Tools of the Trade: First of a Continuing Theme

The past two days have left me with "there's a lesson in here somewhere" bouncing around in my head.  I think I've narrowed it down to something to do with tools we use - and take for granted - in doing whatever we do in a business setting.

It's no surprise to followers of Just A Minute that photography is one of those "things" I do.  Several years ago, I made the jump from eyeglasses to multi-focal contact lenses to aid with extended periods of outdoor nature photography.  The complicating wrinkle is that I can only wear the contacts for taking pictures - my prescription is that specific.  I'll spare you the details if you're willing to take my word for it.

Rewind to Saturday night.  The Great Easter Vigil is a liturgical event like no other Catholic Mass.  Knowing I'd be taking pictures for close to four straight hours, I decided to pop in the contacts for the evening.

I really thought I had it all figured out.  I planned ahead.  I was prepared.  I had my mirror, contacts case, eye drops, cleaning solution, and my eyeglasses to change into for the drive home.  I've done this many times, and had no reason to think things would be different.

Wrong.

I found out how wrong I was when someone asked me a simple question.

At this point you're probably wondering where I'm taking you with this little story.  The kink in the works was that the question had nothing to do with photography (the focus of my preparation).  It had everything to do with something I needed to read for my other role, providing liturgical support.

Did I mention I can only wear the contacts for photography?  Translation:  I can't read regular-sized print while wearing them without a pair of "cheater" glasses, which I never thought to bring with me.

This small change of wearing my contacts at St Matthias had consequences I had never anticipated.  

Eventually, the person asking the question understood what I was trying to communicate about my compromised sight.  She got a good chuckle out of having to read something out loud for me to give her the answer she needed.  Still, she had to endure some confusion with the situation until it became clear to her that I couldn't do something that would usually require little or no effort on my part. 

There's a lesson in here somewhere.

The Great Easter Vigil begins outdoors with the Blessing of the Fire.
Catholic Community of St Matthias, Somerset NJ

Interested in learning more about my consulting, coaching, and creative services?
Contact me at parentehrg AT gmail.com.

Three Things I've Marveled At This Week

First, when Spring happens in Jersey, it really happens.  Proof?  Longer days, more sunlight, and FLOWERS, even if I only have some because a squirrel stole bulbs from a neighbor and replanted them here.

Next, the number of parishioners who offer their time and talent to get stuff done at St Matthias in Somerset NJ never ceases to amaze me.  If you should visit a house of worship this week for regular services or one of the many holy days, take a look around to appreciate all who were part of putting the service together.

Finally, a kind word shared really made my day earlier this week.  It also served to remind me to do the same every chance I get.

Thanks for listening.  See you next week!   

Interested in my coaching, consulting, or creative services?  Contact me at parentehrg AT gmail.com.  

Working Under the Weather

This morning, some odd inversion weather patterns have many of us in Jersey (and most of the NYC boros) working under a cloud - part moisture, part smoke from a fire burning about 70 miles south of here at Wharton State Forest.  Add to that a combination of cold and allergy symptoms which kept me up WAY past my bedtime last night, and I'm moving slower than normal this Monday morning.

I'll spare you the selfie of the bags under my eyes.  After all, I'd prefer you continue reading <grin>

How many of you have gone to work when common sense regarding your illness would dictate staying home that day?  How many times have you run in fear from a co-worker exhibiting obvious signs of contagion, hoping to avoid catching whatever?

There's a term for this:  presenteeism.

David Chenoweth, writing for the Society for Human Resource Management, describes presenteeism as "being at work but not fully functioning due to illness or other health condition."   

The reasons for company policies and corporate cultures that encourage presenteeism are numerous, just as are why some of us choose to go to work when maybe we shouldn't.  I would enjoy hearing of your experiences - feel free to comment below, or reach me directly at parentehrg AT gmail.com if you prefer some anonymity.

As a management and HR consultant, I have the gift of flexible work hours most of the time in the comfort of my own home office.  On those days I'm scheduled to be onsite with a client when I'm under the weather, I often leave the decision for me to show up with my germs on their company doorstep up to them.  Luckily, today isn't one of those days.

In the meantime, I'll keep that box of tissues and mug of herbal tea close by.

Is it naptime yet?

 Interested in how my management and HR consulting services can help your organization?
Contact me at parentehrg AT gmail.com.

 

Three Things I'm Getting Used to This Week - Or Not

First, the changeover from Winter to Spring is finally happening here in Jersey, however tentatively.  That means POLLEN.  Tree pollen, to be precise.  There may not be many buds on the trees yet, but the pollen counts are already high.  While I reach across to grab a tissue to deal with an impending sneeze, I'll let you guess if this falls under "getting used to," or "or not."

Next, Instant Replay has hit Major League Baseball this season.  So far, I'm diggin' this rules change.  On the other hand, the catcher-blocking-home-plate rule still needs some clarification and refinement - stay tuned on that one.

Finally, the husband is finally home from his extended trip south.  It's always a bit of a transition with the two of us being under the same roof again.  So far, it's been OK.  Give it a couple of days, and this may change categories (just kidding - maybe!).

Thanks for listening.  See you Monday!