STOP!
I am human.
Smile and say "hello" before you put me to work on my own.
Wave at me goodbye when you send me on home.
Know that I cry when faced with a loss,
and that I die a little inside when my words are just tossed.
GO!
Live! You are human too.
You know what goals mean.
Those images of growth are what we call "dreams".
With speech and motion, it is inate to connect.
That's the key motivator you so often neglect.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
I can't complain.
I live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
I go to one of the top-ranked journalism schools in the country.
My family supports me all the time.
My cousins are my best friends.
My co-workers always have my back.
My friends never fail to surprise me.
I haven't been sick all year.
There is money in the bank.
My car runs.
My dad took up golf.
My mom is baking from scratch.
My nephew is a little ball of fire.
I build relationships at work all the time.
I am grateful for all these things in my life.
What are you thankful for?
I go to one of the top-ranked journalism schools in the country.
My family supports me all the time.
My cousins are my best friends.
My co-workers always have my back.
My friends never fail to surprise me.
I haven't been sick all year.
There is money in the bank.
My car runs.
My dad took up golf.
My mom is baking from scratch.
My nephew is a little ball of fire.
I build relationships at work all the time.
I am grateful for all these things in my life.
What are you thankful for?
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Controlling your online identity
I had a conversation with my boss a while back about Facebook. He is totally against facebooking because he said he lets people into your personal life too much. My stance was that you have to know how to control your online identity. Yes, everyone has access to it... even if you using the various privacy options that Facebook and other social networking sites have, there are ways around it.
Example: you set it to "friends only" but what if your "friend" shows someone, and that someone opens their mouth about something they saw on your page... its out in the open now.
So you have to be smart about what you put out there... from a Journalism/Public Relations standpoint, Facebook can me a great networking tool. There are people in the building(s) that I work in that I would never talk to... we'd just send each other work-related e-mails. But now on facebook I can get to know them differently and then make a human connection with them when I see them at work. It alleviates the pressure of work and enriches your professional relationships.
Along with that, it allows you to reconnect with people from your past and helps you rebuild bad connections.
I guess I'm just saying that people need to be smart about the way they use their Facebook. First of all..don't just add the whole world... add people that will increase your social capital and strengthen your bridges. Secondly, don't put stuff out there that is way too personal. Once one set of eyes lands on it, its free game to the rest of the world... and you will have no one to blame but yourself.
That is all...
Example: you set it to "friends only" but what if your "friend" shows someone, and that someone opens their mouth about something they saw on your page... its out in the open now.
So you have to be smart about what you put out there... from a Journalism/Public Relations standpoint, Facebook can me a great networking tool. There are people in the building(s) that I work in that I would never talk to... we'd just send each other work-related e-mails. But now on facebook I can get to know them differently and then make a human connection with them when I see them at work. It alleviates the pressure of work and enriches your professional relationships.
Along with that, it allows you to reconnect with people from your past and helps you rebuild bad connections.
I guess I'm just saying that people need to be smart about the way they use their Facebook. First of all..don't just add the whole world... add people that will increase your social capital and strengthen your bridges. Secondly, don't put stuff out there that is way too personal. Once one set of eyes lands on it, its free game to the rest of the world... and you will have no one to blame but yourself.
That is all...
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Baby Boomers and Me
(following the theme of the previous blog, this one is about my parents' generation and how they raised Millennials. This is the reason for my existence.)
America’s baby-boomers are known for being cynical, individualistic, social change oriented workaholics. They focused on themselves and did not have close relationships with their parents. The boomers came of age during a questionable time in American history when people lost trust in institutions and questioned authority figures. Since they looked down upon the people of power during their time, they‘ve brought up their families to be different.
As parents, members of the baby boomer generation have overprotected their children and nurtured them into believing that they are special. They’ve tried to raise their children to become active and successful contributors of society. To contrast, their children of the Millennial Generation are optimistic, team oriented, and are known as the most pressured from all the other generations that we follow. Though my mom and dad did not come to the U.S. until they were 28 and 30 years old, they still displayed all of these baby boomer characteristics.
My parents were barely twenty years old when former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, declared martial law. At the time, the country saw a rise in civil disobedience due to allegations of government embezzlement and corruption, as well as a fraudulent election. Marcos put power in the hands of hungry military forces who eventually abused their new found power.
