If part of the job of a supervisor is customer service (both internally and externally) then shouldn't the testing and interview for that supervisor position entail loads of questions about the candidate's ideas on customer service?

I guess I am just puzzled as to why the supervisors in the public sector are not tested for "likes" and "dislikes" in the workplace sorta like those personality tests.

Interpersonal skills should be a mandatory trait for a new supervisor. It should be tested during the interview process and there should be questions about it.

You can teach someone to write. You can also teach someone to answer a question to pass a test...but it is harder to teach someone to how to read another person.

And now that I'm on a roll...what about those in management not versed in management skills?
Shouldn't these positions require some sort of training BESIDES years of experience. Remember, just because you can do the job, doesn't mean you can lead and manage.

Yoda had the right attitude...

Do, or do not. There is no 'try'.
--Yoda (from the Empire Strikes Back)

Visibility

When there is an event sponsored by the workers, dontcha think that it should be supported by its leaders? An event, whether it be big or small, that celebrates the diverse culture in the workforce should be supported by the leaders to show unity, cohesiveness and acceptance. Whether it be a luncheon for Chinese New Year, Filipino Independence Day, or Gay Pride Celebration, the leaders should be visible and celebrate the diversity--even if just to be seen for a few moments.

They should be there. It is important to us that they be there.
We just want to know that they support us, our groups, and "us" as workers.

Being at these events validates us.

Just remember, we do know who attends and who doesn't. We take a mental tally. We talk amongst ourselves and discuss.

Can this affect the workgroups and culure in the organization? --- You betcha!!

This comes back to my blog on culture, doesn't it.....

Thought for the day

No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

-- Eleanor Roosevelt

The art of ass kissing

It's a skill that I greatly admire. Yes, I did say "admire". Why? Because a good bullshiter----I mean a REALLY good BS'er---can convince those in the front line, those fellow worker bees, that he/she is competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy. If he/she can fool the worker bees, then it is easy to fool the Queen Bee and everyone else in the hive. Those are the ones that are deadly in the long run.

They have great oratory skills, command a presence, and can work a room. They are slick and we love them and love to hate them.

It is a true skill, really. The real art is seeing how long they can last without being exposed.

I think a kiss ass is only as good as the support that he or she gets from the ass being kissed. Again, this comes back to social construction and how much power we give to these ass kissers without calling them on the carpet and exposing them for what they are.

We create the kiss asses because we let it happen. We don't put a stop to it but give it power by talking about it and building it up. A true kiss ass will be keen to what we are trying to do---break him down---and then act accordingly.

Think happy thoughts

Its Sunday morning and the sun is out. I have my double non-fat vanilla latte, the Sunday paper, and my laptop at my disposal. Life is good.

As I used to say, "I wonder what the poor people are doing?". I say this not out of superiority or condescension but from my own dark humor. I say this to reflect on what I have and how I am fortunate to have what I have. I often "count my blessings" as my mom would say. It's easier to put it in check if I can joke about it.

Couple of things that I thought about this weekend as I reflected on my twisted world...

1. A lot of the chaos could dissipate if we all just think happy thoughts. Rather than think the worst of staff, management, friends, life why not think positively? I know it's easier to think negatively about something and it sometimes makes you feel better but wouldn't or couldn't you change your surroundings and mood if you just thought that life really isn't that bad, things aren't really that serious, and the world is not going to end just because of a bad day or event that happened to you at work?

2. Practice random acts of kindness. Start off simple. Maybe a "thank you" and a "please". Maybe opening the door for someone or helping out a coworker ---even though you know it isn't your job duty! Brighten up someone elses day and make your workplace that much shinier and happy.

3. Dance as if nobody is watching. Okay that is bit far fetched ....what about doing somethinng without asking especially if it means making things easier for someone or the group. Kinda like practicing random acts of kindness but the key to this is doing it WITHOUT acknowledgement or self-interest.

4. Smile. Laugh. Enjoy life's little pleasures. We spend most of our life at work. Why make it miserable, unbearable or stressful?

I think these four are easy to digest (at least for today)....afterall, it is Sunday.