Category Archives: Workplace

Reality Check: Before Putting Mouth in Gear…

A long time ago, in a workplace far away, there was a poster taped above my workbench. It read, “Engage brain before putting mouth in gear.” I choose to believe that the poster wasn’t put there specifically for me, by … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Safety at Work

Last post, I suggested that one of the “wants” identified by the Laasers in their book, “The Seven Desires of Every Heart” applies to the workplace. That’s the desire each of us has to be heard and understood. Another of … Continue reading

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Reality Check: You want what at work?

Some folks view work as a way to find fulfillment and purpose in life. Perhaps your view is less lofty; you may see work as just a way to put food on the table. Either way, a quality-minded employer will … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Rise or Sink?

Much like a community or a family, a workplace has its own atmosphere and culture. Some places are productive, filled with industrious people who are happy at their work. Other workplaces seem angry or sullen, where even simple tasks take … Continue reading

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Reality Check: What’s wanted in workplaces? (cont’d)

What do business owners or managers want from their workers? One answer is “motivated employees.” Regardless of whether the business creates products or sells services, ultimately, its success depends on the work of employees. Their motivation is key. Managerial theories … Continue reading

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Reality Check: What’s wanted in workplaces?

Work and workplace discussions tend to draw out strong opinions. When you consider the numbers of employees who feel poorly treated, employers who feel that their workers don’t care, not to mention the workers who torment their fellow workers, it’s … Continue reading

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Reality Check: Turning Work from Torment to Tolerable

When asked about her work, Billie used to say, “Every day is torment, pure and simple.” But not anymore. What changed? As Billie puts it, “I had a little conversation with myself.” So, what was the problem? And how did … Continue reading

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Learning at Work

Young folks often associate learning with what teachers “make” us do in school. Here’s an eye-opener: the cold, hard reality is that even after graduation, learning continues. Yup! In many workplaces, you need to continuously learn if you want to … Continue reading

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Everybody’s still picking on Johnny

Firmly fixed in Johnny’s mind is the idea that life is unfair. More specifically, life is unfair to him. Whether it’s at work, with his parents, his teachers, even with his friends, Johnny often feels as if he is under … Continue reading

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Everybody picks on Johnny, part 2

Johnny feels picked on. He is sure that he is treated unfairly compared to others. Even worse, he is convinced that it’s the story of his entire life. When I introduced Johnny in an earlier column, I suggested that he … Continue reading

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