third lesson Amy learned was to always treat others with the same respect you would like to be treated with. And, last but not least, Amy learned to accept responsibility for the mistake and hold her head high to complete a job duty. Appreciate diverse opinions The key reason to appreciate diversity in the workplace and to embrace the differences of others is to “see them as potential drivers of change. The more opinions, the more variety, and the more diversity we bring to the table, the more we can unchain our creativity, which is hidden in every one of us” (Wittenberg, 2015). Take personal responsibility With an estimated net worth of over $3 billion, it may be safe to take the advice of billionaire Oprah Winfrey on the subject of taking responsibility for your own actions. Ms. Winfrey states, “You are responsible for your life. You can’t keep blaming somebody else for your dysfunction. Life is really about moving on.” Stop complaining One bad apple spoils the whole bunch. Well, isn’t that the truth? There is usually a “Negative Nelly” on the team that has a tendency to stifle the good mood or attitude of those attending the Monday morning staff meeting. “Why did we have to show up so early?” Negative Nelly nags. “Are we getting paid extra for this? Why would the boss try to change that policy? I like it the way it is. What do you mean we have to clean our own stations at the end of our shift? I thought there is a cleaning company that handles that.” Negative Nelly huffs and puffs through the salon if the client is late. Negative Nelly huffs and puffs through the salon if the client is too early. Many stylists may be able to think of someone they work with that fits this description. If not, one should consider if they might be that person! Eventually, negativity and complaints become contagious and wear down others throughout the day and week. Speak positively about the workplace Negativity, especially on social media, about the workplace, a boss, a coworker, or a client may land an employee in hot water. If an employee has nothing nice to say about the salon that employs them, then they have one of two options. One, say nothing publicly. An employee should ask to speak privately with their boss to discuss any problems or issues they may be experiencing. It’s best to have a follow- up plan in place before the meeting ends. If nothing comes from the meeting or the issue has no resolve, the second option is to leave. Consider the following example: Employees at Posh Salon pride themselves on schedule flexibility to promote a strong family/work balance. Their standard: “God first, family second, workplace third.” Upon hiring, each stylist creates their own schedule to fit their family life or lifestyle. The majority of the staff have events or sports, etc., on Saturday. As the leader, Nico takes the responsibility of hiring enough team members to cover Do not start or spread gossip Gossip, is perhaps one of the most important topics that each individual could use improvement on. Individuals
Amy had begged for another coworker to go back out to the client and take her place. No one would. This was her responsibility.
We all can learn important lessons from the differences we see in others, whether it be a different religious belief, holiday custom, family tradition, style of clothing, et cetera. Individuals do not have to compromise their own beliefs, customs, traditions, or fashion; they simply can watch, learn, listen, respect, and appreciate the differences. Once individuals accept personal responsibility, it is easier to make necessary changes. In the workplace, leaders should appreciate a staff member who makes a mistake, but is eager to admit the mistake, accept constructive criticism, make the change, and move forward. Good leaders should avoid “reminding” someone of past mistakes, as it belittles them. Instead of just one person, now two, three, four or more have jumped on board with Negative Nelly and an out-of- control army of stylists forms, trying to gang up on their leader. Leaders should nip situations like this in the bud, take control of the situation, and regain focus on the current topic. If after talking to Negative Nelly and attempting to correct the negativity, a leader cannot find a resolution or there is no change, it might be best to relieve them of their duties within the salon. The environment of the workplace is crucial and leaders should aim for high standards. The well-being of the staff and their productivity is dependent on a good atmosphere. No one wants to walk in to a “lion’s den,” feeling as if they may be devoured. Therefore, leaders should try to eliminate negativity. Saturdays. She does not demand any certain day or time of the week as mandatory. The schedule does not change week to week. Employees adhere to the schedule because they created it, which helps to prevent call-outs. Posh offers the largest commission rate in the region. The staff is completely aware of this, as are many other people, including their competitors. Therefore, the salon has a very minimal turnover rate. Stylists who rent booths pay a fair weekly rental, but certain supplies are included, as well as a full-time receptionist for their benefit. The staff is happy. Not only do they express this during meetings, but Nico hears the positivity from them in the things they say to clients. She sees the nice posts on social media, and Nico reciprocates the pats on the back. She makes her employees aware of how much they are appreciated, and says complimentary things to them in front of clients, as well. ● Have you ever been confronted about a “truth” that someone heard about you? Yes, even telling the truth about someone or spreading something as a “put down” to that person, or to get a laugh, is wrong.
should consider the following questions: ● Have you ever been the topic of another person’s conversation? ● Have you ever been lied to?
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Book Code: NTNC0825
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