At the peak of this defining period, Ninoy Aquino, who was a prominent icon of the movement, was quoted saying “The Filipino is worth dying for.” That phrase became the mindset of thousands of young people in the Philippines. After his death, protests and rallies for civil and human rights took place all over the country.
My dad wanted to be in the middle of it all. He was always found in the streets of Manila during the revolution in the late 1970s and 80s. He said “history was being made” and he wanted to be a part of it. That movement would later bring democracy, an ideal brought on by the Westerners, back to the Philippines. He took my mom along with him most of the time and my grandmother resented him because of that. Being a member of the Silent Generation, my grandmother thought it would be best to be in compliance with the new rules the government had laid down for them. My grandfather’s goal, on the other hand, was to flee the country all together. But my father didn’t agree with either of them. He believed that people had their rights stripped from them and that something had to be done about it, so he decided to stay behind and join the revolution.
In 1985 my mom and her family finalized their immigration into the United States. My mother still wanted to be involved and make a change, so she visited the Philippines frequently to be with my activist father. The two of them jumped on the protest bandwagon and found themselves in the epicenter of what is now known as the “People Power Revolution” of the Philippines.
At the end of this decade long unrest, my dad finally came to live in the U.S. with my mom and her family in 1987, the year I was born.
Life in America was a new chapter for them. They put to rest their revolution-hungry spirits and refocused their energy on achieving the American Dream. Though their opportunities in life were widely increased, they both worked minimum wage jobs in their first years of assimilation in their new home. It was suddenly a new game with new rules for them.
What didn’t change was their cynicism and their belief that everything they did was right. They enrolled me in public school, but questioned the decisions made by the school board. They put me in a swimming class criticized the instructors techniques. I remember when I was in band, my dad looked over my music sheets and said “why are they teach thing you this way? That’s wrong.“ He then started giving me music lessons on his own, which sometimes contradicted what my teachers in school were saying.
But where is this resistance really coming from? Maybe its because the boomers saw our world rise and fall, so they want their children to be able to survive and succeed in it, no matter what happens. In “Parenting the Millenial Generation,” author Dave Verhaagen said friction was common for baby boomers. They worry about the world their children grow up in. “It’s a new world” he writes, “and we would all be wise to learn how to navigate our families through it.” My parents have always pushed me to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to me. They told me I was “unique” and that I was “special.”
The circumstances I was born into and the way they’ve raised me as an American-born child reflect these generational effects. The mindset behind their fight for civil and human rights in the Philippines cement the idea that as a Millennial, I am pressured to be successful. Still, I am optimistic about my future.
America’s baby-boomers are known for being cynical, individualistic, social change oriented workaholics. They focused on themselves and did not have close relationships with their parents. The boomers came of age during a questionable time in American history when people lost trust in institutions and questioned authority figures. Since they looked down upon the people of power during their time, they‘ve brought up their families to be different.
As parents, members of the baby boomer generation have overprotected their children and nurtured them into believing that they are special. They’ve tried to raise their children to become active and successful contributors of society. To contrast, their children of the Millennial Generation are optimistic, team oriented, and are known as the most pressured from all the other generations that we follow. Though my mom and dad did not come to the U.S. until they were 28 and 30 years old, they still displayed all of these baby boomer characteristics.
My parents were barely twenty years old when former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos, declared martial law. At the time, the country saw a rise in civil disobedience due to allegations of government embezzlement and corruption, as well as a fraudulent election. Marcos put power in the hands of hungry military forces who eventually abused their new found power.
At the peak of this defining period, Ninoy Aquino, who was a prominent icon of the movement, was quoted saying “The Filipino is worth dying for.” That phrase became the mindset of thousands of young people in the Philippines. After his death, protests and rallies for civil and human rights took place all over the country.
My dad wanted to be in the middle of it all. He was always found in the streets of Manila during the revolution in the late 1970s and 80s. He said “history was being made” and he wanted to be a part of it. That movement would later bring democracy, an ideal brought on by the Westerners, back to the Philippines. He took my mom along with him most of the time and my grandmother resented him because of that. Being a member of the Silent Generation, my grandmother thought it would be best to be in compliance with the new rules the government had laid down for them. My grandfather’s goal, on the other hand, was to flee the country all together. But my father didn’t agree with either of them. He believed that people had their rights stripped from them and that something had to be done about it, so he decided to stay behind and join the revolution.
