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Managing Employees – 2's Company – MagnusInsights.com https://magnusinsights.com Wed, 21 Sep 2022 16:45:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://magnusinsights.com/wp-content/uploads/cropped-2sCompanyLogov23-32x32.jpg Managing Employees – 2's Company – MagnusInsights.com https://magnusinsights.com 32 32 Dress for the Interview https://magnusinsights.com/dress-for-the-interview/ Thu, 22 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3275 Job interviews are something with which Melissa and I have had considerable experience over the last 30 years. We’ve revised our procedures over time, but we have always utilized an in-person interview as a final part of the process. Regardless of the position for which we are interviewing, we, as a professional practice serving a discriminating client base, have certain expectations. First and foremost, applicants should dress for the job they are seeking. In a professional environment, this means suits/jackets, ties, nice pants and shoes, etc. We’ve had some surprises over the years in which the first impressions were all we needed to know that the individual in question was not situationally aware enough to be hired, or worse, to work with the types of clients we have as trial consultants. There was the young woman, recently graduated with a master’s degree, who flew into town, at our expense, who showed up without her suit jacket “because it was too hot.” We’re in Florida, she was from Texas; heat is normal. Perhaps if she had not made it a point to tell us that she did not wear a jacket because of the heat, we would have thought she intended the no jacket look (though her outfit really called for the jacket). Then there was the guy who was so disheveled that he arrived with his dress shirt ½ way untucked and never realized it. The pièce de ré·sis·tance was the recent applicant for research technician who showed up in a polo shirt and…shorts. He blew his chance at a job by dressing so casually, not even “business casual” – but shorts! Again, because it was hot. First impressions are critical. Having the right look is important. Dressing in the right “costume” for the job is something that should be easy to comprehend. It is hard to overdress for a professional interview. Failing to do so speaks volumes about the applicant’s potential.

]]> Employees Should Cover Each Other https://magnusinsights.com/employees-should-cover-each-other/ Thu, 15 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3244 This is the 3rd in a series about “covering” or looking out for each other in a work environment. The need to do this is on a top down, down to top, and peer to peer basis. In the immediately prior post, I mentioned an employee who was hostile to another employee. The fact that this was happening was unknown to Melissa or me. To some degree it was known to other employees, but the full extent of it was known only to the junior most employee who was being verbally abused by a more senior employee. “Covering” for each other would have required any employee who was aware of the situation to report it. Another time we had an employee who was drinking on the job. When the intoxicated employee was eventually terminated, one employee reported to us that she was aware of the situation but thought we were trying to help the impaired person. Both situations are examples of NOT covering for each other. Being a “tattle tail” certainly has a negative connotation. Allowing bad things to happen in a workplace should outweigh that connotation. Looking out for each other is critical to “mission success.” The lesson we learned from these experiences is that it is important to discuss various scenarios with employees and explain how they should handle observations about problems among and between other employees. Ensuring that staff know what is expected of them in this regard is crucial to doing the right thing, and doing things the right way.

]]> Cover the Employee’s Back https://magnusinsights.com/cover-the-employees-back/ Thu, 08 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3242 As I wrote the prior post about the need for employees to cover the boss’ back, I had this post, and the next one, in mind, because covering for each other is critical. It is important for a boss to keep the health and well being of the employees in mind. In our 30+ years of being employers, Melissa and I have had examples of issues where this came into play. One employee had an issue with the hostility of another employee. In that instance, we were kept in the dark about the extent of the behavior by other employees (see next post). For other reasons, the “bad” employee was terminated and the truth of the hostility came out. Another example was on a research day, when a mock juror was verbally abusive and made racially derogatory comments to one of our employees. Melissa overhead these comments and immediately jumped in to help our employee by dismissing the abusive mock juror. I was quickly enlisted to escort the abuser out of the room and facility. We have always known we did the right thing by ending the abuse as quickly as possible and ensuring there was no residual impact on our team member. Another memorable occasion was when one of our employees, a black, Haitian, male, was followed by our local police department and stopped for questioning on multiple occasions while in our neighborhood. I decided the only way to “cover the employee’s back” was to approach a supervisor in our small police department about the issue. Ironically, the supervisor was a minority as well, an Asian man, who at first didn’t know how to react to the situation. But, after a bit of discussion, he helped me come up with a solution that eliminated the “harassment” of our minority employees. These are things you never learn about in business school. Things you may not consider otherwise. But, they are things that demonstrate the need to look out for employees in ways that go beyond the norms of a job.

