I have been in the work force for 25 years and have been in administrative positions most of that time. I have interviewed more candidates for jobs than I care to remember. Being professional when dealing with potential empoyees is utmost important because they are likely already a customer or acquainted with the company they are applying with. In addition, they are judging the organization by how they are being treated by the person interviewing them as this person has been entrusted by the organization to represent the organization. I ALWAYS treated job candidates with respect, answered their questions, took time to return phone calls and emails and other inquiries....its what you do when you are a professional.
I have recently started a new job search and am appalled by they way interviewers and company representatives conduct themselves and represent their organizations. Phone calls and emails are not returned, company representatives are short and rude when they find out that you are looking for employment. If you are lucky enough to actually get past some call screening secretary ( I NEVER let my employees be nosy on the phone and ask what a personal phone call was about), the human resouce's representative will only repeatedly direct you to the company website even when you have a simply question or explain that the website was no help or was not operational. This is bad business!!
I have actually decided not to pursue a potential employer because of the persons that they hire (presumably because they represent the ideals and values of the company) to interact with the public have treated me badly. In two instances, I refuse to do business with these companies any longer because they do not demonstrate the values that I thought they stood for. I actually cut an interview short and left when an interviewer insist that I lie on my application to get the job...but that's another post!
When did professionalism stop being a requirement for company "professionals"? Isn't it appropriate (if not professional) to answer an inquiry directly and honestly and to return a phone call or email once someone has taken the time to phone you or write you? Why is it becoming common place to ignore and neglect people when they initiate a contact with a company or manager? It seems as though only when the employer contacts you that timeliness is of the essence and that YOU are being evaluated on YOUR professionalism.
I'm amazed, embarrassed and disappointed all at the same time!
Allan
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Men and Women Drivers
I've been a police officer for almost eight years and I have a theory on why both men and women think that the opposite sex are the worst drivers...they drive differently. Men constantly complain about women and their driving habits and women argue that, statistically, men have more accidents. This arguement may be true, however, if you take into consideration weather related (lack of driving skill) accidents, it all evens out in my experience.
Here is what I've noticed about men and women drivers: men drive with a "pack" mentality, as in "pack animals" or "sports team". They tend to evaluate the driving of other drivers, anticipate what everyone else is doing and adjust their behavior and attention appropriately (or as they feel is appropriate based on their perception) to make the team work and to get EVERYONE into the right positions and make things happen. This sometimes causes them to make sudden movements with quick decisions (often times accompanied by colorful language and squalling brakes) but the goal is to help the other "team members" win. Each traffic movement is a victory for the team and movement to the (undefined) goal.
Women tend to drive with their personal goals and agendas in mind and aren't concerned about everyone else (they can tend to themselves). I have interviewed dozens of women who were involved in motor vehicle accidents and have noticed this common theme. They tend to not pay attention to the other traffic or anticipate what the other traffic patterns may mean and don't seem to interpret other traffic (motorist and non motorists such as pedestrians or animals) the same way as men. They do not approach driving like a field sport of teammates and goals. Female drivers repeatedly focus on only their own driving and automobile operation as well as their goals of where they want to go or what manuever they are tying to negotiate. I often hear women explain what happened in an motor vehicle accident in terms of "I was going to...", " I was trying to...", "I didn't see....", "I didn't know they were going to....", "Why would they have...",etc.
Yes, I am aware that I am generalizing men and women here (I don't think the guys will complain, though). However, I am compiling information that I have personally witnessed over and over again and am identifying the patterns that develop from the individuals that I have interviewed, the witness statements that I have read and the logical conclusions that have to be made on every accident investigated. There is nothing researched or scientific about my conclusions but am simply offering an my observations on the different driving approaches between men and women. It is just one additional evidence that the sexes do, in fact, think differently.
Allan
Here is what I've noticed about men and women drivers: men drive with a "pack" mentality, as in "pack animals" or "sports team". They tend to evaluate the driving of other drivers, anticipate what everyone else is doing and adjust their behavior and attention appropriately (or as they feel is appropriate based on their perception) to make the team work and to get EVERYONE into the right positions and make things happen. This sometimes causes them to make sudden movements with quick decisions (often times accompanied by colorful language and squalling brakes) but the goal is to help the other "team members" win. Each traffic movement is a victory for the team and movement to the (undefined) goal.
Women tend to drive with their personal goals and agendas in mind and aren't concerned about everyone else (they can tend to themselves). I have interviewed dozens of women who were involved in motor vehicle accidents and have noticed this common theme. They tend to not pay attention to the other traffic or anticipate what the other traffic patterns may mean and don't seem to interpret other traffic (motorist and non motorists such as pedestrians or animals) the same way as men. They do not approach driving like a field sport of teammates and goals. Female drivers repeatedly focus on only their own driving and automobile operation as well as their goals of where they want to go or what manuever they are tying to negotiate. I often hear women explain what happened in an motor vehicle accident in terms of "I was going to...", " I was trying to...", "I didn't see....", "I didn't know they were going to....", "Why would they have...",etc.
Yes, I am aware that I am generalizing men and women here (I don't think the guys will complain, though). However, I am compiling information that I have personally witnessed over and over again and am identifying the patterns that develop from the individuals that I have interviewed, the witness statements that I have read and the logical conclusions that have to be made on every accident investigated. There is nothing researched or scientific about my conclusions but am simply offering an my observations on the different driving approaches between men and women. It is just one additional evidence that the sexes do, in fact, think differently.
Allan
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Celebrity Invasion
Im amazed at how some people interact with celebrities sometimes. We are collectively responsible for their success and status, I get it! I would like to think that if I were more famous that I would be accessible and engaging to my fans. I was backstage at a concert the other day and Cindy Wilson of The B-52's was present. She was meeting a few fans for the first time...I know this because Cindy stated, "It was nice to meet you." in her southern charming manner. The lady she was speaking to reached up with both hands, grabbed Cindy by either side of her [Cindy's] head and ran her hands down Cindy's straight blonde hair! What a complete invasion of Cindy's personal space. I was embarrassed for everyone involved! I couldn't believe the nerve of the female fan to be so presumptuous and bold. Cindy just smiled and said goodbye again and walked away with a poker-face smile. I have met many celebrities in my life and I have to say that only one was awkward and cold. Everyone else was engaging, generous and charming. I show my appreciation and respect for them as, not only a celebrity, but also as a person, by respecting their time and attention.
Check out http://www.theb52s.com/ for all their Good Stuff!
Allan
Check out http://www.theb52s.com/ for all their Good Stuff!
Allan
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