Links You Can Use: October 8-12

With the ongoing presidential debates, conversations about politics may come up at work--but we would all like to avoid open conflict if possible. Below are some ways to prevent heated arguments in the workplace. Also, find out how to be more efficient, start conversations (even if you're a bit shy), and deal with co-workers who just aren't picking up the slack in this week's Links You Can Use.

With Election Day just a few weeks away, people can get emotional about their beliefs and ideologies, but here are four ways to preemptively address any potential political conflicts in the workplace. (Memphis Business Journal)

Links You Can Use: September 24-28

Sometimes, even with a fancy smartphone or tablet lying around, nothing beats a pen and pad of paper. But advances in technology are definitely causing some office items to get phased out. LinkedIn has a fun infographic showing survey participants' opinions of which common workplace objects they think are becoming extinct.

Speaking of LinkedIn, check out a great slideshow below about 12 underrated features that are available on the business networking site and app. In other news, discover whether there is a certain time of day where people are most productive, how reading hand signals can help you understand a speaker's state of mind, and some essential email marketing tips. All this and more in this week's Links You Can Use.

Are tape recorders and rolodexes becoming extinct in the office? Will they be replaced by more technologically advanced tools like cloud storage? (LinkedIn)

LinkedIn has over 33 million members, so chances are you're on it. But did you know about these 12 cool features available from the website and app? (CIO)

Links You Can Use: September 17-21

This week's Links You Can Use focuses on handling constantly complaining coworkers, impactful and impressive introductions, and dealing with down days.

The perpetual whiner. There's one in every workplace. Unfortunately, nodding and smiling to their rants may actually hurt you in the end, according to experts, so here are some alternative ways to handle grumps and bellyachers at work. (Wall Street Journal)

Making a good first impression is an important skill in business, so check out four solid tips on how to introduce yourself. (Inc.)

Slow day at work? Here are five suggestions on what to do when your workload is low. (The Daily Muse)

* The opinions expressed at these linked websites do not reflect the opinions of Harris, Rothenberg International, Inc. (HRI). HRI is not responsible for the accuracy of any of the information reflected on these sites.

Why So Tongue-Tied at Meetings? Neuroscience Might Have the Answer

Ever had a lot of ideas before walking into a meeting, and then effectively becoming a mute when it was time to contribute?

There might be a physiological basis for clamming up. Neuroscientists have a term, “expression of IQ,” which is an outward display of intelligence. The Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute conducted a study to see whether small group settings had any effect on people’s expressions of IQ.[1] And, boy, did they ever.

The methodology was simple. A standard intelligence test was given to 70 people individually. Then the test takers were put into groups of five, and were given the same questions in a different sequence. This time, however, participants saw how well they did in relation to others in the group, by being given a “ranking score.”

Initially everyone did worse than before. After a while, though, about half of the participants got the hang of it and eventually scored roughly the same as the first time. But the other half never bounced back.

Planning for Difficult Conversations: No Reason to Go It Alone

Having difficult conversations can be anxiety producing, so it can be helpful to plan in advance—and even more helpful to have the guidance of an objective, knowledgeable person. A great place to get this guidance is from your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

As an EAP, we offer solutions for many complex management and HR issues, including communicating with employees regarding work performance standards.

Here’s an example. Of course, due to confidentiality concerns, we can’t provide an actual case study, but this represents a not-unusual phone call.

Sam, an HR manager, called the EAP because he had to provide difficult feedback to an employee, Jessica, on her work performance. When working on more than one project at a time, Jessica became stressed and snapped at co-workers and even Sam.

Sam wanted assistance in preparing for the performance discussion. The EAP counselor, Julie, helped Sam to structure the upcoming discussion into three parts:

When NOT to Use Email

Despite the nearly effortless flow of electronic communication, there are times when email is not the best method for exchanging information and ideas—especially at work.

Emails being seen by eyes other than ones we intended can happen all too easily, at work and in our private lives: we are all familiar with the “oops” moment when we “replied-all” and didn’t mean to, or the forwarding we wished hadn’t happened. And there are other times when it’s just not the most effective way to communicate: even in this world of constant electronic connectedness, some interactions require a more personal approach.

When is email not the right medium?

Talking to an Employee About Hygiene Issues

Have you ever worked with a colleague who has poor hygiene, foul-smelling clothes, or bad breath? What if you are the person who needs to address the issue with the employee? Here are some helpful and practical steps you can take to handle this situation.

First things first! Consult with your manager. Hygiene issues should be brought to management’s attention and handled by management. If you are the manager, consult with HR and legal. Inform them of your intentions and get information about your company’s current policies and procedures as well as ADA information. HR will guide you on how to approach the situation, and the employee.

Next, familiarize yourself with some of the possible causes of body odor:

• Excessive perspiration
• Medical conditions such as diabetes
• Diet
• Environmental issues such as inadequate ventilation

Here’s how to address the issue: