SteveBellNow » fun

Emotions in the Workplace?

Steve — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:38:52 +0000

One of the most difficult tasks for a manager is dealing with emotions in the workplace. Partly because the organization as a whole, would like to keep emotions, especially negative ones, out of the workplace. I have worked for managers, VP level folks, that would have us all check our emotions (negative ones) at the door, before we walk in. Just not feasible. We all are feeling people. Whatever you see, hear or touch usually gets a reaction or emotion from you. Good or bad emotions – they all happen. A little story telling now. I happened to be in a senior level meeting, when we were discussing morale within the departments. Many of the works that came out were fear, frustration, anger, and dissatisfaction were used. The VP stopped the discussion and told us, “enough about these emotions, I don’t want to hear about them. You need to get morale up. That is your job, make it happen.” I am not one to sit and not say anything. I lightheartedly said, “Beatings will continue to morale goes up.” Some laughed, others sat quietly. I quickly pointed out that we (the leadership team) needed to validate their emotions. We needed to understand what was at the root of the emotion, rather than ignore them. VP looked at me with anger. I quickly added, that I probably sparked an emotion with those statements. Before you punish, let’s think… Defused situation (I just knew, I was going to get killed). Emotions are there…

How do you as a manager deal with them? As a manager, at least a good manager, you have to be able to see, hear and help. How do you set this up for your people?

You need to develop an open, trusting environment. People have to have the ability to speak freely. With no fear of reprimand. Start with the individuals on the team first, then make sure you take it to the complete team. Start small, then go big.
Know you people. Think of the fear emotions… Some folks can deal with it themselves, they “fear” they may fail and they buckle down and do whatever is necessary. Others may shutdown. Recognize what works for each person and get to moving forward quickly.
Push through the uncomfortable. Sometimes dealing with emotions can be uncomfortable. It happens. You as the manager need to make sure that you deal with the situation as early as possible to lessen the effect long term. Role play that discuss with a mentor, be honest and push through – you will be surprised at the end of it.
Be real and yourself. Slow down.. The first thing that most people do is react. Slow down and think it through first. I know this is a broken record when it comes to be a manager. You have to set the example for your team. All eyes are watching you all the time. Make sure that you are being real. If you are having one of those days (like your folks), acknowledge it with them. Maybe they will have some insight for you! Last time I checked, you managers are people too.
Ask others if they are feeling the same way. When in the team setting, go ahead and ask for additional information. Some folks are more vocal than others and sometimes we think it is just them. If you ask, you maybe surprised to see that more folks are in the same boat. Just afraid to speak up first. Once on the table, it can be worked.

Don’t think that emotions are not going to play in your teams. Be ready, be prepared and don’t be afraid. The sooner you confront, acknowledge and validate, the quicker moving forward can happen. All negative emotions can true to a positive, if handled properly. Same is true for positive emotions (passion). If you play that one up too much on your “rising star” – the rest of the team will be deflated or be negative toward that person. This is a very tricky subject, probably why that VP wanted nothing to do with it. You have to deal with it…

One Year Later

Steve — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:37:47 +0000

Time flies! On this day a year ago, I officially retired and left the building at Intel. When I decided to retire, I was worried about what the future was going to bring and how would life after 28 years at Intel be like… All in all, I have been pretty happy with everything that has been going on. See the Retired Guy Series for the updates…

I got a few questions that I thought I would take some time to write my thoughts on.

1. Are you happy with your decide to retire? Answer: Most definitely! I have had plenty of time to do many things, that I would not have time for, if I was still working. I have done plenty of volunteering! I have done plenty of reading! I have been able to dedicated more time to my family. I have been busier in some areas than if I was still employed.

2. What do you miss most? Answer: The people! I have met a lot of smart and dedicated people over my 28 years. Some of those folks, I stay in contact with even after I have retired. Not to say that I haven’t met some great people in all of my volunteering, because I have. I had built relationships over many years with folks that are all over the globe. I just can’t keep those relationships going as they were. So, I have new relationships that I am building to few that void.

3. What are you plans moving into year 2? Answer: More volunteering and getting back into the workforce. Let’s face it, with my wife working and me not – the dynamic of retirement is not really what I want. So, I have rested for a year. Got healthier! Refocused my priorities! My second career will be a joint relationship… What I mean by that is, the company or organization and myself will be a great fit for each other. I don’t want a job! I want to have a real partnership. Which brings out the best in both of us… I also will not stop volunteering. It has been a very rewarding experience that I want to continue. I will make “time” – that is a promise.

I had a great experience over my work history. I have given plenty to the company, to the organizations that I worked for and the people that I have met along the way. I have gotten plenty back as well. I still feel like that is what I want in the future. I look forward to what the future holds.

Top Ten List of My Most Hated Mgmt Terms

Steve — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:30:11 +0000

As 2011 is leaving us, it is time to have certain phrases or words that should leave as well. You know those management terms or sayings that stick with certain people. Think of a weekly meeting or maybe a project review and listen to the terms that you hear… I bet it will not take long for you to find some that just need to stop being used.

Here are those that want to leave 2011:

Transparency… What is that really? If you were trying to figure it out, you would have to be like a spelling bee contestant. “Can I have that in a sentence please?”

Thinking Outside the Box… I know this one has been around for quite sometime, it is definitely time to hang that one out to dry.

Drill Down… This is for the folks that don’t understand the concept at a higher level. Hence you have to drill down for them to understand. Well, as the manager this truly makes you look pretty dumb (at least to your folks).