In 1985 my mom and her family finalized their immigration into the United States. My mother still wanted to be involved and make a change, so she visited the Philippines frequently to be with my activist father. The two of them jumped on the protest bandwagon and found themselves in the epicenter of what is now known as the “People Power Revolution” of the Philippines.
At the end of this decade long unrest, my dad finally came to live in the U.S. with my mom and her family in 1987, the year I was born.
Life in America was a new chapter for them. They put to rest their revolution-hungry spirits and refocused their energy on achieving the American Dream. Though their opportunities in life were widely increased, they both worked minimum wage jobs in their first years of assimilation in their new home. It was suddenly a new game with new rules for them.
What didn’t change was their cynicism and their belief that everything they did was right. They enrolled me in public school, but questioned the decisions made by the school board. They put me in a swimming class criticized the instructors techniques. I remember when I was in band, my dad looked over my music sheets and said “why are they teach thing you this way? That’s wrong.“ He then started giving me music lessons on his own, which sometimes contradicted what my teachers in school were saying.
But where is this resistance really coming from? Maybe its because the boomers saw our world rise and fall, so they want their children to be able to survive and succeed in it, no matter what happens. In “Parenting the Millenial Generation,” author Dave Verhaagen said friction was common for baby boomers. They worry about the world their children grow up in. “It’s a new world” he writes, “and we would all be wise to learn how to navigate our families through it.” My parents have always pushed me to take advantage of all the opportunities presented to me. They told me I was “unique” and that I was “special.”
The circumstances I was born into and the way they’ve raised me as an American-born child reflect these generational effects. The mindset behind their fight for civil and human rights in the Philippines cement the idea that as a Millennial, I am pressured to be successful. Still, I am optimistic about my future.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Millennials and Me
(Background: This piece was written for my journalism class. We were told to write a magazine-style article regarding some facts about the Millennial Generation. I got an A+ on this!)
For me, I believe this job is not just a job. It, along with a college education, will blast me off into a future career where I know will succeed. So here I find myself sitting in my manager's office again, asking questions, getting feedback, forcing him to peel his eyes off of the spreadsheets on his computer screen. I can tell he's busy, and, by the look in his eyes, sense that he wants me to shut up and get out. But I trudge on in conversation anyway, bringing up issue after issue in great detail. Sometimes I offer solutions to fix them. Other times wanting him to give me more time and more direction to complete my current project. I need to hear someone tell me I'm doing a good job and he needs to hear my ideas on how to strengthen our team. I push for having casual relationship with authority figures since I need to feel at one with others. I want him to say that my efforts and my daily grind are not invisible. I simply require attention, and I want it all done right now. According to Neil Howe and William Strauss, authors of “Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation,” that’s what make's me a Millennial.
We want to take on everything; we want to take on the world. The authors say that the people of my generation carry an expectation of receiving constant, positive feedback, were overprotected as children, and struggle with free time and generally have poor time management skills. We simply take on too much and complain when things aren’t working our way, and expect others to be flexible. But my generation, now known historically as the “Millennial Generation,” is one of optimism and ambition. In the work place, we want to be part of the team and to see the larger benefits of our everyday tasks. These are the only a few of the characteristics that help to define a generation raised on convenient technological gadgets. But how do these qualities, or flaws, translate into practical job skills as our generation begins to take over the workforce?
The Millennials are notorious for being multi-taskers. Doing our homework while toggling through iTunes, Facebook, and YouTube is the only way we know how to be “productive.” We are driven by convenience. We can catch up with old friends and watch the latest episode of American Idol all while writing a final thesis paper at two in the morning. Members of previous generations may say that this reduces the quality of our work, or that this is not the right way to manage our time wisely. We think that we can do it all. We celebrate our achievements, big or small, and show confidence in ourselves.
However, should employers look at multi-tasking as a value-added skill? At the hotel I work in, for example, I have my iPod playing while assigning room numbers and dealing with guest complaints on the phone all at the same time. Technology allows me to do all of these tasks. I feel I can get more done in ten minutes than most people do in an hour. Sure, I sometimes feel with a lot going on I am bound to lose track of something. But, I know my co-workers are always there to pick up the slack.