]]> Cover the Boss’ Back https://magnusinsights.com/cover-the-boss-back/ Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3240 Who has your back? As a business owner, doing everything is difficult. The ability to rely on employees is critical. In this post, I am reflecting on how some employees are better than others at thinking of the boss’ or company’s best interest. Those who don’t think about the boss, or the company, are a detriment to the organization. As employers, Melissa and I have to depend on the employees not only to do their jobs, but to help us do ours. They need to be our eyes and ears because part of our job keeps us on the road, and focusing on many things. Simple examples of this are keeping up with the mail or messages. Obviously, I’m talking about employees who have earned our trust, but having someone keep up with the mail, alerting us to new cases (which one client often initiated by sending us letters), billing due dates or telephone messages. We’ve had many other things that employees have been in the position to “field” like a baseball player catching a fly ball. On research days, there are many, many factors at play. Relaying information about mock jurors, questions from clients, or issues with a facility (meals, the room temperature, audio/visual equipment) is essential. Sharing the information with us, as the bosses, is important. Being kept in the dark is not what we need. Most employees who have made it past their probationary period seem to have that ability. Those who don’t see this as a part of their job need to work elsewhere. And, those who have intentionally sabotaged the working relationship are beyond redemption.

]]> Reactive v. Proactive https://magnusinsights.com/reactive-v-proactive/ Tue, 30 Aug 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3233 My mother used to tell me that she, as well as almost everyone else, would “have to get up before breakfast to stay ahead of me.” For readers of this post who are unfamiliar with, as Mom used to say “old South Carolina sayings,” this means that, all things considered, I work and move at a pretty fast pace, such that most people have difficulty keeping up with me. One reason I am able to get things done quickly is that I am organized. I know what to do, how to do it, and how long it will take. Another reason for my speed is that I take a proactive approach to living my life. When it comes to work, I plan ahead, I see what needs to be done, and more important, I do it. I don’t sit around, idly staring into space, procrastinating, until the time comes for my work to be completed. A clear example of my proactive approach to life is these posts David and I write. On days when I have free time at work, I often spend 30 minutes or an hour writing several posts. I review the list of topics (which now numbers over 600), then I write as many as I can in the time I have available. This means that, at any given moment, I have 10 to 20 posts that are ready for David to add his part to them. I never, ever, need any prompting to write posts on an immediate basis (due to the fact we are out of things to post) because mine are already done. My proactivity often conflicts with other people’s reactive approach to life. Many people, to quote Mom and her funny expressions, “sit around and wait for the cows to eat them up.” (I haven’t ever heard of a cow eating anyone, but I heard Mom use this expression on countless occasions.) “Sitting around waiting for the cows to eat them up” means procrastinating, waiting until the last minute, then hurrying to complete a task that, with proper planning, could have been completed long ago. Many of Magnus’ clients fall into this category. They ask for my help, then I wait and wait, then wait some more for them to provide me with the materials I need to provide them the help they have requested. Sometimes, they wait so long that I am unable to help them. (Although I work pretty fast, there are limits to my ability to complete complex tasks at the last minute.) Most people are either proactive or reactive, with others falling someplace in between, depending on the task that needs to be performed. Word of advice: If you are a reactive personality type, please be prepared to move out of my way. I’m coming through, fast!

]]> Vacations https://magnusinsights.com/vacations/ Thu, 11 Aug 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3214 At the time of this post, I am likely on vacation. After missing the opportunity to take a vacation for a couple of years, Melissa and I have been looking forward to it. The visit to this destination, Alaska, was delayed from our original plan and thus, we’ve been working on and revising the plans for months. It is difficult, as small business owners, to get away, really away, and be detached from work for any extended period of time. I’m not sure we ever can. I’ve “worked” from vacations in Hawai’i, Greece, Australia, and more, if only to reply to some emails from clients or staff. The purpose of a vacation is, to me, like rebooting a computer. Our brains need rebooting; they need to be cleared. It is a pressure release, and frees up brain cells from the stresses of daily life which recharges my brain for when I get back to work after the vacation. Permanent vacations have appeal, but I haven’t won the lottery yet. Vacations are a reward for hard work and they are good for mental health as well. Over the years, I’ve noticed some people almost apologize for vacations; I’ve felt that, at some level, when I realize how our schedule impacts our ability to work for clients at certain times. But, a vacation should not be a sign of weakness; rather, it is a sign that one is doing something healthy and productive. Bon voyage!

]]> Exude Confidence/Lean In https://magnusinsights.com/exude-confidence-lean-in/ Thu, 28 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3210 I’ve had a few instances in my working life when clients or customers reported to me, or my bosses, that I exude confidence. They were reporting that my performance stood out to them in some way. I’ve had similar experiences with particularly good workers in numerous settings. I suppose, by definition, most people are average, so those of us who rise above stand out. For me, it is about getting the job done in a way that the client will be more than just satisfied. Whether it is doing the job faster or otherwise providing a good product/service, I want my work to stand out. In thinking about this, I considered the many times when I’ve observed people who just try to get through life or work “under the radar.” They want to do their job, even if to minimal standards, and keep their heads down. They don’t offer to step up to help the customer or their employer. I’ve employed a number of these type of people over the years and they don’t typically last very long in their positions. This is not how I work, it isn’t how Melissa works, and it isn’t how we want people to perceive Magnus. I know there is always a need for some “worker bees” in any business, and, to a degree, that is fine. But, to have very satisfied clients, they need to see that everyone on the team is working to help them, even on little details. I know the concept of “lean in” has been a hot topic for a few years. As I think of it, I think of leaning in as a way to exude confidence. It is to take charge, or, at least, take ownership of a problem or situation or a task. Going through the motions is not, to me, a good career plan.

