October 6, 2012
www.the-burgh.com - 5
Since when are we not allowed to make a mistake? I was at the gym recently when I heard commentators from various programs who were angry, appalled, worried and possibly even frightened as they engaged in conversation about a recent event. I won’t go into the details, but they were sharing their views about a certain call referees made regarding what appeared to be a double catch at a football game. It was as if World War III had broken out. Basically, what it boiled down to was the commentators believed the referees had made a mistake. Suddenly, the world was going to end because people are not allowed to make mistakes, and if they do, they must suffer intense and even savage punishment because mistakes are horrific. The message here simply appears to be that mistakes cannot be made. Say those punishing the referees like Salem Witch trial judges are wrong, because to err is human, after all. That doesn’t bode well because the average person will resist the admittance of a wrong, almost like a trained soldier tortured for information, and
if there is no realization of the wrong, then at least one individual believes he or she is still right. Being wrong and making a mistake seem to go together in that the average person learns early on that both are to be condemned and avoided at all costs. While we say to err is human and that it is admirable to admit we are wrong, the message put out there is quite the opposite. It has created a climate in which mistakes do not happen, and if they do, they are horrible, and it is easier to eye everyone else suspiciously than admit we might be wrong. The reality is, to err is indeed human and we are all going to make mistakes, and we all do make mistakes. That doesn’t necessarily mean we shrug off our mistakes and act as if they never happened and didn’t have an impact on anyone, but since it is something all humans do, it also does not make sense to condemn someone for doing something that is very human and unavoidable, acting as if we just found a stash of bodies in that person’s basement or discovered they were
reason insurance exists to protect the surgeon and compensate the family. But it also doesn’t mean suddenly announcing or acting as if the surgeon who saved countless lives is now an idiot, even evil, who should be fired and shunned, despite the countless lives that individual saved before the mistake and will likely save after the mistake. To err is human. But say initially that is what occurs. Good luck seeing that course of action, that attitude reversed, because admitting a wrong is a nearly impossible feat for the average individual. Most of us avoid thinking about being wrong, or are willing to admit that we are wrong. So those condemning the referees were not wrong. Of course, until one realizes he or she is wrong, a wrong has not occurred, at least in that individual’s mind. We tend to assume that we are right and the other individual is ignorant or an idiot. Instead, we should accept that we make mistakes and that we
Stephen Bartlett
From the Editor’s Desk plotting to blow up America. It is going to happen over the course of someone’s career. Even the highly skilled surgeon who saves countless lives each year, may, in his or her career, make a mistake or two and, given the profession, those mistakes may be costly. It seems as if the mistake cannot be overlooked, depending on the impact on the individual under the knife. It seems this is one
could be wrong. From very early on in our development, we are often taught that mistakes are bad, and so is being wrong, something that is reinforced by our parents and even our teachers. Even by doing something so simple as pointing out mistakes on homework and tests, without putting anything in perspective, we are encouraging people to strive to not make mistakes, instead of realizing that to err is human. So basically the message is don’t make a mistake because you are not human and no one is ever wrong, because it will be no good for anyone involved, unless you are the person who is right, I guess. On the contrary, I prefer to believe humans are capable of all sorts of beautiful and powerful change and that talking about it is just one step toward evolving. To err is human, and it is possible to step out of that trapped feeling of being right. Reach Editor Stephen Bartlett at stephen@denpubs.com.
