Learn to speak you boss's language

If you want your crew to listen, learn to speak their language.

I used to teach management principles to state employees. One day as the class was winding down, a gentlemen came up to me and asked, “Do you really believe that stuff?” I told him yes, and I was speaking the truth. It was only later that I learned how wrong I was.

One of the principles I taught was that you define your goals, break those goals down into measurable steps, and check regularly to make sure you are still on course. Then adjust your course before you got too far off track.

To do this, I always tried to make sure I understood my boss’s goals. Then, I would break those goals down into the steps I needed to take in order to accomplish them. In order to make sure I stayed on track I let my boss know what I was doing. It works fine, as long as my boss is understood what I was trying to do.

I was promoted and assigned to new boss. After I made my first report to him, he wrote me a letter of reprimand, telling me that I worked for him, I would not tell him what to do and he would give me daily assignments. He expected them to be carried out to the letter.

I went to him and told him I needed his guidance and was not trying to tell him what to do. I was simply trying to keep him informed as to what I was doing so he could make sure that I was on course. He told me that because of the workload we could only respond to the demands of the job and repeated that I was not to take any initiative but was to do exactly what he told me.

Now it's true that the crew must follow orders, but it is hard to work for a man who doesn't set a course. I like to work with the team, but I always got my hackles up when someone told me what to do. When you're in this kind of a situation you have two choices. One is to find a new captain. The other, is to swallow your pride and follow orders. I needed to secure a retirement. So for seven years, I followed orders.

I try to learn from my mistakes. Looking back at it, rather than trying to use my initiative to do a better job, I should have relaxed and taken orders. If you are a crew member, you have the follow orders. One thing, you always have to remember is that time often resolves problems. Be patient, the boss will retire and you may take his place. Who knows, you may even get a boss you actually like working for.

Remember, if you're part of the crew you better understand your captain's language

Based on the book, "A River Worth Riding" by Lynn Marie Sager.

Navigating troubled waters

We have some stormy financial waters ahead. People are worried about their jobs and their ability to pay their mortgage. Some people are paralyzed with fear and anger.

The present financial crisis hasn't been seen since the Great Depression. Pres. Obama may be able to spread some oil on troubled waters, but even the most optimistic experts expect the storm to last a year or more.

There is nothing we can do about this financial mess, but, we can chart a course to minimize the danger. We need to batten down our hatches and trim our sails in order to weather this storm.

The most important thing is to pay off your credit cards. Focus on the card with the lowest balance first. If all your cards are maxed out, focus on the card with the highest interest. Second, when you get one card paid off take the money you were paying on the first card and add it to the payment you been making on the second card. That way you will be able to pay down the second card as fast as possible. Repeat the process for every card until you've got your credit cards under control.

You may have to take a second job in order to accomplish your goal. But, your choice is to bail out your boat or swamp. There is nothing you can do about the external forces causing this storm, but with smart planning you can weather it. If your boat winds up on the rocks, bankruptcy is a last resort. But, even then, remember that you can build another boat and you can control your course.

You are the master of your ship. Never ignore a debt you cannot pay. Face the lender straight on and negotiate a payment you can handle. Beware of late payments. Credit card companies are ruthless when it comes to increasing interest rates and tacking on late fees. If you simply stop paying on a credit card, late fees can amount to thousands of dollars.

When faced with a crisis, you must make a decision to take control. If you don’t steer you craft, the current can carry you into the worst of whirlpools.

Get resourceful. Face your fear and plot a course that will carry you through.

Overcome fear by getting physical. Exercise will not only make your stronger but it is also a great stress reliever. Some of your best ideas will come during a long run. Get in there and row your boat. It will make you stronger in mind and spirit.

Remember the rule of entropy. Use it or loose it. Feed your mind. The book, Navigating Life, is a good place to start. Read about successful people and how they overcame diversity.

If you loose your job, there is no shame. The only shame is in quitting.

Divide a page of paper in half. On the left side write down all the things you like to do. On the right side write everything you hate to do. How does your job stack up? Many people who suddenly found themselves without a job have gone on to find work they feel is really rewarding. Others have started their own businesses.

A business of your own can have enormous tax advantages even if you only pursue it part time while you keep your day job.

People have survived terrible adversity by focusing on the good things in their life. Develop a plan to succeed. Find a mentor who has done what you want to do and model your life on what has worked for others. A river guide knows from experience where to place his kayak to be able to shoot through a rapid. You'll be wize to follow his expample.

Visualize what you want on the river of life and develop a plan to get there. If your plans are not working, pull up to the bank and take time to figure out how to adjust your course and get back on the track to success.