Disclaimer: This post will have nothing to do with HR. At least it has to do with something, which is better than I can say for the non-posts of the last 6 weeks...
I've been thinking lately about dog training. I have two dogs, both who are fairly well behaved, and small enough that they're pretty easy to control when they're not. They're both rescues, so we didn't have a chance to shape their behaviour from day one, which probably would have made training a little easier. Their personalities couldn't be more different.
Molly, a beagle/blue-tick hound mix, is timid, slow to adapt to new things, and all nose. Toys hold no interest for her unless they are ultimately edible. If you throw a ball for this dog, she'll look at you as if to say, "Now, why did you do that? If you want it so bad, you go get it." And then she's go back to sleep. BUT, if it has an aroma, pleasant or not, she's interested. Actually, not just interested, but completely and totally mesmerized. She has a one-track mind when it comes to food, and if there is food in the vicinity, good luck getting her to do anything but watch it. It took the better part of a year before we convinced her that she really, honestly wasn't getting anything from our plates at the table. This means she's unbelievably easy to train, and everything we've trained her to do using food, she does beautifully. It also means if I'm training one dog, I'm training both, because there's no way Molly is going to miss a morsel if it's being offered.
Ella, on the other hand, is energetic, playful, and could probably completely lose her sense of smell and never miss it. She's a lab/border collie mix, so she's usually smarter than I want her to be. She gets what you're asking for very quickly, but her attention span is comically low. Even when playing with her absolute favorite toys ever, we usually only get about 10-15 minutes of play. Then she's off to the next big thing. She's just as happy to get praise and love for a reward, but food is nice too. She's younger, and bigger, than Molly, and her energy means she has more trouble with basic manners (jumping up, barking, etc).
Needless to say, training in my house can be a challenge. Is it better to separate them (put one outside while I train inside or vice versa) or to try and train them together? We've had several rules that have been in place for at least 6 months, if not more like a year, and they still don't do it without being told. One example is the "go outside" routine: they must both sit, far enough back from the door for me to get it open, and wait for me to give the release for them to go out. We do this every day, several times a day. Every time, I have to tell them to get back from the door, about half the time I have to tell them to sit, and about 2/3 of time, I have to stop and restart because one of them releases themselves from the sit/wait before I release them. It seems like they would have caught on by now that I'm not going to change the rules. But we fight every time. And Ella still jumps up on people when they come through the door. She rarely does it to us, but visitors get it all the time. Molly's started to get selective hearing on "come." That used to be her best command.
I've come to the conclusion that I haven't trained them as well as I thought I had. Apparently I've allowed the bad habits and not replaced them with good habits, so I'm looking for new methods. We were very successful training Molly with treats and praise when she was the only dog we had. She's so mellow, she really only needed the basics (sit, come, lie down) to be well-mannered. Ella responds to the treats when we have them, and gets the "trick" in one or two repetitions, but once the food goes away, the commands are hit or miss with her. I'm tired of being frustrated with her. Here are the big things that we want to do:
- go outside calmly, without the mania we have now
- sit on command, every single time
- not jump on visitors
- leave us alone when we request it ("go lay down")
- no barking at the mailman/neighbors/dogs on the street
I'd love for them to do tricks, etc, too. It'd be fun for all of us, and give them some mental stimulation. But first, the basics! Tell me what's worked for you - I'm open to all suggestions!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Positive Policies
So I'm settling in at this new job, and things are good. I'm starting to get a feel for how things work, and the dynamic between our managers. One of the things I've been tasked to do is create company policies. A few are in the works already, but I'm looking at all the options and wondering, which of these are really necessary? Which should be the priority? Which ones should I not even bother writing?
I think companies write more policies than they need, most of the time. You start trying to account for all the potential craziness, and you end up with a bunch of red tape. I'm much more a proponent of expecting people to generally act like adults, and have policies only for the stuff that needs detail (like the vacation accrual schedule, cause everyone wants to know when you're going to give them time off). Dress codes inevitably just bring more headache than clarity, just to name one example.
I see strictly-written Internet Use policies all the time, but I can't tell you the last time I saw one really enforced. And really, does it matter if your employees are using Facebook at work, as long as the work is getting done? If the work's not getting done, then deal with the productivity issue, not the Internet problem. If the work is getting done and they're still spending all kinds of time online, then challenge them more. Or give them a job that combines both - let them do internet research on ... something... and then they have an excuse for having the browser open all day.
On the same token, do we really need a policy about personal phone calls? Again, if someone is spending so much time on personal calls that their work isn't getting done, then address the productivity issue. How often do companies have policies that state "such and such is strictly prohibited" and then you see it happening all over the company every day. If you don't really care if it's happening, then don't make a policy to prohibit it. If you care that it's happening, then put in a safeguard to prevent it (i.e. internet filtering to keep people from their web email... though that's a dumb one too).
