28 SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF AN UNPLEASANT WORK ENVIRONMENT!

Just happening to be thinking the other day and I thought I would do a "brain dump" of some of the negative work issues that increase employee dissatisfaction and turnover.

So here are some of my thoughts:

• Touchy management & co-workers. Co-worker insulted if another employee uses, albeit rarely, their garbage can, if it's convenient.
• "Getting along" is valued over hard work, despite assurances to the contrary.
• Cliquey company culture.
• Atmosphere of disrespect for religious beliefs 
• Management unwilling to work with an employee dealing with loss, grief, marital distress, etc.
• Tattle-tale employees
• Hyper-sensitive co-workers and management
• Snappy co-workers or management
• Micro-managing management
• No opportunity for growth, advancement or challenge
• No sense of being appreciated
• Double standards in rewards, discipline, recognition, handling complaints, etc.
• Management doesn't listen to concerns. Input is unwelcome.
• Discrimination. Not just against politically-correct groups but men, Christians, hard workers, political beliefs/views, etc.
• Diversity messages that become Orwellian, i.e. not all groups are are part of the "diversity".
• Mountains are made out of molehills
• Unforgiving culture. Can move on from conflict.
• Unclear directions or expectations.
• Backbiting and gossipy co-workers
• Petty co-workers or management
• "Do as I say and not as I do" culture
• Frustration with management's "my way or the highway' attitude.
• Co-workers with offensive habits like burping.
• Too many chiefs. Procedures are not followed uniformly by different supervisors.
• Impossible demands, or at least in terms of compensation paid.        
• Expectations are not communicated. staff has to "read minds."
• Diligence and excellence are not appreciated, even mocked.
• Ever increasing demands without appreciation or rewards.
  

Bidding 101

BIDDING 101

Construction firms are faced with the task of how to bid a job almost immediately.

So how do you bid a job?

Basically, a construction job should be based on your needs/goals for:

• Labor - Compensation for yourself (what you would be paid as an employee for your work as a contractor) and employees. Also, don't forget to include sub-contract labor, as well.,
• Overhead expenses to cover your non-job related business expenses like the employer's share of FICA taxes, administrative staff expenses, office supplies/utilities, internet/phone charges, advertising & marketing, insurance, office rent, vehicle expenses, etc.,
• Materials costs and other job-related costs like renting tools or equipment, and
• Profit, which is designed to recoup your investments in fixed assets and to provide a return on the use of your capital in your small business.

I would recommend arriving at a type of billing rate to cover your direct labor for the job, the overhead and profit. Remember, to divide by the anticipated number of hours worked on jobs for the chosen period, not the total number of hours worked! This billing rate will be multiplied by your estimate hours for the job plus direct materials and other job-related costs. The bill rate can be used for all jobs unless there are significant changes to direct labor, overhead and the desired and realistic profit estimated. Unlike professionals, who use their billing rate when quoting rates to clients, a construction company can and often should use more discretion.

Also, a range of "billing rates" can be used from a ceiling to a floor. The floor rate may be used on a short-term basis to get experience and cover costs in lean times while the ceiling rate is at your premium rate for work you like and do the best!

Then after bidding a job, it is important to "check" that against what the market will bear and also your billing process will likely need to be tweaked after you determine if you are getting jobs too easily or if you aren't getting any. Your costs may frankly be too high, your estimate of expenses could be wrong or profit may be too fat or thin.

A few resources to help are:

• The Contractor's Group at www.thecontractorsgroup/lets_start_bidding.htm
• A solid, but short guide on submitting a construction bid can be found at www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Construction-Bid.

IS DIVERSITY IN THE WORKPLACE REALLY DIVERSE?

The "dog days" of summer, 2015 version! My basset hound isn't her normal bubbly self on a 97 degree day. Also, this summer, the political scene has been shaken up with the candidacy of Donald Trump, Billionaire Extraordinaire on the GOP side.

"The Donald" has been "telling it like it is". I, for one, have been refreshed by his "in-your-face" bold, often politically incorrect, statements on a host of issues! That is what freedom is supposed to look like!

Along that wavelength, I thought I would take a shot at the prevailing wisdom about diversity in the workplace these days.

It seems that in American society in general and, "big time" in corporate America that diversity is quite the "buzz word"! Diversity of skin color is in (especially if you aren't white), diversity of sexual orientation (homosexuality seems to be a ultra preferred status while those who disagree are castigated. Diversity??), and being a woman is typically preferable to being a man.  The emotionalism needed to succeed in a heterosexual dating or marital relationship seems to be in the work place, as well. Except that, I've noticed if men are sensitive they are often mocked or belittled for being babies. The "drama" I see in the workplace and society in general (thanks go largely to you, ladies) is getting quite ridiculous.

Quite politically incorrect, I know! I will stand in "The Donald's" draft for a bit of cover, haha!

Nonetheless, as a consultant, embracing a contrarian perspective, I thought I needed to share.

Ironically, diversity of viewpoints seems to be getting a "bad wrap" in today's American society. For example, holding that human-caused climate change may be suspect. Or that the Confederate flag, while offensive to many as racist, may still be seen rationally by others as an historical symbol. Just a few views that are not greeted with the same respect for diversity, of opinion that is.

The problem is, that in solving real-world problems, "out-of-the-box" views or perspectives are sometimes required in business and management problems. If folks are stifled by political correctness, such solutions may be ignored or not given the light of day! So, lighten up America! True diversity should include different emotions, viewpoints and beliefs, even the politically incorrect ones!

"KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

OF MILLIONAIRES" *

· CREATIVE INTELLIGENCE - Includes seeing opportunities others do not see, finding a profitable niche, specializing, and loving your career or business.

· INTEGRITY AND MORAL VALUES - Includes being honest with all people, having a supportive spouse, and having strong religious faith.

· INTELLECTUAL ORIENTATION - Includes having a high IQ/superior intellect, attending a top-rated college, and graduating near/at the top of one's class.

· INVESTING: THE STOCK MARKET OR ONE'S OWN BUSINESS - Includes investing in the equities of public corporations, having excellent investment advisers, making wise investments, investing in my own business, being my own boss, willing to take financial risk given the right return, and living below one's means.

· LUCK VS. DISCIPLINE - Includes being lucky, being well disciplined, being very well organized, and working harder than most people.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." 

· ORIENTATION TOWARD CRITICS - Includes ignoring the criticism of detractors, having a competitive spirit or personality, having the urge to be well respected, having extraordinary energy, and being physically fit.

· SOCIAL SKILLS - Includes getting along with people; having strong leadership qualities; having an ability to sell your ideas, products, etc.; and having good mentors.

 

* These success factors are based on a survey of 733 millionaires by Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D., in his book, The Millionaire Mind (pg. 61-65). This brief excerpt was used in accordance with the "Fair Use" exemption to the U.S. copyright law.