Clicking the "Unfriend" Button in Real Life

If you're familiar with the phrase "emotional vampires," you likely strive to keep these people at arm's length; surrounding yourself with those who suck the life force out of you is the quickest way to catch the "disease." As we saw in a previous post (Are You Eeyore or Pooh?), there's absolutely no effort needed to be a Debbie Downer, but we nearly kill ourselves tripping over mental road signs that remind us to emit only positive vibes. So what possible benefit is there in willingly sucking the discharge from other people's emotional exhaust pipe?

Relationships are fluid; many of the people who cross your path are not meant to stay there. There's no unspoken rule that says you must accommodate every acquaintance, friend, spouse or business associate for the rest of your life, yet so many of us feel a gnawing obligation to put up with ill-fitting relationships for fear of being less than a good friend/business partner/family member. Instead your integrity suffers when you fail to be a friend to yourself first.

And yes, you are absolutely allowed to emotionally emancipate yourself from parents, siblings, aunts, uncles or anyone else in your clan who drags you through the gutter. Why should they receive special treatment simply because you share a genetic disposition? In fact, sometimes that's actually the best reason *to* break away.

It matters not if they're family, friends or coworkers; if you're a magnet for drama queens, boors, martyrs, attention seekers, criticizers and hypochondriacs, it's time to make some changes. But how do you expunge someone from your life without feelings getting hurt in the process? Well, you can't. But you can take steps that help the individual save face and you escape guilt. Therese Borchard's You Deplete Me: 10 Steps to End a Toxic Relationship is a snappy, somewhat snarky but completely engaging summation of who, what, when, why and how to purge an unhealthy relationship.

Telltale Behaviors Your Dog Needs His Anal Glands Expressed

What some vets declare to be quite useless and utterly unpleasant, canine anal sacs can be the bane of many a dog's life, as well as his family's. When working properly, these tiny glandular pouches -- found just beyond the opening of your dog's bottom -- capture a foul-smelling substance that is typically excreted along with his fecal matter; however, they can become impacted and quite uncomfortable for your dog, who communicates this distress in a number of different ways.

Behavioral Indicators
If your dog has ever boot scooted across the floor, it's likely he's alerting you to his impacted anal sacs. While an occasional back end drag can just be to satisfy an itch, repeated scoots indicate his anal gland discomfort. Constant licking under his tail is another sign that it's time to empty those sacs, a quick procedure you can have your vet perform or learn to do yourself. An irritated rear end may swell and make it difficult for your dog to sit, which he'll demonstrate by attempting to but not actually sit. Just the smell alone, especially with the presence of a bloody discharge, is enough indication the sacs need to be drained.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.
Photo credit: Chris Amaral/Photodisc/Getty Images

Improving Workplace Productivity With Physical Fitness

Coffee and energy drinks may help get the brain cells firing, but they're mostly a quick, temporary fix. Staying mentally sharp in the work-place is an ongoing challenge for many who reach for these artificial stimulants; however, employees can gain greater clarity by engaging body and mind. Implementing a regular physical fitness routine -- even for as little as 15 minutes each day -- can create a synergistic payoff for the fuzzy-brained worker.

Body-Mind Connection
Whether you're a long-distance trekker who regularly experiences runner's high or someone whose elevated mental outlook comes from boogying to the radio, you're following the same path toward greater productivity in the workplace. Job output reflects variables that, when out of balance, get in the way of giving your all. Myriad studies have illustrated the clear connection between exercise and better mood, a more tolerant attitude and higher collaborative tendencies, all of which play an integral role in your personal productivity.

Timing Is Everything
Reducing stress and improving productivity are as easy as stepping out of the office for an early afternoon bike ride or spending 30 minutes of your lunch hour limbering and toning in yoga class. Using noontime to engage in physical activity is not just a pleasurable experience but also one that handsomely rewards you. Forbes notes how midday exercise is especially invigorating when thought processes slip into low gear; breaking up the workday with a simple yet steady exercise program spikes energy and productivity throughout the afternoon.

Strength in Numbers
The idea of low to moderate exercise during the workday may really appeal to you, but lack of motivation might threaten to zap your enthusiasm. Since some of your co-workers likely feel the same way, the solution is to gather a group with similar objectives and unapologetically use one another for inspiration. Peer pressure alone, according to the Brookings Institution, is enough to drive you toward your goals.

Physiology Behind Productivity
Brain boost occurs at a cellular level where mitochondria -- known as the "power plant" component -- create the energy chemical called ATP. Mitochondria reproduce when you exercise, which in turn generates additional ATP, a domino effect that not only enables you to physically maintain your workout routine but also heightens mental capacity and productivity.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: David Woolley/Digital Vision/Getty Images

The Importance of Workplace Hierarchy

The need for organiza-tion, unity and consis-tency is paramount to any business or industry to stave off chaos; when a chain of command is not maintained within the structural unit of authority, stability is challenged as subordinates assume decision-making roles. While the idiom "too many cooks spoil the broth" speaks to the need for defined roles and responsibilities along the entire chain, there is still room for a more collaborative approach beyond the rigidity of traditional hierarchy.

