THE WORKPLACE WITCH

By Vernalee

Called Wicked, The Wizard of Oz was revived on Broadway. This 1939 MGM movie is a timeless classic and entertaining as it can be watched over and over again without boredom. Though the Wicked Witch of the West is a fictional character, A colleague recently reported a sighting of a Workplace Witch on her job site. For those who work from home, she’s also seen virtually. Anyway, her trademark is that she terrorizes employees with her tactics. Included in her daily antics and mannerism are emotional shouting matches, degrading insults and the like. The staff routinely gets a break because the Workplace Witch regularly travels to exotic lands while attending expensive seminars. Though broomstick travel would be cheaper and environmentally friendly, she uses Delta Airlines instead. Her broomstick is packed in her Louis Vuitton luggage that she conspicuously parks at the Ritz Carlton. Her behavior is wildly bizarre and outrageous, but no one "checks" her; perhaps because she is in the executive suite. With such outrageous conduct, for certain she is not a role model for her peers or subordinates! I forgot to mention that there are a few warlocks that she socializes with as well. Wickedness is equally dispersed by both genders. Raise your hand if you have worked with a person who is so terrible that you deliberately stay out of their path! Incredible, isn't it? It's time for the staff to be rescued. They should call Dorothy and her crew from Oz. Agreed? Hopefully, the Scarecrow tags along! Throwing water may do the trick for this Workplace Witch as it did for Dorothy! If the witch melts and fades away, perhaps the staff will joyously and triumphantly sing as did the Munchkins, "Ding Dong, The Witch is gone!" At least that will stop the Workplace Witch from casting another tyrant spell of unbecoming antics and reappearing somewhere "Over the Rainbow!"

Photo credit: mytitlewave.blogspot.com

WALKING WITHOUT A TIGHT ROPE

By Vernalee

Are you a risky daredevil or do you take calculated steps? It is better to be safe than sorry! Agreed?

An associate recently recognized that his

recent venture had him freehandedly “walking a tightrope without a net!” Strangely, he did not realize that his journey was net-less as he was so entrenched that he had not taken the time to look down. Fear ...he didn’t have at the time!

Sometimes, what you don’t see or know conceal the negative consequences. However, once the wool is pulled away, the dangers become conspicuously obvious. When that happened, it was then that his after thought led him to say, “How could I have done such a thing? I’m smarter than that! I need to count my blessings that I walked away in one piece.”

Afterwards, the negative realities stared him directly in his face. The realization of not having a safety net was akin to being in the middle of the lake with no paddle! To survive, refocusing was necessary.

Gasping we say, “Whew!”

What was he thinking?

Don't judge!

Many of us have been in similar spots. Think about it.

Was it a position that you were totally unprepared to assume? Was it a risky relationship? Was it a match not made in Heaven and you proceeded anyway? Was it a financial move that you knew that you couldn’t afford but did anyway? Were you trying to keep up with the Joneses when you didn’t have the Joneses’ money?

Sometimes, no matter how thorough, we cannot always calculate the risks. What steps should we take?

We can regroup and reset the buttons. We can closely examine the precautionary warning signals that implied trust or bad judgment convinced us to remove. We can make the necessary changes by becoming equipped with armors of courage, strength, resources, and knowledge to be prepared to walk into greener pastures with keener vision, balance and wisdom. After all, we are “the masters of our fate; the captains of our souls.”

Finally, a safety net may not be a bad idea!

Having something or someone to catch you is better than landing on the ground. It just makes good sense. Right?

Photo credit: freeart.com

YOU DON'T GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION

By Vernalee

First impressions are lasting impressions. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. People size you up within seconds after meeting you. Therefore, put some serious thoughts and efforts into the process prior to meeting someone for the first time. Approach is key. Favorable lasting impressions can be enhanced if our moves are orchestrated. The ultimate goal is to be – memorable. According to experts, there are several steps to this process. 10 Tips for making a great First Impression: 1. Maintain eye contact. 2. Keep an opened friendly face. 3. Have good body language. 4. Be genuine. 5. Don’t boast. 6. Smile. 7. Appearance matters. 8. Use the person’s name. 9. Have a positive mindset. 10. Practice. So plan your meeting. Be prepared; be smart. Make your first impression count. Have a good introduction and a firm handshake. Look good; smell good. Leave knowing that you will be remembered. Achieve the objectives of the meeting … by walking away leaving your mark! As a final tip – don’t be late! Photo credit: LinkedIn.com; Source: Business Content PLR