Strauss and Howe also say that Millennials are team oriented. At least ninety percent of the staff I work with are of the Millennial generation and we pride ourselves on being a tight-knit bunch. We focus more on how to make the team closer rather than making individuals stand out as a leader. I’ve seen this in myself with a promotion I received recently. I address my staff as my “team” and though I have a leadership title, I will always see myself as one of them. In every action I take, I do not only want to improve my leadership skills, but look to develop the overall skills of my team. When I accomplish a task, I never fail to give them credit. Because of the relationships we are building, I think the management team catching on.
In the sense of communication style, team work, and leadership, I think the workplace environment is beginning to take a new shape for the Millennials. My boss is learning to make connections and to communicate more with the young staff. The entire management team in general has been working on plans for team-building events to get to know one another. They put us in positions that require one to multi-task, and most of the time we are being productive. What’s important to Millennials is that we are all connected, all the time. We need to see the bigger picture and we require a sense of purpose and belonging.
For me, I believe this job is not just a job. It, along with a college education, will blast me off into a future career where I know will succeed. So here I find myself sitting in my manager's office again, asking questions, getting feedback, forcing him to peel his eyes off of the spreadsheets on his computer screen. I can tell he's busy, and, by the look in his eyes, sense that he wants me to shut up and get out. But I trudge on in conversation anyway, bringing up issue after issue in great detail. Sometimes I offer solutions to fix them. Other times wanting him to give me more time and more direction to complete my current project. I need to hear someone tell me I'm doing a good job and he needs to hear my ideas on how to strengthen our team. I push for having casual relationship with authority figures since I need to feel at one with others. I want him to say that my efforts and my daily grind are not invisible. I simply require attention, and I want it all done right now. According to Neil Howe and William Strauss, authors of “Millennials Rising: The Next Great Generation,” that’s what make's me a Millennial.
We want to take on everything; we want to take on the world. The authors say that the people of my generation carry an expectation of receiving constant, positive feedback, were overprotected as children, and struggle with free time and generally have poor time management skills. We simply take on too much and complain when things aren’t working our way, and expect others to be flexible. But my generation, now known historically as the “Millennial Generation,” is one of optimism and ambition. In the work place, we want to be part of the team and to see the larger benefits of our everyday tasks. These are the only a few of the characteristics that help to define a generation raised on convenient technological gadgets. But how do these qualities, or flaws, translate into practical job skills as our generation begins to take over the workforce?
The Millennials are notorious for being multi-taskers. Doing our homework while toggling through iTunes, Facebook, and YouTube is the only way we know how to be “productive.” We are driven by convenience. We can catch up with old friends and watch the latest episode of American Idol all while writing a final thesis paper at two in the morning. Members of previous generations may say that this reduces the quality of our work, or that this is not the right way to manage our time wisely. We think that we can do it all. We celebrate our achievements, big or small, and show confidence in ourselves.
However, should employers look at multi-tasking as a value-added skill? At the hotel I work in, for example, I have my iPod playing while assigning room numbers and dealing with guest complaints on the phone all at the same time. Technology allows me to do all of these tasks. I feel I can get more done in ten minutes than most people do in an hour. Sure, I sometimes feel with a lot going on I am bound to lose track of something. But, I know my co-workers are always there to pick up the slack.
Strauss and Howe also say that Millennials are team oriented. At least ninety percent of the staff I work with are of the Millennial generation and we pride ourselves on being a tight-knit bunch. We focus more on how to make the team closer rather than making individuals stand out as a leader. I’ve seen this in myself with a promotion I received recently. I address my staff as my “team” and though I have a leadership title, I will always see myself as one of them. In every action I take, I do not only want to improve my leadership skills, but look to develop the overall skills of my team. When I accomplish a task, I never fail to give them credit. Because of the relationships we are building, I think the management team catching on.
In the sense of communication style, team work, and leadership, I think the workplace environment is beginning to take a new shape for the Millennials. My boss is learning to make connections and to communicate more with the young staff. The entire management team in general has been working on plans for team-building events to get to know one another. They put us in positions that require one to multi-task, and most of the time we are being productive. What’s important to Millennials is that we are all connected, all the time. We need to see the bigger picture and we require a sense of purpose and belonging.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Untitled... for now
Narrative, intuitive, no silence, rarely pause
I tell stories, I ask questions like a fighter with a cause
Antagonist, protagonist, there is a tear, there is a climb.
From where the wind is blowing tells the melody of the chime.