Reaching Out… The only thing that should reach out is a baby asking to be picked up or hugged. Otherwise, just say, “Get in contact with xxxx.”

Thought Leadership… Let’s not make up terms that just dummy down their overall intent. This one comes across as an oxymoron, just like military intelligence. Sorry – stop it!

Boil the Ocean… Why would you think about boiling the ocean? I think we all understand that the task at hand is going to be difficult – or maybe not (just say – “this is going to be difficult.”)

Going Green… This is one that is fashionable and we all want to seem hip and cool. After the first time, this gets very old.

Internalize… Another one of those that I am sure have been around for a couple of years. Are you asking me to think about it some more? If so, then say that.

Let’s ask out stakeholders community… Maybe it is me, but I have already discussed with those folks in the know and what I am saying is with their comments in mind. Should be part of all discussions that information is gathered before a recommendation is come up. Once a recommendation is ready, no need to ask the stakeholders again. Sorry, waste of time. Or maybe you really don’t trust your folks.. Whichever – stop!

Drink the Kool-aid, Eat Our Own Dog Food… Or anything else that just means we have to try it before we ask others too. So sick of these…

Have any that drive you nuts?

Retired Guy: Long Time, But…

Steve — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:00:06 +0000

I have been neglecting my “Retired Guy” series. When I started this series, I thought it was a way to keep my friends updated on my happening’s. I never thought that I would get much readership. The other day, I got an email asking for an update to what I have been doing. Followed by another one. A direct message came in. Followed by a couple of instant messages. I guess people were reading the series. About time for me to put forth an update. Hope you enjoy!

As many know, I decided to have a total hip replacement on my right side on my birthday. Nice present to give yourself. Everyone had fun on Facebook and Twitter with that one. I am so thankful that I have folks around me that keep my spirits high during something like that. My family was completely awesome! To update everyone – I am doing very well. It has been a little over two weeks and I am moving around quite well. Just waiting for my okay to drive.
Az4Education is moving ahead full stream. Been busy working to increase visibility and get the word out. We have seen an increase of tax deductible donations. Of course, we would like to see some more. Non-profits are definitely feeling the effect of the economy. We have seen a huge increase in scholarship requests. Our organization would love to give more.. We just need more to give.
Took a short break from searching for my “second career” because of the hip replacement. Hip replacement is going well, now it is time to restart that search. I was able to find three positions to apply for. One of them has already scheduled an interview. Still getting positive vibes from applying. Hopefully, I will find that position within a company that fits the both of us. I have so much to give and yet some much to learn.
I am still volunteering with Valley of the Sun Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
Continuing to be a community member within the Haley Elementary site council. We are focusing on making the community around the school to be the strongest in the district. For my part, I am helping them with using social media to get their message out. This gives me the opportunity to learn and try stuff.
Had some interviews with Experience Matters. They just kicked off the very first set of folks that are helping non-profits. Even though I was not selected in the first round, I hope to hear a more positive response when the next group is selected. Giving back is very important to me.

Time is what you make of it. My time over the past month’s has been a bit fragmented. Since my health is in order, it is time to get focused and serious again. Time for me to be all in. Getting out and about…

Retired Guy Series: Update (stevebellnow.com)

Road Trip to Balloon Festival

Steve — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:45:51 +0000

This past weekend was something special. Some of the family went out on the road to take a trip together. My daughter, son-in-law and their two girls joined my wife and I on a trip to visit family in Corrales, NM. Road trips are special in many ways. They get all of you in a very closed in space with nothing but time on your hands. Since this was the first family road trip in a very long time, it brought back memories. We talked about all of the past road trips memories. We laughed (mostly at my expense) about the happenings on those trips. It was pretty cool.

We decided that we would head over during the night. We had to wait for everyone to get off of work… Since we were traveling with two very small children, they could sleep most of the trip. Driving for around 7 hours in the dark is definitely interesting. The most exciting part of that trip was when an elk decided to cross the road. Definitely woke up everyone in the car. We arrived in plenty of time (around 4:30am) to get to the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival! Parked and met up with family inside the event.

The views of watching those hot air balloons getting ready to launch is pretty cool. For most of us, it was our second time. We did have a few first timers… There were over 500 hot air balloons that morning that launched in the mass ascension. The pictures in this post come from our family cameras. Not professionally done, but we like them. Watching my grand daughter’s face when we were in the middle of the field with all of the balloons getting to ascend was pretty special. She was pointing out all of the balloons and commenting on the ones that she liked. Made the trip well worth it.

Or fun times were just beginning. We spent the rest of our trip catching up with the my brother-in-law and his family. Of course, we had to watch NFL football. We were staying with one of the biggest Pittsburgh Steelers families and watched the game in the man cave. We all got to watch the interaction with the cousins… It is funny to watch how they get along for only really being with each other a few times a year. The running around, laughter, sharing and just talking to each other was pretty cool. When in New Mexico, you have to eat green chile… I definitely did! Love the Hatch green chiles.

Our last day came up pretty quickly, not before we got a knock on the door from a hot air balloon pilot asking to launch his balloon in the yard next door. Was very cool to have your own private viewing. The pilot was trying to drop his key on the target to win a car… Shortly after that we set out for the drive back. The drive back seemed longer than the drive out.. Maybe it was the rain that we drove in and out of all the way home. Overall, the trip was awesome. Getting to spend time with family is very important to me. Spending time with the grand kids is something very special and I would not trade those times for nothing…

N.M. balloon festival sets world record (upi.com)
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Sets New World Record (prnewswire.com)