May 2016 – Page 3 – Life Lessons

Bad Bosses

Have you ever had a manager or supervisor you just did not like? That one who once had the same position as you? That one who takes too much pride in having a little power? That one who knit picks to try to make him or herself look busy? That one who likes to micromanage? Some people should never be promoted to higher positions because they just don’t know how to act when they get there. If this is you, get off of your high horse and bow down because you are not the CEO. One wrong move could place you right back in a subordinate position but not necessarily with that company. In other words, you are still employed at-will, and you are not irreplaceable. Therefore, the company has every right to move you around the checker board or just kick you off. Sometimes, it’s just easier to kick you off. You’re no more valuable to the company than anyone else, so don’t toot your horn too loud.

Listen up people. A promotion is a beautiful thing. Oftentimes, it means you have demonstrated exceptional performance that captured the eye of the big wigs. Other times, it means that either someone liked you a lot or you’re related to someone higher up. For those of you who’ve actually worked your way up to this position, you wear a badge of honor for maintaining your professionalism and good work ethic, while putting up with the knuckleheads at work. For those of you who had favor but didn’t necessarily qualify for the position, please gain some humility and take some classes on how to be an effective manager or supervisor. However you got there, you have to work even harder to stay there. There is always someone competing for your position. Hence, be careful of how you treat people because one day, you just might have to bow down to them.

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topics suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

Photo: Flickr. “I’ve never slammed a door.” by Ken Whytock CC

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Justice for Amy-Joyner Francis

On April 21, 2016, we lost the Legendary Prince, but we also lost an honor roll student over senseless violence among teenagers. A school bathroom beating at Howard High School of Technology in Delaware claimed the life of 16-year old Amy Joyner-Francis. To make matters worse, the three girls involved, one being the attacker, posted insulting comments and messages about the victim on social media after her death. They even went as far as bragging about what they did to her on social media, before they realized the charges they could face. According to sources, the whole plot to attack Amy was over a boy. Currently, the attacker is being charged with negligent homicide and the two schemers were charged with third-degree conspiracy. It appears that Amy had a hole in her heart prior to the fight. An autopsy revealed that the cardiac incident Amy died of was triggered by the blows from the fight. Nevertheless, the attacker’s defense attorney insists that Amy’s death was a result of her heart condition alone.

First, I can’t help but mention how outraged I am about the whole ordeal. This should’ve never happened to a young girl at school or anywhere, and the way the case is being handled is a total disgrace! Second, those three girls were well aware of their actions and felt no remorse. This was a planned attacked, not a spontaneous one. If they are old enough to plan such attack, then they are old enough to receive the appropriate charges. Third, they used social media as a playground to air their ill sentiments about the victim and the incident. How could you relish in the death of a classmate, as if it’s something to be celebrated? Fourth, why weren’t the girls’ cell phones confiscated after the fatal incident? Their parents should have taken their phones immediately after the incident, or their phone activity should have been closely monitored.

Parents, please start paying more attention to your child’s behavior, company, and social media engagement. Your child could be the next one plotting an attack on someone. Stop giving them privacy, and quit trying to be their friends instead of their parents. Children do not need privacy, and there is a difference between parenthood and friendship. Do not confuse the two. Friends do not discipline each other, yet they respect each other’s privacy. Parents discipline their kids and let them serve their punishments in privacy. That’s about it. Parents should enforce rules and dismiss privacy because as you can see, private affairs usually have negative outcomes.

Parents, I challenge you to talk to your kids, and listen to what they have to say. You can make them feel comfortable with talking to you, without trying to be their friend. Children can have friends. You just have to make it your business to get to know their friends. I encourage friendships among children, as long as they’re healthy. Kids need to be around other kids their age to help develop their social skills. But if you don’t screen their friends, they can surely poison your children.

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topics suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

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My Business Is Your Business

Have you ever tried to support someone, yet he or she acted as if you were bugging or becoming bothersome with your many inquiries? If you have a business, treat it like one and be professional at all times. People have every right to ask questions about a product or service they intend to pay for. There is a lot of competition in this economy, so don’t ever act as though you are the only one baking cakes, taking pictures, styling or cutting hair, doing party favors, and etc.

Whether you realize it or not, it is your business. People are not obligated to support you when there are so many others competing for their business. You never know who might help you step your game up out of admiration of what you do and how well you do it. If you don’t wish to be contacted by phone, quit issuing out your phone number. If you’d prefer a text, then specify. If you are going to ignore both, don’t advertise your craft as your business. If you are doing it just for fun, then it’s a hobby, not a business. Don’t confuse the two.

Some of you so-called business people are very rude and unprofessional. Don’t ever become so cocky and conceited because you’ve had much success. All it takes is for someone to have one bad experience and ruin your reputation. The best way to market any business or service is by word-of-mouth. So if word is that you don’t respond to calls, texts, instant messages, and emails, then your referrals will begin to decline. Remember, good communication is key in business dealings. Most importantly, treat people you know just as you would any other client. They are paying customers, too. You are not excused from your lousiness just because the two of you are well acquainted. I see it happen all the time.

Returning customers are just as important as new customers. In my opinion, they are actually more valuable because they have shown an act of loyalty. Your residuals come from returning customers, not new customers. They help sustain your lifestyle because the income is steady. Therefore, their business is your business, and they deserve the utmost respect.

And remember…
“Make sense of what you do, and make every cent count.”

What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them.

Submit topics suggestions using the “Contact Me” page.

Photo: Flickr. Pinned to business quotes on Pinterest by Wan Mohd Muslim

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