Ask The Corporate Nanny™
SAYING “THANKS” GOES A LONG WAY! June 7th, 2010
Dear Corporate Nanny,
One of my employees was mad and me – and told me so. I asked her for something and she dutifully sent it to me. She was mad that I didn’t “thank her.” I get and send so many emails a day, I didn’t think I had to send a “thank you” email too! What should I do?
-Angelo
Dear Angelo,
Sometimes when people send emails to people, they aren’t sure they even received them! With all of the SPAM filters these days who knows! So when people don’t receive acknowledgment from the receiver, their minds run wild…“did he/she receive my response,” “hoping my email didn’t get stuck in someone’s SPAM filter,” “it would have been nice if he/she said ‘got it,’ that’s all I’m looking for!” Funny things push people’s buttons, and as managers we need to know what they are! In my book, Oops! I’m The Manager! Getting Past “What Do I Do Now?!” In 5 Easy Steps, I dedicated a whole chapter on Respect. Pick up a copy! You won’t be disappointed! You’ll be able to pick and choose from many insightful thoughts, what will work for you! And saying “good morning” and “thanks” go along way! Try it!
-The Corporate Nanny
DON’T TAKE ON PEOPLE’S BATTLES April 19th, 2010
Dear Corporate Nanny,
A staff member came to me today to let me know that when the department goes to lunch or does something social, he isn’t invited. I wasn’t sure what he wanted me to do, so I told him I would talk to the department to let them know they needed to include him in the future. Now I’m thinking that wasn’t the best solution. Help!
-Lauren
Dear Lauren,
I’m a fan of letting staff “fight their own battles” unless of course the feedback you receive lets you know something is hostile or laws are being violated, i.e., an allegation of sexual harassment. Short of that, I would recommend that you coach and encourage the person who came to you to address the person(s) who is excluding him at these events. If nothing changes, you may have to get involved at that point. Good luck!
-The Corporate Nanny
IT’S NOT COOL TO YELL AT ANYONE! March 28th, 2010
Dear Corporate Nanny,
I yelled at one of my staff members this week. I was stressed out and unfortunately she said something that upset me even more! I know it was wrong, and now I’m embarrassed. How should I address the situation?
-Colton
Dear Colton,
I’m not a fan of anyone yelling at anyone, especially grown-ups yelling at other grown-ups. I feel this way no matter who the person is and what the situation was. In fact, it’s on my list of “things not to do in life”. With that said, however, people are people and we can get frustrated. I’m thinking in your case, you lost control of your emotions, for whatever reason, and your staff member received the brunt of it. I don’t believe in yelling at people, but I can understand how it happens. Now, it’s all in the recovery. Here’s what you have do to, and I wouldn’t wait too long. Call in your staff member to talk about the exchange and just flat out apologize. Apologies go a long way. And for you, try and do things that release your stress – find the absurdity in the situation and laugh about it – don’t laugh at the person – but at the situation, go for a walk at lunch, exercise in the morning, count to 10, stuff like that. You’ll be amazed how much better you’ll feel which in turn will help you develop a better relationship with your staff.
-The Corporate Nanny
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