Empowerment
Traditional management and leadership practices have evolved considerably to incorporate a more collaborative dynamic that not only favors hierarchical strength but also bolsters workforce productivity. The chain of command doesn't have to be rigid to be successful; a strong and empowering hierarchy positively pushes the comfort zone by keeping the labor pool learning, inspired, and communicating.

Checks and Balances
The system of checks and balances perpetuated by a well-functioning workplace hierarchy helps to eliminate problems that otherwise might develop when individuals address situations meant for management. For example, a subordinate who makes a decision without first consulting his superior may create a negative outcome if he doesn't have all the pertinent information to make that call.

Ineffective Hierarchy
A company's health index starts at the helm and works downward to include what many organizations consider the inconsequential bottom workforce layer. As such, it's difficult for employees to respect corporate hierarchy when those in charge fail to recognize and acknowledge weak links in the upper echelon. Management is not exempt from accountability any more than those lower on the command chain; leaders who rely on subordinates to absorb the consequences of their ill-advised decisions threaten the relationship between organizational culture and its human capital.

Learning from Real Life
Popular culture has been instrumental in demonstrating the importance of workplace hierarchy, with the reality show Undercover Boss being one of the most enlightening examples. A common denominator among the show's featured CEOs and company presidents is how nary a single one is in touch with his or her organization's daily operations. Time and again these commanders discover sizable weak links throughout the company chain that necessitate immediate damage control mode.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Modern Theories on Workplace Ethics

To live within a given society is to conform to the ethical components dictated by its governing culture. This same philosophy applies to the organizational environment, whereby workplace ethics is an ever-evolving entity that can be evaluated from a number of theoretical dichotomies.

Norms
Cultural values dictate workplace ethics and encourage staff to behave in certain ways. Adhering to these corporate social norms provides a structured path for people to follow; without this man-made construct, companies would have greater difficulty maintaining a socially and psychologically healthy environment. Breaking social norms, such as eating another employee's refrigerated food or undermining a fellow staffer's performance, indicates overstepping very specific guidelines that mandate certain behavioral expectations within that particular workplace.

Utilitarianism
In its raw form, utilitarianism might seem to uphold everyone's best interest, but in reality it benefits a greater number of workers while compelling the rest to adapt to majority rule. Since it is highly unlikely to appease everyone in any given workplace, the utility theory serves to satisfy needs of the many over the few, and may even be construed as a form of Darwin's survival of the fittest.

Deontology
The intrinsic value of good will — behavior that is not dependent upon an outcome to justify its occurrence — is the basis of deontological theory. This Kantian perspective applies to workplace ethics by highlighting man's need to reap a perceived value for doing what's considered a social and moral obligation. For example, an employee helps a coworker reach an important deadline without expecting recognition for his efforts.

Egoism
In stark contrast to deontology, egoism gives people permission to consider only what benefits their personal needs. This theory can create a hotbed of contempt in the workplace due to its lack of social responsibility — being aware of the impact your actions have upon the workplace as a whole. Ethical egoists believe that no reasoning can overrule what is otherwise the moral and righteous actions all human beings are expected to uphold.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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The Best Jobs for Your Personality

Many people tend to enjoy their jobs much more and achieve greater productivity when their personalities are matched to the tasks. In fact, career suitability and interest tests are based on the idea that certain individual characteristics are more likely to bring about greater success and job satisfaction. Heading down a particular career path based on prominent personality traits is an approach that can demystify the whole "What do I want to be when I grow up?" quandary.

Learn About Yourself
Finding the right vocational fit begins with identifying who you are by assessing factors such as interests, talents, hobbies, achievements and desired lifestyle. Pinpointing these traits can be somewhat challenging to achieve, given how people are not always aware of all their unique personality facets. Enlisting the input of friends, family and even school counselors can be one strategy for learning about and recognizing your personality characteristics.

Gauging Your Forte
Whether you're extroverted and spontaneous, or calm and calculated, any number of vocations can complement your abilities. Finding your forte comes from pairing personality traits with career paths that highlight those characteristics. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, long considered the gold standard of personality assessments, not only provides a finely-tuned psychological insight, but it also identifies the most relevant career options that can steer you toward a satisfying livelihood.

Career Compatibility
Dr. John Holland's career-choice theory is based on the idea that six different personality types gravitate toward different work environments: realistic, investigative, artistic, social, enterprising and conventional. People rarely fall into just one work-related personality type, and are often drawn to and suitable for a combination of categories. Consider your options in more than just one area to find your niche.

