Flip-flops in the workplace

I'm guilty of wearing flip-flops in the workplace, yesterday mine were metallic with rhinestones and with every step I heard them flop.

It really depends on your workplace and company on the wardrobe you should invest in. I work at adidas so it is perfectly acceptable to wear adidas gear, track jackets, tennis shoes.... however many men walk around in button ups and khakis. I have the luxury of a broad wardrobe here, the only no's are Nike and Puma.

I came to a realization that it is not the flip-flop that is unacceptable but the noise they make when you are walking, much like "swoosh" pants would be inappropriate. Any clothing that makes noise should not be wore in an office environment.

Today is the last day I will wear flip-flops, I guess this is an awesome excuse to go summer shoe shopping!

Hailey Schultz

Seeing opportunities and appropriately presenting them at the right time

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Quite a mouthful and quite hard to do.  

When my 4 brothers come to my house they always ask me for “good & naughty stuff” (sweets & treats), but I’m not the mom, I can’t make that decision, and so off they go to find mom. They are still learning what to ask whom. Right after Christmas they always get excited about a new toy one of their friends got, don’t they know I’m broke from being Santa and that they just got 100 new presents that are still scattered across the living room?! They are still learning timing….they are not selfish, or spoiled, they are just excited at the opportunity of the new toy! In a few years these boys will learn, when mom is in a good mood she will bake cookies, when she is depressed she will buy you clothes.

I’m not sure why but it is always easier to see inappropriateness from the outside, rather than when you are in the mix. I have so many ideas but many times I don’t know where they would fit, how to tell someone, or when would be a good time to talk about it.

(find opportunities that improve)

Your uniform is all black and you want the shirts to be maroon: If something is working don’t change it unless it is a substantial improvement. Why maroon? Will this bring in more sales? Do people with maroon shirts work harder? Does maroon hide spills more than black?

(ideas are great, but they need to enhance, not clash)

If you are having a black tie event, don’t serve wings: A mistake I have made many times is trying to fit an idea (different flavored wings) into a situation that just didn’t fit (black tie event). Default to traditions that have worked in the past if you see yourself in a jam, just serve something you can eat with a fork and knife.

(timing is everything)

Your boss just got back from a vacation in Jamaica and there was a huge catastrophe while he was out: Chill, if this catastrophe can’t be fixed let him get his coffee, second if it was so bad you should talk to his boss to help you out. Timing is important, this catastrophe will have to be explained but figure out a time that he would be able to help you, don’t overwhelm him the second he walks through the door.

(don’t make spam)

“Boss, Boss, look at this awesome new desktop collage I made for everyone in our department”….Don’t waste work time to create things that no one else cares about. Just because you are passionate about it doesn’t mean it will contribute or interest anyone else.

Hailey Schultz

Your first job?

For you out there entering your first job...there are a few things I have learned in the past 21 months that I hope might make the first months at your new job run smooth.

1. Make a directory
When you start names will be thrown at you left and right, I started a word document that I still add to weekly with the names of new people and a short description. Organize however you feel fit, by category, department, importance...even after almost 2 years I still look at mine!

2. Project List
Much like my directory I have my own project list. I have three categories, Completed, Current, and Upcoming. I date Upcoming projects with the estimated start date, Current projects are dated when I start them, and then Completed projects are dated when I handed them off. Even if you find a better organization for yourself this would be a good starting point to keep all of your work organized.

3. Ask Questions
People at work now joke about how many questions I asked when I first started. But what they have also noticed is that I don't have that many questions anymore! And it fact I asked about such finite details that when we run into a curve-ball I am usually the one to take such weird requests and shake out the issues. Remember to try to find the answer yourself first...but never be scared to ask the most basic questions.

4. Have a morning
The first year I arrived at least 15 minutes early everyday. This was helpful because I could organize myself before my boss got there. This way when they start sending e-mails, asking questions about projects, etc, you can answer quickly and confidently.

5. Healthy routine
Routine changes are really hard. Try to set a healthy routine from the beginning so that it is easier to stick with. A couple things I like to do is set out my clothes at night, make a healthy lunch & snack before I hit the hay, arrive at work early, and drink a ton of water everyday.

When you are new everyone is intrigued, they are excited to see what you will bring. So start looking around your niche and find the quality that you can add to the group. It will be quite a ride but most likely you will learn more in the first year of your first job then in all of your college years put together!

Hailey Schultz

Eshelman Pottery

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Ingenious! A bowl with a thumb hole. I worked for the Eshelman Pottery for about 9 years, and I can’t believe they keep coming up with such amazing new ideas even still. These durable art pieces are completely functional, microwavable, dish washable, and comfortable to use.
Five stars for this beautiful piece. 

http://www.eshelmanpottery.com/

 Hailey Schultz