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Critical Guidelines You Need to Know Before Hiring Anyone
We don’t like to think about people doing harm to ourselves or others. The reality, however, is that we live in a country with one of the highest rates of financial crimes, including embezzlement, fraud, theft, etc. And, that’s just the beginning. Let’s look at just a few statistics on what the FBI reports is the fastest growing crime in the US - employee theft:· US Chamber of Commerce reports that $50 billion dollars are lost annually due to employee theft and fraud and that 20% of all businesses fail due to the same reason.· According to an Ernst & Young Report, "White Collar Crime: Loss Prevention through Internal Control" companies lose 1% to 2% of its sales to crime -- most committed by, or in collusion with, employees.Employee theft, negligent hiring, sexual harassment, and workers’ compensation fraud are just a few of the liabilities an employer has to face

is spent explaining your humorous comments. Additionally, many corporate-minded individuals do not have the time to analyze comments with hidden meanings and will take what you say as absolute. Therefore, if you make a 'stupid' comment in hopes of eliciting a smile, your comment will be taken as an absolute and a representation of your professionalism in the workplace. Finally, if your comments do have hidden meanings or contain humorous connotations, then anything you say will be taken as unreliable, thus labeling you as unreliable.

Realize that the corporate culture labels you by 'visi

Six Useful Strategies for Navigating Career Transition or Job Change [And Other Big Changes as Well]
Through my own two major career changes, and after coaching many people through successful career change, I have determined six useful strategies for navigating this life passage with skill, perspective, humor, a sense of adventure, and a great outcome.First of all, know up front that few people feel skilled at figuring out a new career or finding that next job. Most people find the task daunting. If you are someone who is used to feeling on top of your game, be willing to be out of your comfort zone on this one – chances are, this is not your game. And if you are usually a not-too-confident person, know that in this context, you are not alone in feeling unsure of yourself.These strategies can help.1. Know this: IT’S NOT A LINEAR PROCESS! 2. Network, Network, Network! 3. Be Generous With Self-Acknowledgement and Self-Care 4. Choose Expansive vs. Limiting Beliefs 5. Bu

When I was first initiated into Corporate America, I had a sense of humor that went unmatched by any mortal soul. I was quick-witted, smart, sharp, and knew every gag and joke available to humanity. Most of it, I learned in college. But, college never really did teach the fact that having a sense of humor in the workplace is different than 'jocularity.' After a few brushes with career-chaos, I realized that the definition of 'corporate humor' deals with how one handles oneself and not how one can elicit laughter.

--- Where did this come from? ---

One of my friends came to Las Vegas last week to visit and relax a bit. He and I went out and checked out some of the local bands. During the course of the evening, he brought up some issues about his current job situation. After some introductory words, we discussed the issue that he seems to get blamed for some of the stupidest things, that he never did, and no one takes him seriously anymore. Then, he cracked some joke about it and we carried on.

Not being taken seriously by your peers is actually a common problem with people who do have a sense of humor. But, funny has no place in the workplace and can easily wreak havoc on an otherwise blossoming career.

--- So, no more laughter? ---

Of course, laughter is necessary in life. But, in a professional setting, it becomes a different type of laughter. One situation you will encounter as you move through your career is the seriousness of professionalism. Of course, to some, this is not a problem. But, to those that have a funny bone, this is a big problem and a detriment to one's career.

You have to realize that when your boss asks if you have a sense of humor, he's not asking if you're a clown. What he is asking is whether or not you can accept criticism, deal with difficult people, and gracefully handle mistakes without snapping people's heads off when things get stressful. It is important and considered professional to be able to take criticism lightly as it is sometimes used as a tool of 'turf wars' than an actual personal attack.

--- Hey, that was funny! ---

If you begin to crack jokes and make snide remarks, you will eventually not be taken seriously in the workplace. You will be seen as someone who wastes time because every time that someone approaches you to discuss a project or other issues with you, some of that time is spent explaining your humorous comments. Additionally, many corporate-minded individuals do not have the time to analyze comments with hidden meanings and will take what you say as absolute. Therefore, if you make a 'stupid' comment in hopes of eliciting a smile, your comment will be taken as an absolute and a representation of your professionalism in the workplace. Finally, if your comments do have hidden meanings or contain humorous connotations, then anything you say will be taken as unreliable, thus labeling you as unreliable.

Realize that the corporate culture labels you by 'visib

Corporate Sympathy Gift Ideas
There has been a complete turnaround in the concept of manpower management in most leading companies. The focus has shifted from authoritarian style of management to a more personal and caring style, which treats people who make up a company as associates and comrades. This change in attitude has led to the formation of the Associate Acknowledgment program that helps improve employee communication with the management and boost their morale. This kind of a work environment makes the employees feel supported, celebrated and acknowledged. One part of this program is the Employee bereavement policy that conveys sympathy for staff members that have suffered a family death.Flowers and a condolence card are the most commonly used ideas. However, there are a lot of other options available for expressing support and sympathy to the bereaved family members. A sympathy gift should be chosen keeping in mind the ag

last week to visit and relax a bit. He and I went out and checked out some of the local bands. During the course of the evening, he brought up some issues about his current job situation. After some introductory words, we discussed the issue that he seems to get blamed for some of the stupidest things, that he never did, and no one takes him seriously anymore. Then, he cracked some joke about it and we carried on.

