If you are managing older workers be sure to eliminate lingering stereotypes that may lurk in the back of your mind. Be mindful that any kind of narrow thinking on your part may cut into your productivity. You may have a lot of good younger workers, but that does not mean you can afford to neglect your older workforce.

Some baby boomers are the hidden gems of the work place, they may have skills and attitudes that younger workers have not mastered. Plus they may remember where that old file is stored

Just remember your ABC’s when managing older workers:

A. Address your attitude.  Eliminate stereotypes from your thinking, positive or negative. You may believe older employees are harder workers, or that they’re just waiting for retirement. Treat every employee as an individual without jumping to conclusions based on age. Stereotypes often keep us from tapping talent.

B. Give them feedback.  Many younger managers are a little hesitant to give older workers feedback. But remember that older workers need to know their value to a team or the importance of their work. And they need to know where and how they need to improve.

C. Consider making them mentors.  Older workers have a mountain of experience. Make use of it. They can help steer younger workers though minefields that are never written in the company policy manual, and they can provide insights based on their own successes and failures.

First impressions never count more than during a job interview.

CareerBuilder.com recently surveyed more than of 2,700 hiring managers about mistakes job applicants make. While some of the responses were to be expected, some were a bit strange and downright odd.

The mistakes are listed by ranking order:

1. Inappropriate attire
2. Boredom or lack of interest
3. Criticizing a current or previous employer
4. Arrogant attitude
5. Answering a cell phone or texting during the interview
6. Vague answers
7. Not asking good questions

The hiring managers were also asked for their observations and opinions on interviewee attitude and attire that belonged in the “Hall of Shame.”

1. One candidate wore a business suit and flip-flops.
2. A job-seeker asked if the interviewer wanted to meet later for a drink.
3. The candidate who applied for an accounting job said he was “bad at managing money.”
4. One hungry candidate asked for directions to the employee break room to eat after the interview.
5. A candidate recited poetry.
6. A candidate for a customer service job told the interviewer, “I don’t really like working with people.”
7. One person had to leave because his dog had gotten loose in the parking lot.
8. A job-seeker spent the entire interview staring at the ceiling.
9. Asked to provide an example of teamwork, one candidate cited his Dungeons and Dragons experience.

Regarding inappropriate attire, it is better to err on the side of caution, or do a drive by a couple of days before your interview and see what employees are wearing. If you decided to take a chance and apply on the spot, be sure you are properly dressed.  A friend told me that she recently saw and spoke with a young woman she had not seen in a while, the young woman told her she was going into the building to apply for a job. My friend, a long-time gatekeeper of a high ranking executive explained to the young woman that she needed to return to apply when she wore something more appropriate and business-like. I do not know the outcome, but I am sure it was better than it would have been.

Read Career Builder’s article Feel Like Giving Up On Your Job Search? 5 Way to Shake things up, here  http://bit.ly/apmws3

 A couple of things to remember about meetings: (1) don’t waste someone’s else’s time, (2) take care not to be the reason for a canceled meeting. In many cases, know that time equals money.

If you are asked to RSVP a meeting or event, do so even if you have told to the person in charge of the event that you will attend. I have found that it is the little things that can make or break good will. 

• Don’t arrive too early. More than 10 minutes early is wasting your time and perhaps someone else’s, if they must entertain you while you wait. Also, you can become fidgety and annoyed that other’s may be late, if it appears they may not arrive on the dot. 

.  Send in that RSVP. Then mark your calendar, if something comes up, make contact and let the proper person that you will not be able to attend the function. No one likes to be left hanging, and it is just plain rude. 

• Confirm your appointments the day before. Let people know you’re conscientious; they’ll likely follow suit in the future. This is also an extra nudge or reminder to you as well.

• Bring some easy to do work with you. If you must wait, it cuts down the wasted time if you bring something else you can work on in the meantime. Anticipate that you may be waiting at least 10 minutes.

Summer’s here, and that usually means it’s time to hit the road for a vacation.  

  Whether your idea of relaxation involves rock climbing or lounging by the pool, you can enjoy a stress-free trip (or at least minimize the hassles) with some basic planning:

• Involve your children. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, get them engaged in the preparations. Asking them what they want to see and do, and incorporating their wishes as much as possible, will lead to a smoother experience.

• By Air–pick your time/follow new rules. Flight delays and crowded airplanes rarely improve the quality of your trip. When flying, your best bet is to travel Monday through Wednesday, early in the day. Fly direct if possible to cut the chances of your luggage getting lost (or having to drag your carry-ons from one end of the airport to the other). Make sure you have checked airline rules and regulations. Follow all directives etc., to the Nth degree.