Our company is pretty laid-back; 75% of our employees work from home, and our corporate office has a jeans-every-day dress code. So I'm pondering the idea of writing "positive policies" - instead of using our policy manual to explain everything that's NOT ALLOWED, maybe we could explain what IS allowed, and what IS expected. Things like:
What other positive policies have you seen, or have you wished you could put into place? Got any examples? I'd love to see them!
I think companies write more policies than they need, most of the time. You start trying to account for all the potential craziness, and you end up with a bunch of red tape. I'm much more a proponent of expecting people to generally act like adults, and have policies only for the stuff that needs detail (like the vacation accrual schedule, cause everyone wants to know when you're going to give them time off). Dress codes inevitably just bring more headache than clarity, just to name one example.
I see strictly-written Internet Use policies all the time, but I can't tell you the last time I saw one really enforced. And really, does it matter if your employees are using Facebook at work, as long as the work is getting done? If the work's not getting done, then deal with the productivity issue, not the Internet problem. If the work is getting done and they're still spending all kinds of time online, then challenge them more. Or give them a job that combines both - let them do internet research on ... something... and then they have an excuse for having the browser open all day.
On the same token, do we really need a policy about personal phone calls? Again, if someone is spending so much time on personal calls that their work isn't getting done, then address the productivity issue. How often do companies have policies that state "such and such is strictly prohibited" and then you see it happening all over the company every day. If you don't really care if it's happening, then don't make a policy to prohibit it. If you care that it's happening, then put in a safeguard to prevent it (i.e. internet filtering to keep people from their web email... though that's a dumb one too).
Our company is pretty laid-back; 75% of our employees work from home, and our corporate office has a jeans-every-day dress code. So I'm pondering the idea of writing "positive policies" - instead of using our policy manual to explain everything that's NOT ALLOWED, maybe we could explain what IS allowed, and what IS expected. Things like:
- Wear what makes you comfortable. We're cool as long as it makes everyone else comfortable too.
- Feel free to bring your cell phone to work. Half of you have it listed on your business card anyway, and your clients will probably be calling you on it. But be forewarned, if you have an annoying ring tone, don't be surprised if we throw it out the window.
- Be here when you need to be here. If you need to not be here, tell someone ahead of time.
- When you need to not be here, use your time wisely. Don't waste it on work stuff! That's what out-of-office messages are for. Pick someone to be the go-to person while you're gone, and then enjoy your vacation!
- Use the company computer for work first, but if you need to check your email or tweet while you're here, that's cool. Don't download anything that will infect our servers, and don't suck bandwidth. If you're not sure, ask someone. They'll be able to tell you pretty darn quick if you're sucking bandwidth.
What other positive policies have you seen, or have you wished you could put into place? Got any examples? I'd love to see them!
My dogs have a theory that all zip-top bags
a) contain food
b) contain food that is delicious
c) are intended for them
If I so much as touch a bag and make it crinkle, they come running. Never mind when I clean out the fridge and put all the potentially stinky (and tempting) food in one big bag destined for the trash. They still come running. They are just SURE that there will be something in there for them, and that it will be dee-lish-i-us!
Why am I telling you this? No idea, except that it wouldn't fit in a tweet, and I realized I haven't posted anything here in a while. For fun, here's a pic of the pups, looking angelic. It's a good thing I'm experienced at resisting those cute faces...
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ok seriously
A quick rant...
I've seen some things in my life that are clear proof someone wasn't thinking. Case in point: I just received a signed offer letter from one of our managers with the rest of the paperwork needed to set up a new hire. That's normal. The fun part was, when I opened the offer letter, it was COMPLETELY BLANK. We use a form letter, the manager just has to fill in the relevant parts (name, position, salary, reporting manager, etc). None of that was there. And the candidate signed it. Not only that, they initialed all three pages, too..........
Um........ WTF? Do we really want to hire someone who will sign a completely blank document without questioning it? Honestly? I know details aren't really your forte, but come on!
I sent it back and said, "please fill out the form and send me a signed, completed copy." I resisted the urge to say "because what she signed isn't an offer of employment. It's a blank form that only an idiot would sign."
That is all.
I've seen some things in my life that are clear proof someone wasn't thinking. Case in point: I just received a signed offer letter from one of our managers with the rest of the paperwork needed to set up a new hire. That's normal. The fun part was, when I opened the offer letter, it was COMPLETELY BLANK. We use a form letter, the manager just has to fill in the relevant parts (name, position, salary, reporting manager, etc). None of that was there. And the candidate signed it. Not only that, they initialed all three pages, too..........