--- So, no more laughter? ---

--- Hey, that was funny! ---

Realize that the corporate culture labels you by 'visi

Creative and Innovative Culture, Change Management - Three Easy Tests
Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation and innovation can be defined as idea selection, development and commercialisation. From this simple definition, it is clear that certain cultural characteristics ought to be prevalent if creativity and innovation are to be maximised. And maximisation of these ought to be a priority for senior leaders, as those organisations that take them seriously, tend to be leaders in their field, tend to maintain their leadership position longer and are quicker to bounce back when competitors leap frog.There are many blocks that prevent expression of problems and hinder idea generation. Some solutions include:a) An environment of psychological safety and freedom – accepting an individual as unconditioned worth; recognising that the individual is capable of producing but that their value is not based on producing; understanding empatheti

c on an otherwise blossoming career.

--- So, no more laughter? ---

--- Hey, that was funny! ---

Realize that the corporate culture labels you by 'visi

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Isn't enthusiasm a good thing? Aren't we urged to be enthusiastic about what we do? To be committed?We are...but enthusiasm has a dark side too.When the word first came into the English language (from Ancient Greek, via French) it had a far more extreme meaning. It meant to be possessed or inspired by a supernatural force and was used to describe the extreme religious sects that grew up with the Reformation in Europe. Enthusiast was a term of abuse, like fanatic or extremist today. It took more than two centuries for the word to acquire the modern sense of eager or motivated.Don't Get Carried AwayIt's this original aspect of enthusiasm that needs watching. There's an irrational aspect to it: a sense that emotions have taken over and the mind is on hold.The dark side of enthusiasm is its ability to overwhelm caution in a flood

criticism, deal with difficult people, and gracefully handle mistakes without snapping people's heads off when things get stressful. It is important and considered professional to be able to take criticism lightly as it is sometimes used as a tool of 'turf wars' than an actual personal attack.

--- Hey, that was funny! ---

Realize that the corporate culture labels you by 'visi

Franchises - Success and You
Many people believe owning a franchise will make them rich, financially secure, and provide the life of their dreams. True, franchises have an extremely high success rate, and a very high satisfaction rate among their owners. But is that success guaranteed when you purchase a franchise? NO!There are no guarantees in life, or in franchises. There are those occasions when franchises are not profitable, lose money, and close. Although most franchises provide a proven business system, not all OWNERS are proven.Many enter into the franchise system, thinking all they have to do is come up with the money to get the business open, and it will run itself and they will make money. I don't how many times I have had a prospective franchisee say to me, "I want a franchise that makes a lot of money". Well, I have news for you, it's hard work.You have to WORK the system provided by the franchise. Many f

Realize that the corporate culture labels you by 'visible change,' not completely by merit. What I mean is, the last way you presented yourself is the way that you will be seen in the workplace. If you are a serious, pleasant, and hard worker, you will be seen that way. If you crack a joke in the middle of a serious moment, from then on, you will be seen as a joker.

--- Look over there! ---

One thing to keep in mind is that many people crack jokes and make 'humorous' comments when they are uncomfortable or lack confidence in a situation. If this applies to you, realize that your peers know this as well. Being overly humorous under stress gives off a sign of weakness within the workplace and will also cause you to be ousted from the ranks.

Try to find another outlet for discomfort or confidence issues. Perhaps a favorite ink pen or a small quartz crystal to toy with in such situations will remind you to maintain your professional fa?ade as well as keep you calm.

--- Watch what you say! ---

One of the big problems facing corporate cultures today is that, in general, everyone is 'sensitive' to everything. Instead of working together for a common goal, there are individuals that stay on their toes looking for that one thing that they can use to cause some sort of upheaval within the culture. With that, corporate-minded peers are also on the lookout for those who might do or say something to upset those sensitive individuals.

Because of this situation, there truly is no room in a standard corporate culture for remarks and comments that in certain groups might otherwise be humorous. You have to realize that when you speak within a corporate culture, be concise, be realistic, and do not add comedic breaks or sarcasm. Since everyone is taking everything 'seriously' with a 'sense of humor' for themselves, then whatever you say will be taken seriously and could easily land you in hot water.

To alleviate the chance of being misinterpreted, keep emotion and personal beliefs out of the context of your conversations. Basically, listen closely and be concise in what you say. Not only does this eliminate the problem of having people take you wrong, but it also saves a lot of time.

--- The Deadly Silence ---

There are several little games played within the corporate environment to elicit a fatal comment from the unwary. The most deadly game is the 'long pause.' In many cases, you mig

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Explaining Why can only lead to disappointment. It's better to respond with What you can do, When you can do it, Where it will get done and How you are going to do it.

If you control language, you control thought. If you control thought, you control conversation. If you control conversation, you control outcomes. Use these Phrases That Payses™ to make your phone calls unforgettable!

Every decision we make, in business, in life in general, is bounded by just two options. Like an on-off switch, we make one or the other - there are no variances to this. Because it's as simple as Yes or No - and so often we get it wrong.

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