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Happywork TV Episode 40: Lay People Off Using Some Human Guidelines

Posted on June 30, 2015 // 1 Comment

 
In Episode 40 of Happywork TV, I talk about the next commitment in my book “Happywork.”

The commitment is a LONG one. Watch the video to see what you think.

Short version: treat people with dignity when you have to fire them or lay them off. Try to imagine it’s your own special little son or daughter getting the axe, and then act accordingly.

Why should this even matter? Hey, why shouldn’t it? Why can’t we expend a little extra effort to treat each other better. Besides, those people you’re terminating can (and should) be walking, talking ambassadors for you. Yes, even the one you’ve terminated can (sometimes) see the wisdom in your decision, or more likely, can vividly remember how you treated them on exit. And they can tell and retell that story to countless people. So give them a good story to tell! Try to provide a soft landing for them. Don’t fire them in front of a bunch of people. Don’t lay people off with an email, letter, or phone call.

Remember, how would you want your son or daughter to be treated? How would YOU like to be treated?

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Watch Episode 39 here!

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IMPORTANT STUFF!

Both the e-book and paperback versions of Happywork are now available! Order it up!

Test drive it first & see if you like it – Download chapters 1-3 of my book for free!

Please SUBSCRIBE to my email newsletter! Pretty please – you’ll get these blog posts delivered to you automatically. Thank you!

And subscribe on YouTube!

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Happywork TV Episode 39: Single-Tasking To Find a New Job

Posted on June 23, 2015 // 1 Comment

 
In Episode 39 of Happywork TV, I explain where the hell I’ve been for the past four months!

Sneak preview:

1. I prepared to launch a book
2. I was told I was losing my job
3. My book Happywork debuted to great reviews
4. I did quite a few fun speeches related to it
5. At the same time, time to find a new job! I looked far and wide
6. To look for a job, I roughly decided what I wanted my next job to look like, I networked, and I wrote a blog post announcing that I was available for hire. That’s one of the only blog posts I did for those four months, as I decided I needed to single-task in order to stay mentally fit and focus on the job search. I only worried about the job search, probably to the detriment of my book
7. I had 30+ interviews and meetings
8. I had job offers
9. I accepted one of those offers, a wonderful new job
10. It took me 8 weeks to find that job
11. I started working that job, and decided to continue single-tasking, this time on the new job. I want to keep this job (I really like it), so it made sense for me to stay hyper-focused on it
12. But, I do think my book and the subject of happiness and fulfillment in the workplace deserve some attention. So I’m committing to post one video a week
13. Ooooh, lucky 13 – wish me luck!

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Watch Episode 38 here!

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IMPORTANT STUFF!

Both the e-book and paperback versions of Happywork are now available! Order it up!

Test drive it first & see if you like it – Download chapters 1-3 of my book for free!

Please SUBSCRIBE to my email newsletter! Pretty please – you’ll get these blog posts delivered to you automatically. Thank you!

And subscribe on YouTube!

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Happywork TV Episode 38: Don’t Haze or Hate on Departing Employees

Posted on February 25, 2015 // 1 Comment

 
In Episode 38 of Happywork TV, we talk about the next commitment in the work code of conduct I’ve created called “The Happywork Agreement.”

This is a commitment that employers are going to make to their employees.

Here it is: “If an employee resigns, I will not make it hard on them. There’s no reason to haze or hate on people who are leaving the organization, even if they leave during a tough stretch. Timing is never good on things like this, and I acknowledge that. We need to look inward to see what happened, and we need to remember that these departing employees could turn out to be great walking, talking ambassadors for us (or just the opposite).”

Hating on departing employees is a terrible thing to do to a fellow human being, but it’s also bad business. Their work friends are still employed by you; don’t think they’re not going to find out how you mistreated your ex-employee. That’s a morale killer. The outgoing employee will tell everyone she knows that you were a jerkface to her. She may even start working it into some of her public presentations. That is NOT the kind of PR you need. Prospective employees will look her up on LinkedIn and ask to “pick her brain,” and she’ll get a chance to tell them to avoid going to work for you.

Why act like a jerk to departing employees? Yes, you’re a little pussyhurt because they’re leaving you. They’re breaking up with you! It’s really all about you!

Get a grip on yourself. You are not the center of the universe. They’re leaving. It sucks. Be nice to them (as long as they’re nice to you). And then, go find someone better!

 
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Watch Episode 37 here!

— — — — —

IMPORTANT STUFF!