It is written, it is read, it is heard and verbalized
in print, in broadcast, in song and film- its the focus in their eyes
what is done and where its at- copy, edit, cut
opened windows, they're in and out, the door's no longer shut
From the pen to the paper, transmitted via life
answers and ideas wed, like a man to take a wife.
It is shared with the masses, simply starting with ink
it is "history on the run," you can miss it if you blink...
I tell stories, I ask questions like a fighter with a cause
Antagonist, protagonist, there is a tear, there is a climb.
From where the wind is blowing tells the melody of the chime.
It is written, it is read, it is heard and verbalized
in print, in broadcast, in song and film- its the focus in their eyes
what is done and where its at- copy, edit, cut
opened windows, they're in and out, the door's no longer shut
From the pen to the paper, transmitted via life
answers and ideas wed, like a man to take a wife.
It is shared with the masses, simply starting with ink
it is "history on the run," you can miss it if you blink...
Monday, October 5, 2009
"Tales of the Spreadsheet"
These words are unlike the numbers in a computer
you can't retroactively bring them back
they last in your memory alone.
You can't formulate the data and box it in a single cell.
These are not reports that you can archive,
these are not numbers you can crunch.
Here, the graphs won't provide you a sense of direction
and they won't tell you to seize the day.
The percentages are empty, stripped of any meaning.
The sums and averages are weak...
But if you had some social capital-
you wouldn't need a spreadsheet for them to hear you speak.
you can't retroactively bring them back
they last in your memory alone.
You can't formulate the data and box it in a single cell.
These are not reports that you can archive,
these are not numbers you can crunch.
Here, the graphs won't provide you a sense of direction
and they won't tell you to seize the day.
The percentages are empty, stripped of any meaning.
The sums and averages are weak...
But if you had some social capital-
you wouldn't need a spreadsheet for them to hear you speak.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Nanay...(freewrite)
I really miss my grandma...
The sound of her voice, her smell, her face, just everything.... and it scares me when I recall memories. I'm afraid that one day I'll forget. I try to right them down.
The cold weather reminds me of the weeks right before, and after, she passed away. The October months... when the daily weather starts getting questionable... reminds me of when I went to the cardiologist with her. She was so proud to tell the doctor that I was her granddaughter.... even when the doctor didn't have the best news... my grandma didn't let it faze her.
When I brace myself in cold air, I am taken back to those days. Its like a seasonal depression for me.... from the beginning of october... until january. I just can't help but relive those momets that not only shook me... but shaped me as well.
The sound of her voice, her smell, her face, just everything.... and it scares me when I recall memories. I'm afraid that one day I'll forget. I try to right them down.
The cold weather reminds me of the weeks right before, and after, she passed away. The October months... when the daily weather starts getting questionable... reminds me of when I went to the cardiologist with her. She was so proud to tell the doctor that I was her granddaughter.... even when the doctor didn't have the best news... my grandma didn't let it faze her.
When I brace myself in cold air, I am taken back to those days. Its like a seasonal depression for me.... from the beginning of october... until january. I just can't help but relive those momets that not only shook me... but shaped me as well.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
I used to be the quiet one...(freewrite)
Its hard to imagine that I used to be the quiet one. I used to sit and observe others... how fake they could get, how they suppressed their own thoughts, and how they kept themselves as bottled up as I did. Throughts raced through my mind about how people were disloyal to their friends, I learned to read through peoples body language. I knew that people had secret signals to each other.
I used to be afraid that my friends would leave me if I spoke up. Writing was my outlet... and even then I felt unsatisfied with my self-expression because I had to disguise my genuine thoughts and emotions under metaphors. Metaphors so complex that no one could really understand my stance. I just left them confused with a bunch of words that rhymed... and just sounded nice.
I don't remember the moment where I found my voice. I can't pinpoint one instance when I realized that voicing your opinion actually gets you somewhere. I just looked back and said... "damn, I talk a lot."
Part of it is my understanding of the power of words. When people speak, write something down... they do it for a reason. They want to be heard. They have something to share. Words mean something.They want to connect.... to learn, to absorb, to stimulate, to respond. Thats what communication is.
I speak up now. I raise my hand in class. I open my mouth when I know I have a valid complaint. I get in my boss' face about common courtesy... I tell my teachers when I disagree... I'm not afraid anymore. Constantly, in my mind, I feel like I'm going to die soon... or people around me will die... without having the chance to engage in genuine communication. Thats why I speak. Thats why I listen. Words can last forever.... I remember my grandmother by the words she said to me and the way she communicated. Think about one of your favorite memories... wasn't some sort of communication involved?
