The goal was to do a series during the Quest for the Cup, but life happened.  Next week, I promise…

Sometimes absolutely nothing matters except the one problem you face.  But being in HR, I tend to focus on how an employee (not necessarily mine) is doing their job. I leave a situation that is either really good or bad, wanting to call HR to report my experience. Nothing heightens your sensitivity more than being in a helpless situation.  Especially when you are waiting desperately for answers, solutions and most importantly for someone like me, a plan.

I’ve learned a lot in the last two months and I’m going to apply this to my clients and employees.  I hope that if I don’t they will call me on it, because I intend to hold them to the same standards.

New Rules

1 – If you are unsure, don’t guess.  Walk away from the people who your answer effects and brainstorm.  Tell them you are working on it and you will be back. Tell them when.

2 –  Let’s talk about that timeline.  Set a realistic time.  Not the one that will make the people waiting for answers feel better in the moment.  They will feel worse being put off and delayed because you set up a loosing proposition of a timeline.

3 – Tell the truth always.  Telling someone what they want to hear to get out of a situation or to make them feel better may seem like a good idea.  But when you have to pull back on a promise or change course, you will have eroded their trust in you.

4 – Respect other’s sense of urgency. Don’t tell them how they are number 10 on your list.  They don’t care.  Tell them they’re a priority and when you can attack their problem.  Don’t explain how 9 people are more important.

5 – Respect everyone’s time.  Everyone has a list of obligations, don’t assume yours are more important.  Don’t make people wait, especially when dealing with a critical issue.  Waiting causes anxiety, fear and anger.  When you meander in, you will not be greeted kindly and that will be YOUR fault.

6 – Put yourself in their shoes.  Whether it’s your client, employee or your child.  Remember all problems are relative.  So be compassionate.

7 – Slow down and listen.  Don’t talk so fast that people can’t process.  Don’t ask if someone has questions as you are standing up to leave.  If you can’t do this bring someone with you who can be that part of your team.

8 – If you are in a job where you see crisis everyday, you need to work extra hard to nurture your empathy. It’s difficult in HR, as I see so many employee situations that I tend to get a little pessimistic (I know shocker).  I need to work on this.  Here is another example. If you are an ICU nurse, you see people near death every day.  But their families don’t, so this is a crisis to them and your should treat them as such.

9 – Life is short, reward the good.  There is nothing like the smile on someone’s face when you thank them.  I hear “that’s their job” a lot, it is. We need to take the time to appreciate and thank people for a job well done.  Appreciated employees work harder and enjoy their jobs.

A long time ago I swore I wouldn’t lose my sense of what is really matters.  I did a little, I’m hoping to bring that back.  If the last conversation or interaction we had is really our last, would I have any regrets? I’m hoping in most cases that will be no.  At least for a long time, until life gives me another reminder!

Now go out there and be conscious and kind because life is too damn short!