• By car or rail–pack some snacks. Kids and adults get cranky when they’re hungry. Carry along something healthy to eat: granola bars, raisins or other dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, and treats for when you or your kids need something special.

• While away–schedule downtime. Don’t try to cram too many activities into the day. Rushing through one museum to get to the next one, and the one after that, will quickly grow exhausting. Allow some time to relax, watch TV, read, or take a leisurely stroll. A afternoon nap while on vacation is the ultimate treat for me. 

• Don’t allow drastic change to normal routine. For small children specially, maintaining some elements of a regular routine will keep things running smoothly. Bedtimes, regular meals, and normal rules of behavior provide a comforting sense of structure. If you normally read at night, bring a book or two.

• Prepare to be flexible. Expect delays and mishaps, so they don’t stress you out. Break the schedule when something more interesting comes up. If you want to spend more time in a museum that intrigues you, do it. You may not have the chance again.

If you belong to any group at some point you may be asked to become involved in the groups’ fundraising activities. Cookies, candy, calendars, gift wrap, spices, you name it. 

  If you have children it is almost a given that you will be expected to help your kid sell goodies. You may end up doing a lot of the selling yourself, at work. Be sure you know and obey the rules of selling at work; if there if a no soliciting policy in place take care to follow those rules. If you are allowed to sell in the workplace, do so quietly, do not turn off co-workers by being intrusive and annoying.  And remember that your job comes first.

Here are some tactful ways of selling in the workplace:

1. Don’t announce your fundraising efforts via office e-mail. Office equipment should be used only for business.

2. Pick and choose to whom you’ll make a personal appeal. Enlist the support of interested parties and people who’ve been helpful before.

3. Use central locations to post sign-up sheets and flyers. Try the office kitchen during non-lunch hours or public bulletin boards.

4. Thank supporters. After the fundraising drive, buy them a box of doughnuts or bagels. Show them you really appreciate their contribution to your child’s efforts.

5. Get your child to write thank-you notes. A short note of appreciation to all your co-workers who contributed goes a long way toward building support in the future.

When answering questions or giving advice, be as open and honest as you can be without your advice or response turning into a lecture.

  1. Be sure you understand the question.  Miscommunication often occurs when you don’t pay close attention to what others are saying. Make sure you understand what you’re being asked before trying to answer. If you do not understand the question, repeat to clarify what you think you heard.

2. Please don’t ramble.  If you know the answer, provide it quickly and succinctly. Don’t spend a lot of time discussing irrelevant information. (“That reminds me of . . .”)

3. Keep in mind that you are the expert.  Don’t be intimidated when someone who has more responsibilities or may know more in a different area asks you a question. Give the answer then back it up with facts and details. You may want to put them in a note or memo to memorialize them.

4. Give facts and data, not opinions.  If you’re asked for facts or data, give that. Refrain from adding observations to your answer. If asked for your opinion, then give it.

5. Don’t guess at answering the question.  If you can’t immediately answer a question, don’t try to fake it. Let the questioner know that you will get the information and get back to him or her. Get the answer as soon as possible, when you have it, respond immediately

6. Never be condescending.  Do not respond to a question with a condescending remark. That includes facial expressions, ie; a credulous look with eyebrows raised, shaking of the head, deep sighs. This may make the person hesitate to communicate further with you. You will lose a valuable source/resource.

7. Admit what and when you don’t know.  Being an expert can sometimes mean that you don’t know the answer to the question, but you do know who does. Refer the person to good and proper sources who can be of better help.

We know they know who we are, but they also know what we buy, and when and how regular we buy it. And of course they know where we shop, so will you get a slap if you shop bargain basement?

I have known, for many years why you are often asked for your zip code when using your credit card, but until a couple of years ago had no idea that where you used your credit card was important. Since becoming aware of this, I have changed my credit card shopping tactics. I am not sure when I learned that credit card companies not only watch how much you spend, but where you spend. I now use my American Express in [what I assume are] AMEX worthy stores.

When I go to the mall, I love browsing in the dollar store and often make purchases there. I almost always spend $15 to $20, I mean how can I resist those pretty colored glass jars or that cute wicker basket, I can use it for… If I am low on cash I pop these items on my credit card. But now I use a card that does not have the same value to me as another one does. I don’t want my credit card $$ ceiling lowered because I have a good time in the dollar store. Something to think about the next time you go shopping.

Oh, and if you are offended, embarrassed or just surprised that you receive certain catalogs in the mail, the reason may be a in piece of plastic, your credit card. Shopper lists are often sold or traded.