Holland's Hexagon
Holland's Hexagon, a model that outlines relationships between personalities and work environments, shows conventional personalities are orderly, systematic and like set plans, making them suited for occupations like bank teller, bookkeeper or court clerk. The dynamic, ambitious, "take charge" enterprising personality is well-suited for positions such as bank president, lawyer or customs inspector. Having a social personality lends itself to the nurturing, helpful and principled approaches seen in nursing, social work, teaching, counseling and physical therapy. Artistic dispositions thrive in independent and expressive environments where they are free to create in such careers as dancing, designing, writing, comedy or composing. The rigorous and intellectual nature of investigative personalities works best in such careers as lawyer, architect, veterinarian or chemist. Practicality and mechanical abilities represent the realistic personality, which include law enforcement, firefighters, pilots and carpenters.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Pruning to Maximize Value

Tending to your life tree is a pursuit that's all too often sidelined, allowing your world to become unsightly and ill-managed. As each main branch grows of its own accord without benefit of mindful support, it can curl back on itself, fork in too many directions or twist into a repetitive circle. Soon there are new sprigs sprouting from these branches that draw too much life force from the main stalk and ultimately weaken the whole plant. The outgrowth becomes so all-consuming that maintaining the tree is a tremendous and often futile chore with little positive return.

Ready, Set, GO!
The pruning process begins slowly and deliberately so you don't lop off large chunks of branches that belong in your life. Ask yourself what makes you most proud; what have you accomplished -- or continue to accomplish -- that has resonated beyond that one action? Raising self-supportive and socially aware children is at the top of many people's list and rightly so. But what else have you done that speaks to your own unique gift to the world?

Did you choose a vocation that in and of itself betters the planet or human relations? Have you volunteered your time or talent? Are you involved with a weekly book club that encourages you to expand your own horizons? Do you follow through on your promises? Efforts need not be huge in order to make an indelible impact.

What Moves You?

What I'm most proud of/grateful for is the humility that's allowed me to make a small difference. Saving lives through animal rescue tops the list of what I call the George Bailey effect: start the ripple and it turns into a tidal wave of good. I'm blessed with a philanthropic bent that helps me see things beyond my own myopic perspective and offer ways to improve others' lives, whether that's physically, emotionally or financially.

Simplicity and minimalism have become increasingly important. Quality over quantity. Personal choice over social mandate. I no longer have any interest in owning another home. Living and traveling in an RV has always appealed to me but even more now as my sights are set on downsizing. That type of free lifestyle has come to represent the epitome of embracing what's truly important.

Laura Filbert has some additional insights on her blog about how and what to prune on our tree of life.

Read more about pruning certain people from your tree in my past post Clicking the "Unfriend" Button in Real Life.

"Tree of Life" painting by Tim Parish

Photo by Val Kerry

Careers for Hearing People Using ASL

American Sign Language (ASL), which provides a window of communication between the hearing and hearing-impaired communities, is the conduit for many different career opportunities. Hearing people fluent in ASL are poised for jobs in such industries as education, social services, health care, law and linguistics on local, state and national levels.

Interpreter
As the country's fourth most commonly used language according to the University of Rochester, ASL bridges the comprehension gap for several deaf and hearing-impaired populations. Students from kindergarten to university further their studies with the assistance of lecture hall and classroom interpreters, while social events such as theatrical performances and political rallies are more fully perceived when translated into sign language. Courtroom trials and depositions are two of many legal areas where ASL interpreters provide definitive understanding of often complicated processes and subject matter.

Instructor
Interest in learning ASL has grown considerably over the recent past, leading to an increased need for educators. Sign language instructors can have quite an eclectic group of students, ranging from those who are curious about the language, those in a deaf studies curriculum, deaf or hard-of-hearing students, or students who have a hearing-impaired friend/family member with whom they want to communicate. Whether at the beginner level where basic technique is taught, or at the graduate tier where students are ready to embark upon a career, instructors diligently guide students through every facet of ASL and deaf studies.

Tutor
Deaf or hard-of-hearing students who may not have classroom interpreters, or simply require more specialized academic attention, gain considerable benefit from ASL tutors. People who want to brush up on their sign language skills can call upon a tutor's expertise to enhance sign expression and finger spelling dexterity. One of the best aspects of this career choice is that tutors can meet online with students, which allows much more schedule flexibility for both.