My advice-- SPEAK. Be bold. Be heard... and you will last forever.
I used to be afraid that my friends would leave me if I spoke up. Writing was my outlet... and even then I felt unsatisfied with my self-expression because I had to disguise my genuine thoughts and emotions under metaphors. Metaphors so complex that no one could really understand my stance. I just left them confused with a bunch of words that rhymed... and just sounded nice.
I don't remember the moment where I found my voice. I can't pinpoint one instance when I realized that voicing your opinion actually gets you somewhere. I just looked back and said... "damn, I talk a lot."
Part of it is my understanding of the power of words. When people speak, write something down... they do it for a reason. They want to be heard. They have something to share. Words mean something.They want to connect.... to learn, to absorb, to stimulate, to respond. Thats what communication is.
I speak up now. I raise my hand in class. I open my mouth when I know I have a valid complaint. I get in my boss' face about common courtesy... I tell my teachers when I disagree... I'm not afraid anymore. Constantly, in my mind, I feel like I'm going to die soon... or people around me will die... without having the chance to engage in genuine communication. Thats why I speak. Thats why I listen. Words can last forever.... I remember my grandmother by the words she said to me and the way she communicated. Think about one of your favorite memories... wasn't some sort of communication involved?
My advice-- SPEAK. Be bold. Be heard... and you will last forever.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Auto-Filter: OFF
Do you even listen when I talk?
I'm asking because I'm shocked that you're even surprised by this. You should've seen it coming. I mean, we have had this conversation before. You know where I want to be. You know where I stand.
Maybe if you didn't have your auto-filter on all the time, you would hear everything I say... not just everything you want to hear.
I'm asking because I'm shocked that you're even surprised by this. You should've seen it coming. I mean, we have had this conversation before. You know where I want to be. You know where I stand.
Maybe if you didn't have your auto-filter on all the time, you would hear everything I say... not just everything you want to hear.
It it was all up to me...
If I were the boss here...
I'd say "hello/good morning" to my employees every day when I come in, and "bye/goodnight" every night before I leave.
I would make an effort to say "Thank you" to each employee at least once a month.
I would make it mandatory for me to show gratitude for anyone working some extra hours.
I'd buy lunch for any one working an extra day.
I will ask my employees before scheduling them overtime.
All Fridays would be casual- along with holidays.
I'd schedule myself to work their shift at least once a month to remind me why I do my job.
Acknowledging my employees' family members passing by would be a must because I'd like to show them respect.
Firm respect-filled handshakes will be given at least once a month to every employee.
Social gatherings would happen at least once every two months, I'd help plan them too.
I'd have each employee fill out a performance review for me as I would for them... and I'd even let it be anonymous.
ice-breakers and getting-to-know-you exercises/games would take place once a month.
I would make an effort to get to know my employees outside of work, and not in an awkward way at all.
I'd celebrate all accomplishments big and small... like getting through a busy week while being short-staffed.
I'd smile more.
I would give everyone a chance to be heard.
I'd pay very close attention to my employees emotions and respond to them accordingly.
No one would have an employee number because thats what names are for.
My employees lifelines would be the priority over the bottom lines.
Responding to e-mails from my subordinates would be at the top of my to-do list.
Every employee would get a holiday gift from me.
I'd get a cake for everyone's birthday.
anyone leaving the department or the company would b required to write me one paragraph of constructive criticism.
... that's only if I were in charge here.
"Every day your company's greatest asset walks out the door, but what brings them back the next day?"
I'd say "hello/good morning" to my employees every day when I come in, and "bye/goodnight" every night before I leave.
I would make an effort to say "Thank you" to each employee at least once a month.
I would make it mandatory for me to show gratitude for anyone working some extra hours.
I'd buy lunch for any one working an extra day.
I will ask my employees before scheduling them overtime.
All Fridays would be casual- along with holidays.
I'd schedule myself to work their shift at least once a month to remind me why I do my job.
Acknowledging my employees' family members passing by would be a must because I'd like to show them respect.
Firm respect-filled handshakes will be given at least once a month to every employee.
Social gatherings would happen at least once every two months, I'd help plan them too.