Our life coaches, Style and Substance: On owning a small business Dear Style & Substance: I am a small business owner and I’ve noticed that some of my staff, after they have been here a while, slack off and have bad work habits. I am really not sure about how to get everyone back on track. Any advice? This seems to be a typical problem with so many small businesses. Many times, small businesses are run more like a family than a business. Owners and employees often become friends and the lines between personal and professional become blurred beyond recognition. At the end of the day however, a business is a business, and just like a functional and happy family, boundaries and guidelines give structure and support to accomplish goals. One way to set the stage for success is in the hiring and orientation process. This is a time when clear expectations, routines, and policies are set by the employer and expected by new employees. Processes should be very detailed and be written in an employee handbook, no matter the size of the organization. This should also include warnings and disciplinary procedures. You, the business owner, should at all times reflect the consistency expected. Should a new employee show disinterest or dislike early on, that is not likely to change unless you initiate the discussion and the expected changes. Should this be something that you have not implemented, begin the process now and review it with each staff member. We think that two “automatics” should be in place; which would be NO use of technology that is not work-related and being on time and ready to work each day at the designated time. Harsh, but true. Cell phones, Facebook, web browsing, and work phones for personal planning and family calls, should be forbid-
sors. Reward systems are a great way to regularly give out appreciation and compliments. Everyone responds to something different; design the rewards around your staff’s interests and motivations. We think that $$$ are a great motivator! Address situations immediately. This reminds employees that you are aware and have the workplace environment under control. Immediate action reduces chaos, gossip and drama. Employees are seeking a sense of fairness, and if a double standard exists, or they regularly hear someone using excuses to keep out of trouble, they will begin to disrespect your authority. A poor supervisory style that was recently brought to our attention is when the boss is so intimidated by particular employees, that they make an overall demand instead of a direct demand to the specific offender. This leads to a lack of confidence in your leadership from the other employees. Remember that THIS IS A BUSINESS!! Without making your issues their issues it is a delicate balance to undertake. Many times employees have no idea of all the time, costs, worries and juggling that you are actually doing to make a living. Deciding what may help them understand is a tricky, yet necessary piece to good leadership.
Michele Armani and Sally Meisenheimer den. We do understand that emergencies happen; however, set everyone straight from the start with clear expectations for professional use of technology. Put a computer history check system in place, so the rules are respected. If the work times are not clearly enforced, then employees can easily make excuses. Hold regular meetings, with both the entire staff and individually, to build understanding, camaraderie and to set goals to help keep the staff on track with workloads and reporting to supervi-
Elmore SPCA
Our Furry Friends Our Furry Friends is a weekly feature brought to you by Denton Publications. For more information about these and other fine pets available for adoption, contact: Elmore SPCA 556 Telegraph Road, Peru 643-2451 North Country SPCA 23 Lakeshore Road, Westport 962-8604
H
ermione is a sweet tempered calico that is a love bug! She really likes to be around people, and she is very happy around other cats. This little girl was a stray cat that was found with her brother Ron in an abandoned trailer. Hermione was covered in fleas and was very thin when she was brought to Elmore SPCA. She also had severe ear mites; she is still receiving treatment for the mites but is much better. She is an active kitten that loves to play and engage with pretty much everything around her! Hermione is spayed, has tested negative for FeLV, FIV and heart worm, she is current on rabies and is one distemper shot away from being current on that as well. Come in and meet this wonderful kitten; she will fit in well in any home.
Hermione
North Country SPCA
O
ur featured pet this week is Kevin, a young boxer/greyhound-mix who was picked up on the road by a kind lady who was shocked to see the condition this poor guy was in. Poor Kevin was so skinny that we could count every rib, and his backbone was clearly visible. Although most dogs are frightened and nervous when they first come to the shelter, Kevin seemed positively thrilled and quickly adapted to shelter life. He really loves the attention, warm comfy bed, and never ending supply of food! Kevin has filled out considerably since he came to us and is beginning to show hints what a truly handsome dog he will become. He adores people and wags his skinny little tail at everyone who comes around. Whoever is lucky enough to take this sweet boy home will truly have a best friend for life. This resilient fellow is a very special boy.
Kevin
ASK Style & Substance: Michele Armani and Sally Meisenheimer
creative life coaching solutions Email your questions or request a life coaching appointment to yourstyleandsubstance@gmail.com for more information: visit our website at yourstyleandsubstance.com