Social Services
The gamut of careers available to people fluent in ASL is rich and rewarding. Areas of social services alone offer multifaceted options to help the deaf and hearing-impaired community navigate through myriad health and personal development options, not the least of which includes speech pathology, psychology, counseling, medical, audiology, nursing and language development. Social workers with ASL skills can better aid their hearing-impaired clients.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Dying of Boredom: Creative Teaching

The first image many think of when identifying a boring teacher is the droll, monotone instructor lulling his class to sleep in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." While that portrayal may be the iconic go-to example, it really isn't far off the mark when it comes to approaches some educators take to infuse knowledge. What's sorely lacking is any sort of entertainment value that grabs students' attention to keep eyes front and minds sharp.

Personality and Charisma
Often there is an instructor whose antics are so engaging and memorable that they create a buzz around campus, making his class the one not to be missed. Unlike the boring faculty member who dryly runs through the syllabus without a twinge of originality, this teacher brings a sense of flair that captures students' attention, keeps them interested in the subject, and encourages them to talk about it outside the classroom.

Interactivity
Lecture hall is a staple of college life, but that doesn't mean it must also be a boring, uninspired experience. Engaging students on more than just a superficial level is an important component for grasping lessons, according to the Creative Learning Site. Good college teachers mix it up to reach beyond the conventional classroom by assembling in a grassy park, scheduling a field trip or simply strolling with students around campus while they're immersed in stream-of-consciousness conversations and enjoying some hot chocolate.

Good Teaching Practices
Students are unique in how they absorb information, which means different learning styles require different teaching methods. The one-size-fits-all approach is not only a disservice to students in general, but can produce graduates who are ill-prepared. The NDT Resource Center points out how a curriculum rich in visual (diagrams, videos), auditory (group discussions, word association) and tactile (hands-on experiments, role playing) techniques hits the trifecta of good teaching.

Technology
Technology's interactive nature engages students far beyond conventional standards, thus challenging the status quo and taking education far beyond what teachers of the past could offer. Computer simulations and games, for example, take the focus off one-directional lectures and encourage group participation. If you ever walk past a classroom filled with loud outbursts and raucous laughter, find out who the teacher is and sign up for his next class.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
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Gifts for People Whose Dog has Died

Honoring the memory of a deceased dog is a loving way to help friends and family with the mourning process. For some, pet-loss bereavement can be as emotionally devastating as losing a human. Being mindful of and compassionate toward the owner's grief is a gesture she will long appreciate.

Ashes Pendant and Wind Chimes
While some pet parents can't bear daily reminders of their departed dogs, others are empowered by their ever-present spirit. Those who choose to cremate or bury their dogs can keep a tangible piece close to their hearts with a small pendant that holds ashes, crushed flowers, fur clippings or soil from a special resting place. Wind chimes, too, are a thoughtful remembrance. Their sounds can make the bereaved feel as if the dog's spirit gently floats on the breeze that moves them, offering a soothing peacefulness.

Customized Gifts
There's no shortage of opportunities to create a personalized memory keepsake. Some of the many heartfelt options include an urn sculpture, photo collage, portrait (on glass, canvas or as a clay-like photo sculpture), engraved frame, etched garden stone, Christmas tree ornament and scrapbook. Myriad online shops and brick-and-mortar stores offer extensive options for creating a unique keepsake; with personal photos so readily available on social media sites, it's relatively easy to surprise the recipient with a warmhearted gift.

Living Memorial
Let your creativity run wild with thoughts of rejuvenation: Help the owner plant a tree or bush in her yard, scatter flower seeds over the dog's favorite outdoor spot or surround the pooch's photo with a small indoor garden where the grieving friend or family member can take solace. Also check the policies of local parks to see if a tree may be planted there for everyone to enjoy.

Donation to an Animal Organization
Saving another life can be one of the most cathartic experiences for someone in the throes of pet-loss grief. Whether public operation or private shelter, all animal-related organizations have ongoing needs, things they require to help keep their charges happy and healthy. Many groups have a wish list of specific items necessary for everyday operations and for their special-needs residents. Cash donations also help -- and they allow the shelter's staff to determine how to best utilize your generosity -- from veterinary costs to daily expenses. Consider giving locally so you're better able to track how your donation is used.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
English springer spaniel image by Jeff Dalton from Fotolia

Identifying a Micromanager

The way a boss manages his staff can make the difference between empowered, motivated employees and demoralized, intimidated workers.

Good Manager
Effective bosses lead with a firm but empowering hand. They give employees the necessary project details, then leave them to their own abilities with minimal supervision. At the same time, good managers are easily accessible for consultation and suggestions when staffers request it.

Micromanager
Micromanagers have difficultly delegating even the smallest projects without constantly having to oversee progress. This can result in frustrated employees who lack confidence in their abilities. Micromanagers often ignore the big picture to focus upon little or insignificant details. They may rescind an assigned project after finding one mistake, and require every aspect of the decision-making process be run past them first.

