Legacy Bowes Group Articles

Frankly, I could scream with anger whenever I hear United States President Donald Trump appearing to defend racism. I am also quite shocked at how quickly he has been able to dismantle civil rights initiatives, legislation, policies and procedures that support diversity in the general society as well as in the workplace. In addition, Trump's suggestion that diversity is simply reverse discrimination and that it's time to stop so-called "political correctness" sends shudders through my heart. I give thanks for living in Canada, yet I am already seeing some fallout in our great country and I expect this ripple effect will continue.

The recent focus on back-to-school planning reminds me about the importance of ongoing training and development in the workplace. Training helps to improve employee morale. Employees feel valued and develop increased loyalty when they see the employer investing in their knowledge and skill development. When morale is high, employees will contribute more to their job, put in more effort, make fewer errors and waste less time. Highly trained employees have far fewer work-related accidents, have less absenteeism and require less direct supervision.

While I am enjoying the lovely summer weather and have read a book or two, I am shocked to the core about the number of ethical issues arising in the workplace I am reading about in the newspaper every day.

For instance, who would have thought that one of our elected city councillors would blatantly use his corporate credit card for personal expenses? Not only that, it is understood the credit card was used for an entire two years and 600 transactions in spite of multiple warnings.

Political skills often key to self-promotion

Have you ever wondered why your management team always seems to listen to your colleague’s ideas rather than your own? Are you struggling to get your voice heard? Are you frustrated because other people seem to steal or borrow your idea and get credit for it, thus leaving you behind in the dust?

The problem you are experiencing may be twofold. First, you may not understand some of the key dynamics of marketing and therefore fail to plan effectively for your presentation. Secondly, you may not have developed your political skills to the extent you have the right amount of influence and credibility to sell your specific idea.

For those of you who travel overseas, you know all about the time and effort it takes to make the adjustment of being "back home." For some, it is a "reverse culture shock" that requires one day of reintegration back home for every day away. In other words, 10 days away, 10 days readjustment time. Fortunately for others, the transition back to work might be rather quick. In my view, this same formula applies to employee vacations, no matter where they go. It requires one day to adjust for every day of vacation that employees are away from work. At least that’s how the formula applies to me.