Both the e-book and paperback versions of Happywork are now available! Order it up!

Test drive it first & see if you like it – Download chapters 1-3 of my book for free!

Please SUBSCRIBE to my email newsletter! Pretty please – you’ll get these blog posts delivered to you automatically. Thank you!

And subscribe on YouTube!

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Happywork TV Episode 37: Happywork Has Launched!

Posted on February 17, 2015 // 1 Comment

 
Thanks to all who have played a role in bringing my art to the marketplace. Today, February 17, 2015, Happywork hits the streets, and I’m thrilled and honored.

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Happywork TV Episode 36: Psychometric Testing is Stupid

Posted on February 6, 2015 // Leave a Comment

 
In Episode 36 of Happywork TV, I discuss one of the commitments in the work code of conduct I’ve created called “The Happywork Agreement.”

Here it is: “Personality tests – sometimes referred to as ‘psychometric tests’ – are stupid. They provoke anxiety and are rarely relevant to the position being offered. There may still be relevant uses for such testing, but I will not forget the alternative: sitting down and having a nice conversation with the employee or job applicant.”

I could be wrong about this – hey, maybe you love sitting down before, after, or during a job interview and answering questions about your greatest weaknesses, what makes you angry, sad, etc. Not me! And as I admit in the video, it could be possible that these tests lend a hand to gigantic organizations hiring thousands of people a year.

Nevertheless, I’ve never liked these tests. The questions are often repetitive, and it just seems like a lazy way to evaluate a human being. I’ve worked at quite a few high-functioning organizations, and the hiring process did not include psychometric testing.

Just one man’s opinion.

 
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Watch Episode 35 here!

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IMPORTANT STUFF!

The eBook version of Happywork is OUT! Download now!

Download chapters 1-3 of my book for free!

The paperback version of Happywork is available for pre-order on Amazon – HERE! It hits the streets on 2/17/15 (and I’m finding that they’re shipping early. Order today!)

Please SUBSCRIBE to my email newsletter! Pretty please – you’ll get these blog posts delivered to you automatically. Thank you!

And subscribe on YouTube!

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Happywork TV Episode 35: Thank You Chris Brogan!

Posted on February 5, 2015 // 2 Comments

Chris Brogan
 
In the video below, I give a huge thank you to Chris Brogan for everything he’s taught me and done for me.

It’s more than just the blurb on the back cover of my book. Back when he blogged on a near-daily basis, I read every single post (sometimes multiple times). I was finding my way in this new social world of ours, working hard to leave my CPA job behind me. I wanted a new career, and Chris was one of the thought leaders who, unbeknownst to him, served as a “remote teacher” of mine. All he did was give, and all I did was take. I’m proud of the self-education I gave myself, but all thanks goes to people like Chris Brogan.

Hell, he even jumped on a 30-minute call with me last year to discuss my diet. He said he wanted me in better shape for when my book comes out. Gotta look great during those speaking engagements, he said. (full disclosure: I’ve lost 10 lbs at this point, probably. 😉 )

Chris Brogan, thanks for being you.

p.s. Two of my faves: Trust Agents and The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth (not affiliate links because Missouri don’t play that game. They’re BUY links!)

 
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Watch Episode 34 here!

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IMPORTANT STUFF!

Download chapters 1-3 of my book for free!

The paperback version of Happywork is available for pre-order on Amazon – HERE! It hits the streets on 2/17/15 (and I’m finding that they’re shipping early. Order today!)

Please SUBSCRIBE to my email newsletter! Pretty please – you’ll get these blog posts delivered to you automatically. Thank you!

And subscribe on YouTube!

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Happywork TV Episode 33: Thank You Designers!

Posted on January 23, 2015 // 1 Comment

 
In Episode 33 of Happywork TV, I say thank you to three artists who helped me with the design and look of my book Happywork.

Steve Hartman (@creativille on Twitter) did the front cover design of my book. Judging from the reviews I’ve been hearing, it turned out well! I used to work with Steve at Falk Harrison. I miss you, buddy!

Cat McMillan helped me with my book proposal. Instead of turning in the standard black and white Microsoft Word file book proposal, we created a beautiful document. The first publisher that saw it was impressed, but still told me “No.” Luckily, Sound Wisdom said yes. For those of you looking to write and publish a book, I talk here a bit about “designing” a book proposal versus simply writing one.