Effects On Productivity
While being detail-oriented and hands-on are two important characteristics of a good boss, these traits can quickly become detrimental to productivity when taken to an extreme. For example, supervisors who assign projects to highly competent employees and then hover over them every step of the way create unnecessary tension, stymie employee morale and interfere with project outcome.

Working With A Micromanager
When circumstances prevent you from escaping the clutches of a micromanager, "Forbes" offers suggestions for mitigating the negative impact. Identify trigger situations that cause the behavior and anticipate what's needed to lessen the controlling response. Empathize with a boss who may also be under the thumb of a micromanager. Be the ever-present and reliable role model, and encourage change by unceremoniously demonstrating how well an empowering approach works. In some cases, bosses don't realize they are micromanaging productivity into the ground, so a gentle, nonconfrontational chat may be all that's needed to move things in the right direction.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Show Your Employer You Can Be a Supervisor

While some people are content to remain in their positions without aspirations of moving up the corporate ladder, others use their cur-rent job as a springboard to the next level. Getting there, however, takes considerable effort on the employee's part to demonstrate how and why he's a better candidate for promotion than anyone else in the office. This quest for advancement means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the tenets of change.

~ Let your boss know you want to advance in the company and have him evaluate your performance. Ask for an honest assessment of your performance and find out which additional skill sets you need in order to move up. You should also ask about the company's goals and strategic initiatives so you'll know the best way to align your performance with future corporate aspirations.

~ Take on more responsibility beyond the scope of your current job. Volunteer to help colleagues with their projects, and step up to accept some of the tasks no one else wants to handle. Show initiative and the desire to learn by grabbing tasks before they're designated to you.

~ Become a sponge for knowledge. Develop relationships with and ask questions of different colleagues and department heads. This will demonstrate your desire to learn about the entire operation and provide valuable insight into the company as a whole. In addition, stay abreast of industry news and changes.

~ Learn your boss's routine, his primary goals and what makes him tick. The best way to do this is observe him in action, ask questions from time to time when he's not too busy, and pick the brain of colleagues who work directly with him. Cultivate his trust by following through on all workplace commitments. Be consistent, dependable and ambitious.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

How Workplace Temperature Impacts Productivity

If you've ever had an ongoing thermostat battle with a colleague or been forced to outfit yourself depending upon the boss's fluctuating comfort zone, then you've experienced the frustrations associated with workplace temperature issues. However, this constant climate conflict becomes more than a pesky annoyance when it impacts overall productivity.

Hot Versus Cold
When the brain is preoccupied with monitoring body temperature, it's easy to see why workplace productivity can suffer. The optimal temperature range for the greatest output at work is between 69.8 degrees and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a 2006 study by the Helsinki University of Technology. A 2004 Cornell University study found workers who struggle to stay warm make more mistakes, which in turn can lead to a 10 percent spike in hourly labor costs. A 9-degree boost in office temperature -- from 68 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit -- significantly improved worker performance. Typing mistakes decreased 44 percent, while overall keying output yielded a 150 percent increase. In contrast, an overly heated workplace can leave employees fatigued, irritable and struggling to concentrate.

Penny Wise, Dollar Foolish
It's important to keep heating and air conditioning costs within a specific range to meet operational budgets, but sometimes the meager savings made in one area can be exponentially lost in another, more important area. Bosses who control the thermostat by keeping it low in winter and high in summer can ultimately cost themselves more in reduced staff productivity. According to a 2009 CareerBuilder study, one-third of more than 4,000 workers surveyed cited temperature as a primary workplace issue.

Gender Fluctuation
The battle of the sexes often takes place near the workplace thermostat, a dispute that's physiological rather than sociological. Due to their greater muscle mass, men usually get hot more quickly than women. At the same time, women have a greater number of constricted vessels that keep blood near the skin's surface. This is partly due to the female body's biological tendency to pool blood around the core organs, which draws it away from the extremities and leaves women with the constant need to warm up their cold hands and feet.

OSHA Recommendations
There are no specific OSHA guidelines or regulations that pertain to a work environment's climate. However, the agency does address the subject in its technical handbook by suggesting temperatures stay within the range of 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and that humidity not dip below 20 percent or rise above 60 percent.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Job Interview Etiquette

Before you even say a word, prospective employers are sizing you up and making mental notes about your suitability for their business. While standing apart from the crowd of applicants can be a good thing in many ways, interviews are an aspect of the job-seeking process where you want to demonstrate unparalleled professional etiquette.


Be Timely
Applicants who are punctual (or no more than 10 minutes early) and appropriately dressed for the position are already ahead of the game. Running in late and spending the first few critical moments explaining why you couldn't arrive on time may significantly lessen your chance to make a good first impression. Plan your route the day before, and include some extra time for factors such as potential traffic snares, parking and reaching the office floor.