Um........ WTF? Do we really want to hire someone who will sign a completely blank document without questioning it? Honestly? I know details aren't really your forte, but come on!
I sent it back and said, "please fill out the form and send me a signed, completed copy." I resisted the urge to say "because what she signed isn't an offer of employment. It's a blank form that only an idiot would sign."
That is all.
Editing
True confession: I'm a compulsive editor.
As in, I often keep my mouth shut because the words might not come out perfectly. When I do speak, you can be sure I've spent the last 30 seconds (or 5 minutes) wording and re-wording what I'm going to say to be sure it sounds just right. It doesn't matter what the topic is, I could be telling a story about how my dog ate an entire box of graham crackers, box, wrappers, and all (true story, she's really part goat), and I'll still rehearse it first.
As in, my friends know me as the person they can turn to when they just can't quite come up with the right word, when it's on the tip of their tongues but it's just not coming to mind. Because I'm mentally following their conversation and I've usually already got that word in my head. (that, and I'm a word geek, so I know alot of them)
As in, I read other people's work, and mentally rearrange their sentences. Or correct their grammar/spelling/syntax. Or both. I know, I know. It's a sickness, really. I can't help myself. Do you think there's a 12-step program?
I think that's why I prefer to write. When you put it on paper, you have all the freedom in the world to edit, re-edit, and edit again before anyone else sees it. But therein lies the problem... I'm such a compulsive editor, I often don't start writing because I can't figure out how to start. I want it to be good the first time, even though I like the editing part. I don't really understand that about myself, but they say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. (See? maybe there is a 12-step program!).
So how do I overcome this compulsive editor inside of me? That remains to be seen, but the good news is, it's only been a week since my last post, which is aheckuvalot better than the month that languished between my last two posts. And apparently, Thursday is the day I get inspired to write. Maybe next week, I'll branch out and post on Tuesday too!
As in, I often keep my mouth shut because the words might not come out perfectly. When I do speak, you can be sure I've spent the last 30 seconds (or 5 minutes) wording and re-wording what I'm going to say to be sure it sounds just right. It doesn't matter what the topic is, I could be telling a story about how my dog ate an entire box of graham crackers, box, wrappers, and all (true story, she's really part goat), and I'll still rehearse it first.
As in, my friends know me as the person they can turn to when they just can't quite come up with the right word, when it's on the tip of their tongues but it's just not coming to mind. Because I'm mentally following their conversation and I've usually already got that word in my head. (that, and I'm a word geek, so I know alot of them)
As in, I read other people's work, and mentally rearrange their sentences. Or correct their grammar/spelling/syntax. Or both. I know, I know. It's a sickness, really. I can't help myself. Do you think there's a 12-step program?
I think that's why I prefer to write. When you put it on paper, you have all the freedom in the world to edit, re-edit, and edit again before anyone else sees it. But therein lies the problem... I'm such a compulsive editor, I often don't start writing because I can't figure out how to start. I want it to be good the first time, even though I like the editing part. I don't really understand that about myself, but they say the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. (See? maybe there is a 12-step program!).
So how do I overcome this compulsive editor inside of me? That remains to be seen, but the good news is, it's only been a week since my last post, which is aheckuvalot better than the month that languished between my last two posts. And apparently, Thursday is the day I get inspired to write. Maybe next week, I'll branch out and post on Tuesday too!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Slacker Habits
Wow, it's been almost a month since my last post... I'm such a slacker! When I started this blog, I said to myself, "I love to write, I'll be posting all the time!" I can't tell you how many times I've thought about writing in the last month...
I thought about writing about my first few days on the job while stuck in the Atlanta airport for 4 hours on my way back from Dallas.
I thought about writing about my first week working from home.
I thought about writing about the trials of trying to teach my dog not to bark all day long so I could actually have a coherent phone conversation.
I thought about writing about what fun it is to be able to get my hair done on my lunch break or start early and knock off early so I can have extra time at the dog park with the puppies.
But I didn't. Why not? Not really sure. But I've been thinking about that this week, and I've decided that it all boils down to habits. I'm not in the habit of writing my thoughts, I'm just in the habit of thinking them. I've always been more articulate on paper than anywhere else, so I figured writing a blog would be easy for me. Turns out, it's not hard to write the posts, it's just hard to remember to write them. So, that's my new goal. Instead of saying to myself, "I could blog about this," I'm going to actually blog about it. I may have some short and sweet posts at first, and the topics will probably be all over the map. But that's how we grow right? Try some things out and see how they work.