Bill Sawalich of Barlow took the photo of me near the back of the book (and it’s the photo I’m using on all my social media accounts). We had fun doing this photo shoot.

Thank you guys!

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Watch Episode 32 here!

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IMPORTANT STUFF!

Download chapters 1-3 of my book for free!

Happywork is available for pre-order on Amazon – HERE!

Please SUBSCRIBE to my email newsletter! Pretty please – you’ll get these blog posts delivered to you automatically. Thank you!

And subscribe on YouTube!

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Happywork TV Episode 32: Thank You Proofreaders!

Posted on January 21, 2015 // 1 Comment

In Episode 32 of Happywork TV, I say thank you to some people who lent me a huge hand as I was working to finish my book.

Thank you to my proofreaders: Jenn Cloud, Greg Bussmann, Dave Gray, Eliot Frick, Mary Steinau, my mom, and my wife. Thank you also goes to my editor at Sound Wisdom, John Martin.

Thanks to these guys, I turned in a pretty clean manuscript. But more importantly, I turned in a great story. These guys got to read the horrible first drafts (makes me cringe now just thinking about it). They found big errors, small errors, and offered many suggestions for improvement. I couldn’t have done it without them.

POSTSCRIPT: I should mention – that is NOT a stain on my shirt. I was clearing my throat drinking some water, preparing to record the episode, had a drinking malfunction, and dribbled a bunch of water on my chest. I was going to use a hair dryer to try to get rid of the splotch, but decided to PRESS ON!

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Watch Episode 31 here!

— — — — —

IMPORTANT STUFF!

Download chapters 1-3 of my book for free!

Happywork is available for pre-order on Amazon – HERE!

Please SUBSCRIBE to my email newsletter! Pretty please – you’ll get these blog posts delivered to you automatically. Thank you!

And subscribe on YouTube!

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Happywork Pre-Sale Book Launch is a GO!

Posted on January 19, 2015 // Leave a Comment

Happywork by Chris Reimer

In what might be the worst-kept secret ever, my book Happywork is debuting in less than a month (as of the time of this posting). FREAK. OUT! February 17 is the big day, the countdown clock is on, and I’m nervous, excited, and ready. I can’t wait to get this book in your hands! Even though I’ve been asking y’all to pre-order the book, this blog post represents my “Big Ask.” Friends and sympathetic strangers, I need your help (and I have something to give you in return).

Happywork is a business parable about the worst company to work for in the entire world. My goal is to show how apathy, lack of cooperation, and cruelty – abjectly horrible working conditions – affect our productivity, our profitability, and most importantly, our fulfillment and happiness. Our happiness at work matters, because work represents such a huge part of our life. We need to care about doing great work, and we need to create workplaces where it’s easy to do so. It’s time to draw a line in the sand – no more office jerks, no more work unhappiness! We can do better, if we demand it of ourselves.

If you’re an old friend of mine, a new friend, an entrepreneur or manager trying to run a successful business, or an employee hating life because of your job, please order a copy of Happywork. And if the book meant anything to you, I need you to tell a friend. Help me spread the word. The system we all work in needs a punch in the face. Help me change the workplace forever!

LEARN MORE
To read a little more about the book …
To find out what authors like Dan Pink, Bob Burg, Peter Shankman, and Chris Brogan thought of it …
To learn what you’ll get out of it (perspective, business-building ideas, and courage) …
— > Click here! < --- HOW CAN YOU HELP?
First step: buy Happywork. Second: Read it. Third: Help me spread the word! Tweet using the hashtag #Happywork. Post a pic on Facebook of you and the book. Leave an honest review on your favorite book retailer’s site, or on your own blog. Tell a friend you loved it, and why. Buy a copy for a friend who’s suffering at work, and tell them you care about them (the book will help them feel better).

WANT TO JOIN MY LAUNCH TEAM?
I need your help promoting the release of Happywork, and there’s free stuff involved! Join the Happywork Crüe launch team! Yes, it’s a “Crüe.” If you’re willing to help and want to learn more, contact me ASAP at happywork at chrisreimer dot com.

HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
If you wish to buy multiple copies, I’m offering you some great bonuses here. I’m giving away lots of consulting time and keynote addresses. I can help you with social media strategy, how to build a personal brand, how to change careers, how to get a book published, and more. I’m a quadruple threat. Buy some books and put me to work!

WANT A SAMPLE BEFORE YOU BUY?
Download Chapters 1-3 for free here!