Keep It Professional
A number of nonverbal cues throughout an interview can sabotage even the most qualified applicant. Greeting the interviewer with a smile, firm handshake and eye contact shows your unspoken communication skills. Physical poise can demonstrate a polished, confident air, so be mindful of your body language. In addition to sitting and standing up straight, keep your arms and legs uncrossed so you don't appear uncomfortable or guarded; women should cross their ankles, while men align feet and knees with their shoulders. Remember to completely turn off your cell phone rather than leave it on vibrate, which can often still be heard. And deposit your gum before entering the interview.

Limit the Chat
The open-ended nature of many interview questions, which allows you to offer more than a simple yes or no answer, is your opportunity to engage in brief, targeted conversation. While this approach encourages a greater free flow of thoughts and opinions, it can also lead to being overly chatty. Take a deep breath before answering the question to help calm nerves and keep your response on task.

Show Appreciation
Thanking the interviewer for his time is an after-the-fact gesture that brings the whole process full circle. Sending a thank-you note not only demonstrates a professional courtesy that's appropriate at any job level, but it also gives you the opportunity to include another attribute or detail that was not discussed in the interview. This simple step may not seem to hold much sway when it comes to landing the job, but acting on this final measure can distinguish you from other applicants by reinforcing a positive impression. Whether it's best to send a thank-you by postal mail or email is debated by etiquette specialists.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Disadvantages of Professionalism

It may be hard to imagine how professional-ism is a disadvantage in any capacity, but there are times when adhering to such high standards can work against an intended objective. While the tenets of professionalism -- which include behavior, integrity and accountability -- remain intact, the stringency associated with such a demanding combination may need some adjustment in order to realize a more positive outcome. The key is to remember that professionalism does not always equate to quality standards.


The Price of Professionalism
Maintaining professional standards is a costly venture when, for example, companies are compelled to provide their workers with continuing education to maintain the desired level of professionalism. Moreover, recruiting new talent may cost the company more in its ongoing quest to uphold such a strict standard; hiring an established professional can be a smarter financial decision than molding a newcomer.

Undue Tension
Leniency allows for certain situations to be addressed more suitably for the circumstances; adhering to a strict professional policy for the sake of compliance can create tension where it doesn't have to exist. Whether mandated to follow rigid dress codes, interpersonal relations or decorum, employees may feel so constrained by such stringency that the work environment becomes staid and dispiriting.

Tempered Talent
The steadfast attributes typically associated with professionalism can restrict environments that have a more creative atmosphere. The greater ingenuity and inspiration required in the workplace, the less need for unnatural restrictions in order to cultivate creativity. Advertising companies, for example, do well to employ a more casual, free-flowing approach to their professional standards, one that still emphasizes appropriate business behavior, integrity and accountability but with more flexibility.

Subjectivity
The notion of professionalism means different things to different people, which may lead one department's policy to significantly deviate from another. This lack of consistency can create an undercurrent of confusion and mixed signals when employees within the same company are not outfitted with a corresponding standard. Moreover, efforts to maintain a specific level of professionalism via micromanaging can stymie employee ingenuity and overall productivity.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.

Consequences of Work & Life Imbalance

Sustaining balance is an essential component of a harmonious existence; if you're too heavily weighted by work responsibility, both your personal and professional lives stand to suffer the consequences. Overcompensating in either direction creates internal struggle to appease the demands that work and life impose, leaving you distressed and without the fortitude to effectively sustain either one.


Symptoms
The throes of work/life disproportion manifest themselves in a number of recognizable ways: tardiness, excessive absenteeism and disability claims are but a few indicators that point toward imbalance. Other signs not always recognized as fallout from this disparity, according to the American Psychological Association, include headaches, lack of concentration and irritability. The University of Warwick says Americans are especially plagued by work and life imbalance, a reality that often segues into stress and safety issues.

Loss of Personal Time
Research proves that people consistently work more and recreate less: Time spent in the office has increased 15 percent over the past 20 years as leisure has declined 33 percent, according to the Productivity Institute.

Angst and Burnout
Sometimes staff is cut to little more than a skeleton crew while workloads remain heavy, creating stress, anxiety and pressure for those expected to carry the burden. Job satisfaction becomes a considerable issue as the remaining workers fall further and further behind in their ability to foster work-life balance. The University of Warwick notes a 40-year downward trend of job dissatisfaction in American workers, a reality that continues to compromise efforts toward achieving work and life harmony.

Absenteeism
The ebb and flow of prioritizing work tasks with familial responsibilities can become overwhelming when one or the other consistently demands greater preference; juggling these obligations requires sacrifice and compromise. Employees who fall into the absenteeism trap as a way to find balance are, according to the Work Life Balance Centre and Coventry University, experiencing weakening organizational commitment by skipping work. Respondents of the 2008-2009 Worklife Balance Survey reported being absent an average of 9 days during that period, five days more than just the previous year.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.

