A Hint for Difficult Conversations

If you find yourself in the middle of a difficult conversation, consider asking a question to  ease the tension. We tend to make statements (and defensively) when confronted. A question changes the tone a bit. Try questions like these:

• Could you help me understand what you mean?
• Am I hearing correctly that you feel...?
• How can I help you with this situation?
• May I explain the context a little better?
• I believe I may have been unclear, so may I have a moment to explain?
• Would you repeat and clarify what you just said?
•  

Throw in a pause whenever you can, too. There's no need to immediately react to a statement or insult. (Jesus often avoided defending Himself.) Questions and pauses can really help bring a conversation to a more satisfying conclusion.

Question: What have you found helpful to do when facing a difficult conversation?

Funny Friday

Used in accordance with permission guidelines at www.Reverendfun.com.
(Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc - www.reverendfun.com)

Should You Carry a Company Credit Card?

Does your company ask you to carry a credit card? Some employees are reluctant to do so, and that is understandable. Here are some questions to ask your accounting department before accepting the responsibility of a company credit card.

Am I personally liable for the charges on this card? (Hopefully this won't happen, but if your organization has a cash flow issue one month, will you be liable for the charges? Check this particularly if your actual name is embedded on the card. Likely, if you didn't fill out a personal application, you probably don't have to worry, but ask anyway.)

What is the limit to what I can spend and how I can use this card for? Be very clear about why you have the card in the first place.

How do I handle receipts? Be timely and reliable in working with the accounting department about this.

Can I get reimbursed instead?  You may feel more comforable using your own money and requesting reimbursement. Just be sure the company is financially reliable before you spend much of your own money on expenses.

Is a debit card an option? Some companies can and do survive without use of a credit card. Again, it's worth asking.

Could I just use a card at the office and keep it in a safe otherwise? For several expenditures, such as online orders or travel reservations/ticket purchases, you could make those arrangements in the office and only use your own card for minor expenses that could then get reimbursed.

There are conveniences to having/using a company credit card that doesn't involve your own finances. But ask questions before you agree to carry one, particularly if your name will be on the card.

Question: Do you carry a company credit or debit card? How do you feel about it?

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow--or Something Like That

Over at the teambuilding strategy blog, there's a post about what to do when someone is leaving a job. I recently left a part-time job with good memories and a mind and heart full of learning that occurred during the five+ years I was there. (See my "goodbye cake" to the left.)

Leaving a job can be sad, but it doesn't have to be miserable. I have found that when God led me to make a move (sometimes when I didn't feel I was ready to) He has provided new opportunities and experiences to follow up on the life-long plan He has for me. So keep that in mind when He calls you to move on, retire, etc. Embrace what you've learned and the relationships you've made, understanding they WILL change and that's okay, and look forward to what He has for you next!

I hope you'll visit the Teambuilding Strategy blog to see how to effectively "cut ties" with an employee.

Question: Have you ever had to leave a job when you didn't want to?

What is a Professional?

What's is a professional? Being professional can mean a lot of things, but in particular, it is a person that handles his/her vocation with the attention, attitude, and demeanor it deserves. 

In many ways, it means putting the needs of the organization and the people it serves in front of your own. 

In part, you exhibit professionalism when you:

• limit personal phone calls and emails at work
• control your emotions
• listen before speaking
• consider details before jumping into decisions
• dress appropriately for your industry and workplace
• continue to grow in your vocational skills through training and experience

It's not just about getting paid for what you do. 

Question: Do people in your organization consider YOU a professional? 

A Comma'N Problem

Merriam-Webster's Pocket Guide to punctuation lists 44 comma rules! No wonder it's hard to know whether to use one or not. One hint to help: if you can put two phrases together using and, but, or, no, or so and be left with two complete sentences, use a comma before the conjunction. For example:

I am writing this blog post, and it is hot outside.

I am writing this blog post. It is hot outside. (Two separate sentences could be formed which is why a comma works well in sentence one before the conjunction.)

I am writing this blog post while it is hot outside. (No comma because there is no conjunction.

I am writing this blog post. It is hot outside.

I am done writing this post. I will probably, maybe often, misuse commas and I will forget the rules.

Question: What punctuation mark gives you the most trouble?

Adapted from an article originally written by Brenda B. Covert for PROfile.

Sabbath Sunday

Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge... Job 11:36