WHERE TO BUY?
Below is a list of online retailers selling Happywork, including a bunch of wonderful independent bookstores. If you don’t see your favorite store here, go to that store’s website. Most online booksellers are carrying it. We are not currently confirmed to be in any physical bookstores. So online purchases it is!

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Powell’s
800-CEO-READ (a great option if you’re buying 25 copies or more)
Books-A-Million
Left Bank Books
Boulder Book Store
McNally Jackson
Politics and Prose
BookPeople
Books & Books
Seminary Co-op Bookstores
A Room of One’s Own
Longfellow Books
The Elliott Bay Book Company
Wal-Mart
Amazon Canada
Amazon UK

 

THE E-BOOK VERSION – coming early!
Good news! We’re about 90% confirmed on an early launch date for the e-book of Happywork. Kindle, Nook, and iBook versions should be available for download on Monday, February 2!

WHERE’S THE PARTY?
February 16, 2015 – Book launch party, evening, location TBD. It will involve wine. Hold the date!
February 19, 2015 – Social Media Club of St. Louis book launch party at Moulin Events, evening, time TBD.

FINALLY …
Thank you! I can’t express enough gratitude to you guys for everything you’ve done for me. Over the past seven years, as I’ve transformed my work life (really, my whole life) from being a CPA to working in marketing, to now a first-time author, there’s a sizable list of people who’ve made a huge difference in my life. The people who interrupted their work lives to read and blurb my book, my proofreaders, the thought leaders I learned from, my new friends at Sound Wisdom, and most of all, my family. I’m nothing without you guys! Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, for your friendship, and for everything you will do with me in the future. Together, we’re going to change the world!

Happywork book by Chris Reimer

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Happywork TV Episode 31: Mr Employer, NO You Can’t Have My Social Media Passwords

Posted on January 13, 2015 // 3 Comments

 
In Episode 31 of Happywork TV, I present the next commitment in The Happywork Agreement, the work code of conduct I’ve written to help bring happiness to the sorriest workplaces.

And this one is a doozy. It goes like this: “I will not ask prospective or current employees for their social media passwords, nor will I force them to show me what they’ve posted on their private social media accounts. This is a level of privacy invasion that is completely unacceptable. (Yes, this has happened.)”

And can you believe it? Yes, this happens! In fact, as late as early 2013, Illinois became only the second state to ban these employer requests.

As someone who’s had a few jobs in his day, I understand exactly what is going on here. The hiring process is a crapshoot for both sides. Employers look at resumes and interview candidates, trying to find the most qualified person. However, people lie on resumes all the time. Job applicants are largely an unknown quantity to employers. On the other side, job seekers, when afforded the time and opportunity, try to pick the best place to work using the very limited information at their fingertips. You don’t really know what it’s going to be like to work at an organization until you work there.

Crapshoots involve risk, and smart people work hard to mitigate risk.

How can both sides learn more about each other? The Internet!

Companies would do well to have all sorts of pertinent information out on their website and social channels for job applicants to chew on. If there is competition for great candidates, you want to be “talking” to those candidates while they’re doing their job search due diligence. If you’re a company showing them you have nothing to hide, and the other company is tight-lipped, who do you think most conscientious people are going to go with?

Well, what do companies have to work with, short of hiring a private detective to tail you for a couple weeks? Your musings on social media! HR departments are veritable sleuths now, scoping out anything and everything they can on a candidate. They’re looking for anything that will tip the scales one way or the other.

When they can’t find anything, apparently they sometimes turn to some ballsy tactics. They ask job applicants for their social media passwords, so they can log in and take a close look at what’s being posted. Or, and this would seemingly be even worse (for some reason), they’ll have the candidate sit at a chair and make them log in to their accounts while company personnel stand over their shoulders.

If this ever happens to you, get out of there. You don’t want that job. Draw a line in the sand and say, “Stay out of my personal life.” True, we’re putting more personal shit on social media than ever before, and some of those postings could reveal a strong character with proper judgement, or just the opposite.

But if I have my social media accounts locked down, or you just can’t find them because your Googling skills suck, then you’re just going to have to interview me again. No, you cannot have private access to my social media accounts!

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Watch Episode 30 here!

— — — — —

IMPORTANT STUFF!

Download chapters 1-3 of my book for free!

Happywork is available for pre-order on Amazon – HERE!

Please SUBSCRIBE to my email newsletter! Pretty please – you’ll get these blog posts delivered to you automatically. Thank you!

And subscribe on YouTube!

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