Minimalism vs. Frugality

If you've recently reduced the amount of stuff around the house because you felt an overwhelm-ing urge to declutter your life, consider yourself on the path toward minimalism. If, on the other hand, your spouse thinks it's OK to chow down at a hotel breakfast bar even when not a paying guest, then you can be pretty sure frugality is at play.

Less is More
Minimalists are inspired by the need to simplify their lives, sparsely outfitting both their physical and mental spaces with just what they need rather than what they want. People who have amassed material things throughout their lives can ultimately become overwhelmed by the psychological, emotional and financial weight of such possessions. The chaos that accompanies having too much stuff is a critical component of this changing mindset; things that at one time brought great pride and joy are now just one, large albatross of consumerism. Removing the physical clutter, says author Leo Babauta in "The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life," relieves the mind and streamlines the desire to have quality over quantity.

Financial Prudence
Those who embrace frugality are keen on pinching pennies. While this behavior is often associated with being cheap, it may also be because finances are tight and scrimping is the only option. For example, frugal folks tend to use the same paper towel a few times before tossing it out, or shop at thrift stores to the exclusion of retailers. Some even go dumpster diving, physically entering merchants' outside trash bins to retrieve food and other items that cannot be sold even though they are still usable.

Creativity or Cheating?
Determining the point at which frugality slips from creative financing to compromised character is not too difficult a task. For example, it's considered socially acceptable to take unused soaps, shampoo and lotion from your hotel room before checking out, but if you can't resist the urge to graze the supply cart while housekeeping is cleaning another guest's suite, you're taking frugality too far.

Minimizing Down to Nothing
While the essence of minimalism is to live with less in order to appreciate life more, some people reduce their possessions to the point of having little other than daily necessities. They restrict themselves from what's perceived as wasteful or extravagant consumption, even though it may bring pleasure. For example, living quarters may be downsized to a salvaged van or an apartment that boasts a mere 175 square feet. Some, like Andrew Hyde, who blogged about the turns his life took after walking away from everything he owned, see it as an adventure -- a test of individual meddle -- to reduce the bulk of consumerism to a few dozen portable possessions.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Laws & Employment Ads

Employers might have a certain idea of the person best suited for a given position, but listing these specific character-istics in an employment advertisement -- beyond the scope of a job's general description -- can land the company in legal hot water. Discrimination of any sort, either real or perceived, is at the forefront of staff recruitment to such an extent that employers must be keenly aware of how to lawfully word a job ad.


Legislative Mandate
Even with the prevalence of anti-discrimination employment laws, some employers still don't know that job advertisements fall into this legal category. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the classifications protected from biased want ads include race, religion, national origin, color, sex, age, genetic information or disability. Pregnant women, who cannot be singled out or treated differently in the workplace, are listed as a subgroup of the gender category.


Sidestepping the Unemployed
Some employers place a time limit on how long applicants can be out of work in a given industry before they're considered unemployable; the longer a person is gone from the job market, the more likely he is to be out of touch with industry evolution. Employment attorney Ann Kieran says New Jersey's 2001 statute N.J.S.A. 34:8B-1 was one of the nation's first prohibiting companies from stating in any way, either online or in print, that those currently unemployed will not be considered. A dozen more states considered the same legal mandate in early 2012 and in February, the Oregon Legislature voted in favor of levying employers with a $1,000 fine for publishing such discriminatory job ads.


Gender-Referent Language
Advertising for a waitress rather than a food server sends a clear message the employer wants to hire a woman, which is a form of gender-referent language. A male job seeker who might otherwise apply for that job is immediately discouraged from doing so, yet cannot be legally turned away if he does. While there are limited circumstances whereby gender is a bona fide occupational qualification, such as in a prison or gender-specific health facility, the majority of employers are strongly advised to use gender-neutral job titles and descriptions in their advertisements.


Ageism
Discouraging the over-40 job seeker from applying for a non-age specific position is another form of employment discrimination. For example, the employer who advertises "recent college graduates" for a sales job that any seasoned professional twice that age can handle violates the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Companies that use these trigger words, which also include citing specific age ranges, tread on thin ice where their liability is concerned if the position does not actually require that particular qualification.


Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Breaking Up the Workday

Engaging in any activity without a break, whether enjoyable or laborious, makes it difficult for the mind and body to relax and regain balance. This is particularly true in the workplace, where stress can be constant and relief options minimal. Establishing a dedicated area where employees enjoy some downtime during the workday is a strategic move that can reap many positive benefits for the company and workers alike.