Are you an online shopper or a hold out? If you are a mall shopper you will notice a few empty stores. While I have no plans to give up mall shopping, I do like the convenience of shopping online, especially comparison shopping. To add to the lure of online shopping, there are coupon sites that give you coupon codes for $$’s off purchases at certain online stores. One such site is Sherpa Coupons, they have compiled this shoppers online information :

• 63 percent of online shoppers are female; mothers are the fastest-growing demographic group.
• Americans spent more than $115 billion online in 2008; some forecasters say online shopping will hit almost $330 billion in 2010, or about 13 percent of total retail sales.
• U.S. consumers aren’t the world’s most prolific online shoppers. South Koreans are, with 99 percent of Internet users in that country making online purchases. Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan run a close second, with the United States at No. 8.
• The most popular online product? Books, followed by clothing, videos and games, airline tickets, and electronic equipment.
• 60 percent of consumers confine their shopping to a single site. The most popular shopping site is Amazon.com.

Sherpa not only gives coupon code information about online shopping; it has a blog and a free weekly coupon newsletter that gives you the 411 on shopping. The site also offers coupons that can be downloaded. I realize that some people are hesitant about using computer printed coupons, for the most part they are trouble-free. I have used them for a couple of stores and have used several for TGI Friday’s without a hitch. However, you should keep in mind that no all stores and restaurants will accept computer printed coupons. You may want to call before you head out with your coupon.

Visit the Sherpa Coupons site. Don’t forget visit its blog and sign up for its newsletter.

When shopping online, check out Sherpa or your favorite coupon code site before you hit the purchase icon, you may save anywhere from five to twenty percent off the final cost. Remember to search as many coupon code sites as possible as the savings vary.  Just type “coupon code” to start saving dollars.

There is a public service announcement on PBS that shows a small child playing, his dad sits watching his boy. The child peaks into a small stack of tires, he runs, he plays. A bigger kid wearing a mask, growls and frightens the child who hightails it back to daddy who opens his arms wide. After a few encouraging words from daddy the child returns to the fun of exploring and having a good time.

  Parents are their child’s safety net and teaching your child to be safe as they grow and explore is one of a parents most important jobs. With so many potential threats to worry about, that can seem overwhelming. So, what can you do to help your kid? For one thing they need to know that it is OK to say “No” and “Stop.” 

• Discuss safety calmly. You want your children to be careful, not terrified. When you talk about safety matters, emphasize that your main concern is their welfare. Listen to their concerns, and answer their questions as clearly and honestly as you can.

• Highlight important information. Be sure your younger children know their home phone number and address, as well as contact information for another relative or trusted adult.

• Don’t just talk about strangers. Let children know they should tell you anytime they’re made uncomfortable by someone’s behavior, even if they know the person well.

• Play “what if?” Rules and advice can be too abstract for young minds to understand. Make it real by asking children what they would do in certain situations: If a stranger tried to get them into a car, for example, or if they got lost in a shopping mall.

• Discuss body issues. Let your children know that no one should be allowed to touch them in personal areas. Teach them what areas you’re talking about, with the proper names, so they can tell you accurately if something happens. The phrase “Just say no” is so appropriate here.  Teach your little one to follow his or her instincts, if a touch feels wrong, it probably is.   

• Listen, listen, listen. Oh, yeh, listen. If your child says I don’t this or that person or does not like the person anymore, find out why. Never insist that people must be liked or tolerated because they are family, etc.

I adore Aesop fables. So much so, that my friend gave a beautiful edition of the book. I know these books are usually given to children, but they hold truths and morals for all ages. I recently found out that billionaire Warren Buffett, has used the bird in hand fable to offer financial advice. See Forbes Warren Buffet #3 on the Forbes 2010 list.

Warren Buffett, known for his folksy homespun business wisdom, once explained his investment strategy by citing the moral of a famous tale by Aesop: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. When deciding whether to invest in the “two in the bush,” or stay with the “bird in the hand,” ask these questions:

• How certain are you that the birds are really hiding in the bush?

• When do you expect them to come out?

• How valuable do you expect them to be then?

Buffett advises people to use this formula to rate the attractiveness of every investment decision they make. As one of the world’s richest people, he must know what he’s talking about. The moral is from the Aesop fable of The Hawk and the Nightingale. This is probably not one of the best fables for children, but there is a good point to it.

I have a version of Aesop fables with beautiful Milo Winter illustrations in hard cover published by Rand McNally & Co. I believe it is one of the best versions there is. Amazon has it in paperback by a different publisher, but the copy should be the same.  The Aesop for Children (Illustrated Edition) (Dodo Press)