If anyone's out there reading, and you haven't seen a post in a while, feel free to give me a nudge. Check in with me on Twitter or post a comment and ask me what I've been doing with all my thoughts lately!
I thought about writing about my first few days on the job while stuck in the Atlanta airport for 4 hours on my way back from Dallas.
I thought about writing about my first week working from home.
I thought about writing about the trials of trying to teach my dog not to bark all day long so I could actually have a coherent phone conversation.
I thought about writing about what fun it is to be able to get my hair done on my lunch break or start early and knock off early so I can have extra time at the dog park with the puppies.
But I didn't. Why not? Not really sure. But I've been thinking about that this week, and I've decided that it all boils down to habits. I'm not in the habit of writing my thoughts, I'm just in the habit of thinking them. I've always been more articulate on paper than anywhere else, so I figured writing a blog would be easy for me. Turns out, it's not hard to write the posts, it's just hard to remember to write them. So, that's my new goal. Instead of saying to myself, "I could blog about this," I'm going to actually blog about it. I may have some short and sweet posts at first, and the topics will probably be all over the map. But that's how we grow right? Try some things out and see how they work.
If anyone's out there reading, and you haven't seen a post in a while, feel free to give me a nudge. Check in with me on Twitter or post a comment and ask me what I've been doing with all my thoughts lately!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Transition Time
So my last day at the old job was a little weird. Bittersweet, really. There are many things I enjoyed about working there. And a decent number I didn't enjoy. But that's every job, right? I'm moving into something that I think will be great, and is already kinda scary.
I'm looking forward to working at home, but it's daunting too. I mean, it'll be just me and the dogs all day long, every day. They're good for cuddling, but not so great for conversation. Their idea of a hard day's work is following the sunshine as it moves around the backyard, and barking at the mailman when he stops by. I have a feeling some days it'll be tough to not succumb to their schedule.
On the upside, I can't even begin to say what a good idea it was to have a few days off. I don't know if I've ever had a "vacation" where I didn't do anything or go anywhere. I got to shopping with a friend, my house is on its way to being completely clean for the first time in ages, and today I'm having lunch with another friend. I feel so indulgent. I'm savoring it while it lasts, since tomorrow's a travel day, and Friday's back to work. Thank God for the beautiful weather this week - it's made my time off really worthwhile. Plus, the dogs outside loving the sunshine, so I actually have a chance of eliminating some dog hair when I clean, instead of just pushing it around!
I'm looking forward to working at home, but it's daunting too. I mean, it'll be just me and the dogs all day long, every day. They're good for cuddling, but not so great for conversation. Their idea of a hard day's work is following the sunshine as it moves around the backyard, and barking at the mailman when he stops by. I have a feeling some days it'll be tough to not succumb to their schedule.
On the upside, I can't even begin to say what a good idea it was to have a few days off. I don't know if I've ever had a "vacation" where I didn't do anything or go anywhere. I got to shopping with a friend, my house is on its way to being completely clean for the first time in ages, and today I'm having lunch with another friend. I feel so indulgent. I'm savoring it while it lasts, since tomorrow's a travel day, and Friday's back to work. Thank God for the beautiful weather this week - it's made my time off really worthwhile. Plus, the dogs outside loving the sunshine, so I actually have a chance of eliminating some dog hair when I clean, instead of just pushing it around!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Giving it a shot
So I'm on Facebook & Twitter, and using them more and more for networking, and I keep thinking about starting a blog... so here I am. I'm going to give it a shot.
Why "HR in my PJs?" Well, because, starting in May, I'll be a work-at-home HR Professional. The goal is to keep getting fully dressed every day, but I'm sure there will be days when yoga pants will be considered dressed up. Plus, I know I'll have plenty to talk about that's not exactly HR-related, so I figure the PJs will keep things casual.
So, after all this time of lurking on other people's blogs (HR Minion, Punk Rock HR, Ask A Manager among many others), I've decided I should join the conversation. Plus, I'm going from having a team of 4 to bounce ideas off of to being a team of 1. The more input, the better, I say. Glad you're here for the ride!
Why "HR in my PJs?" Well, because, starting in May, I'll be a work-at-home HR Professional. The goal is to keep getting fully dressed every day, but I'm sure there will be days when yoga pants will be considered dressed up. Plus, I know I'll have plenty to talk about that's not exactly HR-related, so I figure the PJs will keep things casual.
So, after all this time of lurking on other people's blogs (HR Minion, Punk Rock HR, Ask A Manager among many others), I've decided I should join the conversation. Plus, I'm going from having a team of 4 to bounce ideas off of to being a team of 1. The more input, the better, I say. Glad you're here for the ride!
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