I'd have each employee fill out a performance review for me as I would for them... and I'd even let it be anonymous.
ice-breakers and getting-to-know-you exercises/games would take place once a month.
I would make an effort to get to know my employees outside of work, and not in an awkward way at all.
I'd celebrate all accomplishments big and small... like getting through a busy week while being short-staffed.
I'd smile more.
I would give everyone a chance to be heard.
I'd pay very close attention to my employees emotions and respond to them accordingly.
No one would have an employee number because thats what names are for.
My employees lifelines would be the priority over the bottom lines.
Responding to e-mails from my subordinates would be at the top of my to-do list.
Every employee would get a holiday gift from me.
I'd get a cake for everyone's birthday.
anyone leaving the department or the company would b required to write me one paragraph of constructive criticism.
... that's only if I were in charge here.
"Every day your company's greatest asset walks out the door, but what brings them back the next day?"
Bread...
The world is your oven and we're just trying to bake some bread. The temperature's increasing... but don't let the heat get to your head.
All the kneading and the rising, the dough staples a feast. It's a meal for the ages... just to say the least.
All the kneading and the rising, the dough staples a feast. It's a meal for the ages... just to say the least.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
NO SMOKING
I feel very strongly about smoking. I am totally against it.
I mean, smoking goes against all that is RENELLE.
It is an artificial NEED... which makes it a WANT. If this WANT takes over your life, it becomes other people's problem too. That is just unfair.
My dad smokes. Not as much as he did before, but he does. I don't like that about him. But he doesn't make it anyone else's problem. He never smokes at home (not even outside the house anymore). He doesn't spend an excessive amount of money on cigarettes. He keeps it to himself.
But there are some people out there who do make it other people's problem. Like taking way too many smoke breaks at work, making your co-workers irritated. Or contaminating the air and making others suffer from secondhand smoke. Or even wasting much of your hard-earned money on boxes and boxes of cigarettes and lighters/matches.
Going on break to eat or go to the bathroom- thats all biological needs, you will be in pain if you don't do so.But smoking is an artificial need that is created by oneself... therefore I don't feel bad at all if you NEED a smoke. I'd rather see them in their fake sufferage than to let them waste my time with a cigarette.
My family watched my grandmother, the matriarch of our family, die from lung cancer- rooted in secondhand smoke. We saw her health deteriorate. We remember all the hospital scares. When we lost her... I told myself I would never smoke. Sure, I tried it once... but it was the dumbest thing I've ever done. I didn't understand the stress-relief... and the guilt was overwhelming.
That it why I hate the idea of smoking... just sayin.
Get that shit outta here!
I mean, smoking goes against all that is RENELLE.
It is an artificial NEED... which makes it a WANT. If this WANT takes over your life, it becomes other people's problem too. That is just unfair.
My dad smokes. Not as much as he did before, but he does. I don't like that about him. But he doesn't make it anyone else's problem. He never smokes at home (not even outside the house anymore). He doesn't spend an excessive amount of money on cigarettes. He keeps it to himself.
But there are some people out there who do make it other people's problem. Like taking way too many smoke breaks at work, making your co-workers irritated. Or contaminating the air and making others suffer from secondhand smoke. Or even wasting much of your hard-earned money on boxes and boxes of cigarettes and lighters/matches.
Going on break to eat or go to the bathroom- thats all biological needs, you will be in pain if you don't do so.But smoking is an artificial need that is created by oneself... therefore I don't feel bad at all if you NEED a smoke. I'd rather see them in their fake sufferage than to let them waste my time with a cigarette.
My family watched my grandmother, the matriarch of our family, die from lung cancer- rooted in secondhand smoke. We saw her health deteriorate. We remember all the hospital scares. When we lost her... I told myself I would never smoke. Sure, I tried it once... but it was the dumbest thing I've ever done. I didn't understand the stress-relief... and the guilt was overwhelming.
That it why I hate the idea of smoking... just sayin.
Get that shit outta here!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Music=Life explained.
One time I heard a song and it was catchy and fun to sing along to. The lyrics, a bit confusing and aimless, didn't really matter. A few years later I listened to the same song again and was amazed at how profound the lyrics were. They were provocative and really touched me. It was as if the musician knew what I was thinking and found a different, sometimes more precise, way of expressing those thoughts. Or sometimes I'll hear a song and I will put a certain meaning to it. Then later down the road, the song meaning will vastly transform for me. Taking on a whole new face with a different story. I think I could say that I had experienced more in life, therefore had more to relate the music to.
