Dear Jean,

Two years ago, my husband and I started a small manufacturing company.  Although we are still pinching pennies, this is the first year we have had enough money to have a Christmas party.

Our employees come from several different walks of life.  Among those represented are various religions, races, and socioeconomic levels.  It is difficult to be all things to all people, but we really want everyone to feel comfortable and we want to stay within a reasonable yet small budget.  Any suggestions?

Reply:

You mentioned cultural diversity in your company. Most religions celebrate around this time of year so it’s best to call it a Holiday Party, at least on the invitation.

Here are a couple of low-cost options:

One is a covered-dish party.  You supply the meats and beverages.  Your employees bring the side dishes and desserts.  Those who don’t cook and those that you’re afraid can’t cook can provide chips, dips, and bread.

If you prefer not to ask your employees to bring anything, a chili party at your home or business is a fun and inexpensive idea.  You are only out the cost of chili, beverages, and extras.

Dear Jean,

I work for a large company and have nine people reporting to me.  Our company has been though a particularly trying time this year, and my staff has been unusually loyal and productive.  I’d like to buy each person a holiday gift.  What can I give that is in good taste and doesn’t cost a lot of money?

Reply:

Movie tickets are always a good bet.  That way, a spouse, friend or family member can enjoy your gift too.  Another idea is a book.  Most every bookstore carries small hardback “gift books.”  Some are humorous and some carry light philosophical ideas and quotations.

A nice touch, either on the inside cover of the book or on the card that will accompany the movie ticket, would be for you to write a personal thank-you.  Because this gift is meant as a thank-you it would be nice for you to add the personal touch of a written note.  The personal note will be appreciated and kept and remembered.

Dear Jean:

On my last performance appraisal, my boss told me I need to give recognition to my staff.  I’m not exactly sure what he meant.  I explained that my staff members know perfectly well when they are not up to par.  I don’t have the need or desire to get all mushy and give people standing ovations for doing their jobs correctly. That’s what they get paid to do.

My boss thinks differently, and I can tell you right now that frothy emotional displays are not for me.  How can I do what my boss wants and not compromise my values?

Reply:

If this is really important to your boss, my best advice is to explore a way that fits your values.  In the old yet classic, popular book, The One Minute Manager, we learn to “catch” people doing things right and praise them for it.

I’ll adapt this concept to fit your particular style:

Catch one of your employees doing something above and beyond the call of duty.  Describe the performance or behavior you are recognizing and be clear on why you are recognizing it.  Express your appreciation and then say thank you.  That’s all there is to it.

This will be hard for you at first.  Most likely you and your boss have a different idea about what constitutes “above and beyond the call of duty.”  Be sure to discuss this with him so both of you are in agreement as to which kinds of behaviors you want to recognize.

Remember – the performance that you praise is the performance that will be repeated.

Do-gooders

Fact: Science has proven that our positive everyday behavior influences the lives of everyone around us. Doing a little “good” here and there counts.

Positive behavior is about taking action on the little things; the way we treat ourselves, our family members, peers, strangers and even the service providers in our lives. Just saying hello and giving a big warm smile to everyone we encounter, helps us and helps them as well. Each morning, we can make a decision to do good for ourselves and to do good for the people around us. Making the decision is the hard part. After making the decision the doing becomes easy.

Granted, it’s rare when anyone is able to a great deal of good at one time. Most of us can’t give ten million to a charity or invent a magnificent technology, yet we can change our world with small actions.

All of us are cogs. Most of us are small cogs in the greater scheme of things. Yet we have choices. We can go to our posts rusty and raspy. Or we can go well oiled and ready to do our part for this day.

Jean Maslanka Kelley