Conflicts, Feuds and the Wisdom of the Swiss

If you have employees, there's bound to be conflict and if you have a family, there is bound to be a feud. When this occurs for you, join me in savoring the wisdom <and neutrality> of the Swiss.

I may look calm, cool and collected on the outside but know that I am usually working like crazy to keep my own emotions and reactions in check on the inside. The last thing an already emotional situation needs is another person looking to establish a position.

It's hard work to fight, it's draining and in the end - no one really wins. Having been there and done that before, I now strive to be part of the solution and not exacerbate the problem.

You can do the same by not judging, keeping an open mind, and keeping your dog out of the fight

So much easier said than done, especially when you are not feeling personally attacked, your hot buttons were not pressed or the hand you put out was not just bitten by that dirty dog.

Be in my space when that happens to me and you'll get a glimpse of what really goes down behind the carefully constructed exterior.

Just not in the mood for neutrality, taking the high road or being the voice of reason?

The Swiss have a remedy for that too . . . chocolate, wine and colorful hang gliders sailing from the mountain tops over the picturesque countryside - and their very own Evil Hr Lady.

I'm heading there now.

Supervisor Training: You Get What You Pay For

Time for a little rant from the corner office.

Maybe it's because I don't really have a corner office, because I am a good supervisor who knows I haven't been doing a great job lately, or because I don't like Fred Pryor <actually, I've never met Mr. Pryor> but nonetheless, a brochure for a 1-day seminar, "How to Supervise People" got me going.

Attend this seminar and you'll walk away knowing how to develop a keen sense of timing for taking corrective action or firing an employee - and know the legal implications of your decisions, prevent hassles by using the best hiring practices and interviewing techniques, and control absenteeism and tardiness.

All this plus 7 more key deliverables for only $99.00.

I am not buying it. What scares me is that so many others will.

Even though the company set high expectations with their wording, I get that the trainers are not intending to address the legal/technical/HR aspects of these topics and instead, provide only basic at-your-fingertips tools and techniques.

Others may not get that and leave thinking they know much more than they really do about the topics presented.

For overall supervisor development, I'd put my money, and yours, on Eric B. Meyer <free blog> or Wally Bock's Three Star Leadership <$39.99>, send HR staff to #TNL Chicago - National Recruiting Conference <$159.99> so they can train and better advise supervisors on recruitment or up the stakes and get all access G5 Leadership <$129/year>.

Now this is some good stuff. Anything less is pure silliness.

Hat tip to Kris Dunn and Fistful of Talent for G5 Leadership and photo credit to iStockphoto