Then it happened with some other songs... and more and more.
Life experiences define your music.
Then it happened with some other songs... and more and more.
Life experiences define your music.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Snapshot.
A quick glimpse at my life right now:
1. I live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
2. My family is very supportive of whatever I choose to do.
3. UNR is one of the top-ranked Journalism schools in the nation.
4. I'm proud to say that I LOVE MY JOB.
5. My friends never cease to amaze me.
6. I met someone special.
7. Playing guitar never gets old.
8. I'm getting back in touch with poetry.
9. My co-workers keep me grounded.
10. I've reached the first goal in my 3 year plan (ahead of schedule!)
1. I live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
2. My family is very supportive of whatever I choose to do.
3. UNR is one of the top-ranked Journalism schools in the nation.
4. I'm proud to say that I LOVE MY JOB.
5. My friends never cease to amaze me.
6. I met someone special.
7. Playing guitar never gets old.
8. I'm getting back in touch with poetry.
9. My co-workers keep me grounded.
10. I've reached the first goal in my 3 year plan (ahead of schedule!)
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Uncharted Territory
Where communication once cycled, now will only collide
the entrapment displays opportunity and
the borders misalign and subside.
The challenge now unveils its face
I see the engagement of everything I wanted
where commitment sets its pace.
So ensure the foundation is sturdy before I blaze trails
through missteps and misunderstandings.
Bridges carry you forward when all else fails.
the entrapment displays opportunity and
the borders misalign and subside.
The challenge now unveils its face
I see the engagement of everything I wanted
where commitment sets its pace.
So ensure the foundation is sturdy before I blaze trails
through missteps and misunderstandings.
Bridges carry you forward when all else fails.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Drive.
Its like I've been sitting in shot-gun... wanting to take the wheel, but the driver won't let me. So I take the backseat and stare out the window, read a book, write things down, and do some thinking. That way when it IS my turn to get in the driver's seat... I'll have a better sense of direction.
There are some situations where you have to nourish and cultivate your mind/body/spirit before you act. To me, work is one of those situations. I don't want to drive that vehicle right now... too much cargo to haul on a long and winding road that leads to who-knows-where... even if they tell you "there is a light at the end of the tunnel." Haha, and I tend to ignore "drivers" who use cliches!
There are some situations where you have to nourish and cultivate your mind/body/spirit before you act. To me, work is one of those situations. I don't want to drive that vehicle right now... too much cargo to haul on a long and winding road that leads to who-knows-where... even if they tell you "there is a light at the end of the tunnel." Haha, and I tend to ignore "drivers" who use cliches!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Star Gazer
She used to look up at the stars
wishing that something amazing would happen.
But the hours just passed,
and the night sky would blacken.
She'd repeat the cycle
whenever the sun lowered its face,
hoping for a miracle-
some kind of saving grace.
But the twinkle in the sky
took no risks to change
so she refocused on Earth;
to what she could rearrange.
wishing that something amazing would happen.
But the hours just passed,
and the night sky would blacken.
She'd repeat the cycle
whenever the sun lowered its face,
hoping for a miracle-
some kind of saving grace.
But the twinkle in the sky
took no risks to change
so she refocused on Earth;
to what she could rearrange.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Earth
Mobile blog!
The Earth is constantly working to facilitate the nourishment of innate human loneliness.
Let It Rain
The steam of potential rises from you when you speak.
Not to say your energy evaporates quickly,
but that your motivation has heated to boiling point.
Eager to make its way to the clouds
where it will cool, but never fade.
Creating formations in the sky,
playing tricks and stimulating those who dare gaze up,
they dream... and as the clouds thicken
they will experience precipitation-
an outpour of your actions
that will lead them to believe that
they too can make it rain.
Ths bringing to life and awakening
the sleepers of this Earth.
Not to say your energy evaporates quickly,
but that your motivation has heated to boiling point.
Eager to make its way to the clouds
where it will cool, but never fade.
Creating formations in the sky,
playing tricks and stimulating those who dare gaze up,
they dream... and as the clouds thicken
they will experience precipitation-
an outpour of your actions
that will lead them to believe that
they too can make it rain.
Ths bringing to life and awakening
the sleepers of this Earth.
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