Talk Ain't Cheap

     Maybe you're not a morning person.  Maybe you're deep in thought about what's ahead and not attuned to your surroundings.  Maybe it wasn't something that was important to do around your house when you were growing up.  But greeting people when you first see them each day is a show of respect.  It says to an individual that you "see" them--meaning you acknowledge their presence, that they exist, and that they are important enough to address.         This issue comes up regularly when I am conducting internal customer service and self-awareness training sessions.  For many, saying hello to a colleague first thing in the morning isn't a big thing.  But for others, it's everything .  Those who believe it matters are usually offended by the dismissive response they get from a coworker who walks through the office and passes their office or desk and never looks in their direction.  They are par...

           For companies that pay attention to it, the condition of morale is an essential part of determining if the company’s environment is healthy and poised for growth.   When morale is high, people are ready to come to work and be productive.   Alternatively, when morale is low, people (mostly) come in, and they perform the minimum until they can escape at the end of the day.      In a low morale environment, it’s easy to find a lethargic, stagnant staff largely going through the motions but not inspired to color outside the lines.   The resentment felt throughout the office is as heavy as a winter coat weighed down by a cold, rainy day.   So why do these dismal, drab feelings occur?   What is causing morale to suffer near the bottom of the pile of office ailments?      No doubt there are a plethora of reasons, but we’ll try to narrow them down to the top ten. ...