]]> Share The Positives https://magnusinsights.com/share-the-positives/ Thu, 21 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3208 I observed Melissa do something today that is worth comment. She complimented our clients for the professional and supportive ways they have worked with us, and as a team, to prepare for a jury research project. The clients seemed taken aback to hear a compliment, and they were surprised their behavior was noteworthy. It is just how they operate, but we recognize it as an indication of more professionalism than we sometimes observe. We had another example recently when the clients were particularly good in preparing for research. The clients’ behaviors are not the focus of this post, however; the focus is on giving positive feedback. In today’s world, there seems a much greater tendency to bring out the negatives. Fussing about bad service, fussing about uncontrollable frustrations, complaining, whether warranted or not. Maybe for the sake of good karma, pointing out the good is important. We tip based on good service, so maybe the server knows the customer was satisfied, actually happy. But, unless we take the next step and tell someone they did a good job, the satisfaction is not really communicated. Better yet, telling the supervisor of the person providing good service makes a difference and rewards, at least intrinsically, the person making the effort to do a good job. It takes a little effort to pass along a positive, but it is something I try to do whenever possible. It helps me remember the positives in a world full of challenges.

]]> Modern Communications https://magnusinsights.com/modern-communications/ Thu, 23 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3174 Writing this post in mid 2022, I want to comment on modern communications technologies. Especially due to the pandemic, the “modern” technologies of cellular telephones and virtual meetings (Zoom, etc.) have become more common in the world of business. This is for better or worse, depending on point of view. These technologies are great because they free us from the constraints of the office walls. They allow remote working (and sometime remote playing). But, with all things, there are limitations. I, personally, find it frustrating when I am talking on a cell phone and having a bad connection. I dislike having to “work” to get through a telephone call when hearing the other party is difficult. Parties often spend time trying to find a better location with more “bars.” The conversation gets hijacked by technical difficulties and subverts the real purpose of the call. Similarly, video calls frequently suffer from technical glitches. When the communications become like walkie-talkies “simplex,” instead of duplex discussions, it is a problem. I mention this because I think it is important to be cognizant of such things. Making the other party work to hear you is inconsiderate. Sometimes it is unavoidable when on the move, but if this is a repetitive problem, especially when regularly working remotely, it is time to do something. Solutions include slowing down the conversation and listening carefully to be sure the other party’s words are clear. Beyond that, consider improving wi-fi connections or using a traditional phone, even VOIP. The negative impressions created when these problems occur are far worse than spending the money to communicate clearly. Most of the time, the subject matter I’m discussing is difficult enough without technology making it more so and I try to be aware of impressions of this sort and how clients or prospects will react to communications.

]]> Zenobia https://magnusinsights.com/zenobia/ Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0000 https://magnus.lisawhitsell.com/?p=3161 Recently, a long time friend of my family’s, Woody Hanson, posted an old photo on a social media site that brought back fond memories. The photo was of Zenobia King Hill, the owner of a modeling school in my hometown of Fort Myers, Florida. Zenobia was from Alabama; she attended the famous John Robert Powers modeling school in New York City; and later moved to Fort Myers with her husband, who was a photographer for the local newspaper. At the time I met her, Zenobia was in her 60s and just as lovely and vibrant as she was in her younger days. Like many girls “back in the day,” I met Zenobia when my mother forced, prodded, and cajoled me into attending her modeling classes. (Some people call this “charm school,” but whatever it is called, I was a most unwilling attendee!) Mom evidently decided, along with the mother of one of my cousins, that I needed to learn some skills that would help me succeed in life. Zenobia figured out that I was not attending her modeling classes voluntarily and she cleverly chose to ignore my sullen attitude, instead, she took it into stride. Luckily for me, I grew quite fond of Zenobia and, over the course of the modeling classes, I became an eager student. Modeling classes were not limited to learning how to participate in fashion shows, although that was certainly a large part of what was taught. The classes were also not limited to instruction on “table manners,” although that was part of the curriculum. Instead, these classes were more about how to conduct oneself in any situation in which one might find oneself. Thanks to Zenobia, I know many things, including: (1) how to walk with grace and poise, instead of loping along like a cowboy everywhere I go; (2) how to walk up and down a flight of stairs without bobbing my head, thereby avoiding the appearance of a bouncing beach ball; (3) how to sit properly (I admit this skill is not always practiced by me!); (4) how to get into and out of a car without flashing anyone or hitting my head; (5) how to, properly, button and unbutton a blouse or coat (there is, indeed, only one proper way to do this); (6) how to manage a large quantity of plates, glasses, and flatware at a formal dinner; and much more. In the end, I actually enjoyed participating in fashion shows, many of which were part of fund raising for charities. Thanks to Zenobia, I am as comfortable in the boardroom of any Fortune 100 company filled with high level executives as I am in my own home. And, of course, thanks to Mom for ensuring I received the proper education that has allowed me to become who I am today.

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