Increased Productivity
The basic principle of a staff breakroom -- which is "often the most undervalued, underappreciated room in the workplace" -- is for employees to temporarily disengage from the steady stream of daily tasks. It only takes a brief respite in this work-free zone for people to relax and recharge, a combination that brings with it a greater level of productivity, job satisfaction and general health.


Socializing
The chance to step away from work-related issues lends itself to a more social atmosphere. People who gather in the office breakroom have an opportunity to catch up on coworkers' family news or shoot the breeze about current events. Talking shop is also an option that can be a challenge to avoid, yet its presence still adds to the relationship-building aspect of workplace cohesion.


Important Qualities
The office water cooler has long been a focal point when people needed a quick break, yet its typical placement in the middle of the office didn't allow for any downtime away from all the activity. The metamorphosis into a separate room calls for several key components beyond a simple sofa for designing a comfortable and inspiring space. A break room should have kitchen-type appliances, including a refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave; food and drink, such as coffee, tea and healthy snacks; paper products, including disposable cups, plates, eating utensils, as well as shelves for reusable mugs and dishes; entertainment -- a television and reading material, such as local newspaper, trade and general magazines; and some cleaning supplies, including dish soap, sponges and paper towels.


Utopia
Some companies have elevated the concept of workplace break rooms to such a level that employees almost feel as though they've been treated to a spa day during their lunch hour. From mood lighting to nature sounds, plants to distilled drinking water, and cushioned floor pads to massage recliners, a growing trend is to create an oasis where people can refresh with meditation, short naps or light exercise. Another way to unwind and de-stress is to play games. A 2001 article in "USA Today" pointed out how pool tables, air hockey, darts and other interactive games can add a greater physical element to sideline stress and help employees regain focus.


Photo credit: Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Article originally written for and published by Demand Media

Whose Life is Worth More?

If given a split second to decide which people are rescued from a 2-car accident where an explosion is imminent, it's likely you'll grab those closest to your reach. But what if one vehicle is shuttling a global leader, popular celebrity or wealthy businessman, while the other has several college freshmen? Does one life hold more value from a "greater good" standpoint and deserve to be saved over the others?

Are You Better Than Me?
Utility requires society to act on the benefit of the majority; while siding with the greater good is not necessarily best for all, it is alleged to be the most equitable under general circumstances. Utilitarians will argue against the claim their social philosophy is merely totalitarianism in disguise, being there is simply no way to satisfy 100% of any group. By appeasing the majority, more people are served at the minority's expense, an unfortunate situation that often leaves the same individuals to adapt to –- or be detrimentally impacted by -- the greater good.

The main tenet of utility, according to Brue et al, is rational self-interest rather than selfishness, because "increasing one's own wage, rent, interest, or profit normally requires identifying and satisfying somebody else's wants," such as when parents pay their children's college tuition. Another way to understand this is by examining the meaning of altruism, which by today's standards has transformed into a philanthropic definition from its origin of perpetuating the species. This biological reality is easily demonstrated by how a bee stings an intruder, ultimately forfeiting its own life to protect the queen and hive.

Because society is fundamentally based upon performance and profit, it's not difficult to perceive utility as an opposing force to our altruistic nature. So many contemporary societies still endure incredible poverty, disease and homelessness despite global resources fully capable of feeding, clothing, educating, housing and medicating the suffering masses.


That Pesky Moral Compass

Warren Quinn, author of "Actions, Intentions, and Consequences: The Doctrine of Doing and Allowing," notes how the cloud of dispute swirling around this sociopolitical disgrace can quickly spin out of control when emotions override the greater good. Ask yourself what you'd do if you were in the following hypothetical scenario.

Engineer Bill is faced with the most difficult decision of his life: does he avert the runaway trolley to save little Sarah who is caught on the tracks at the expense of 100 passengers headed for certain death if he switches tracks? Or does he spare those hundred people in exchange for one little girl's life? Utility compels Engineer Bill to save the passengers by forfeiting Sarah, yet this does not relieve him from struggling with his battered moral compass. Harming someone is inevitable in this situation, but the question is whether making the least damaging choice is always the best decision.

Clearly, the vast opposition between utilitarianism and ordinary morality creates a disturbing issue within Engineer Bill that forces him choose between the value of different lives. But as Wendler duly points out, "our attitudes in this regard are based on a rational cost/benefit analysis. To that extent, these attitudes do not provide an ethical argument" for exposing some people to certain risks for the benefit of others. Nemo Taylor provides a lasting reminder when faced with the choice between social mandate and ordinary morality: "Don't do the right thing out of some bland sense of duty or obligation. Do it because you recognize it's the only way to truly be happy and content with your own life."


Bird photo by Greg Kowalczewski
Pyramid graphic by Gilbert Alter-Gilbert