advice to an employee whose home life is difficult but they have hesitance in telling their boss.
Then we discuss what a manager should do if they suspect an employee’s home life is affecting their performance.
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If you are one of the lucky ones to have a good job it is your responsibility to make your work stand out to ensure that you are not on the short list if there are any future layoffs.
As an executive coach, I know my clients are concerned about being noticed by their managers. This is particularly important for those who tend to be more introverted, or those that might have been on the outs with their supervisor prior to the quarantine. Even if you are only part-time or a consultant, it’s time to step up your game.
Here are a few tips that will help:
1 – Arrive a few minutes early to all conference calls and videoconferences.
I have a strong opinion on this one. I feel that lateness shows disrespect and disorganization. Being early gives you the time to relax, prepare and say hi to everyone else. You will be noticed.
2 – Maintain regular business hours.
We are working our way through an unusual time where many of us have responsibilities at home beyond our jobs. Flexibility is key for many of us to be successful now. With that said, if you need to have a different schedule be sure that others know. But, try to have a consistent schedule. The last thing you want said about you is “I have no idea where so-in-so is.”
3 – Always answer your bosses phone calls.
Sounds simple, so why is it so hard? Keep your phone next to you at all times. Keep the ringer on if that helps. If you have to walk around, put your phone in your pocket. Being available and responsive will give your boss the idea that you are there for him/her.
4 – Answer emails ASAP
I know this can be challenging but remember “Out of sight, out of mind.” Since you are not visible to your boss and coworkers, answering emails is the second best way to be seen.
5 – Do your best work.
That’s right, put in a little more effort. Perhaps you can use technology that you have not used before; learn how to create charts or design more elaborate presentations. Show how you are learning and growing.
6 – Do not procrastinate on any assignments.
If you are someone who does procrastinate, it might be challenging for you to stop procrastinating during this difficult time. But now is better than never. If you are someone who does not procrastinate, you might not have the energy to be on top of your projects at this time. Trust me your boss will notice who he/she can count on.
7 – Be proactive.
Now is the time to think out of the box. If you have an idea for your company, write a proposal. If you have a new way of solving a problem that your team has been working on, create a presentation and ask for a meeting. If you have strong tech skills, you may want to help others who are less inclined.
Speak up, show up, or run the risk of going unnoticed.
Kathi Elster – Executive Coach and co-owner of K Squared Enterprises.
Contact us at info@mycrazyoffice.co for any further help around this topic.
Kathi and Katherine talk about managing staff on this week’s episode of the My Crazy Office podcast.
First we give advice about how to manage a difficult employee – especially if you are short on time.
Then we discuss how to make and take the time to effectively manage your staff.
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Join Kathi and Katherine as they answer real workplace questions with solid advice, and a great sense of humor.
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Bestselling authors Katherine and Kathi use humor and a slue of engaging techniques to mediate solutions for individuals at every level of employment — from executives to managers to frontline employees.
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