Personal Blog

If you're having trouble with your boss during these tough times, the deepest postwar recession to date, you're not alone. Let's face it - with unemployment hovering at 9.5 percent, even angelic bosses can be jumpy at best, as they must invariably be pondering their own fate.

The problem is when jumpy turns into angry, stubborn or impatient - and you're in the line of fire. You want to stand your ground, but you really like having a paycheck right now.

Most of the questions I get from employees today have to do with how they can cope with all the fear and drama in the office - because

Brag Discreetly

I cannot emphasize the word discreetly enough.

If you trumpet all your achievements and pricey possessions, you will lose everyone's respect. You want people to know that you're making it without coming off as a boaster; slip things into conversation casually. State your accomplishments as matter-of-factly as possible without the detailed trimmings, or slip them into stories.

For instance, say: "I went to New Zealand on vacation.

This session addresses a variety of attitudes that plague efforts at process improvement including resistance to change, credit and blame, underestimating and overestimating abilities based on status, etc.  It explains, in understandable terms, how to channel the energy tied up in ineffective attitudes into cooperation.

The strength of this session is in the explanation of why attitudes get the way they do and how to change the work situation to promote functional attitudes.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).

Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.