Laura MacLeod

Weekly memory: Look back to effectively move forwartd My high school reunion was just last month so I'm feeling nostalgic and posting this picture or my 9th grade production of Pajama Game. Singing, dancing, acting- I had a fabulous time #memories

STRESS AWARENESS DAY Being "aware" is first step but then what? Identify why- what is the cause? Be specific: Your boss- ok, but what do they do/say, your reaction, consequences. Problem solving, managing and minimizing come next- but clear identification is the start #stress

CAREER DEVELOPMENT MONTH: How do you do it? Start by evaluating current job: challenges, money, co-workers, overall satisfaction-or not. Consider time-advancement: dead end or path to more? Get a clear picture of where you are now- to see where you could go #career

Weekly memory: Look back to effectively move forward. London 2022. Background is staged, but we did see all of that! Crowds and heat but so wonderful to be traveling and limited mask wearing. More travel to come #memories

LGBTQ History Month. Respect is needed and many have gone without it. What does it look like? Learning, listening, asking questions- to get a clear picture. Connect to feelings with empathy- not the same as you- but human feelings are universal. Start there #Respect

I missed NATIONAL BOSS DAY- 10/16. Not sure I see the point. If your boss is great, you show them year round. Boss not great- you won't recognize the day. Consider what makes a great boss. Identify why you like or dislike your boss.Put into practice when you become the boss #boss

Weekly memory: Look back to effectively move forward. Directing the 'Aching Dogs" Terrific group of actors who worked in NYC hotels (Aching dogs- feet always hurt!) We wrote and performed for years- connecting around shared love of theatre, need for fun and community #memories

Last week-GET TO KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER DAY. Connecting and meeting customer need is the core of service and hospitality, so why a special day? What more is there to know? Personal info crosses the line and not professional. Know what you need- that's all #customerservice

Training, meetings, professional seminars. LEARNING opportunities-maybe. When it's a waste of time, identify why. How can this meeting be less boring? If I were in charge, what would I change to make it engaging and productive? Find ways to learn from what doesn't work. #learn

Weekly memory: Look back to effectively move forward. High school reunion. I wasn't able to get there, but heard great reviews and reconnected via email with classmates. Plenty of memories- some great, some not so great, but all part of who I am and where I am today. #memories

Why are we MEETING? Time wasted hearing boss ramble on about...what? Meetings fail because leaders don't connect and determine NEED. What specifically do workers need and how do they benefit? Answer that, honestly seek feedback and you'll get buy-in at your next meeting. #meeting

Being DIRECT is uncomfortable: Will I offend? But INDIRECT is worse. Dancing around, making general statements- goes nowhere. Be clear and show your care and curiosity. You're invested= let's straighten this out and collaborate to find the way forward. No offense there. #direct

Weekly memory: Look back to effectively move forward. For Customer Service Week- my time as a bartender at NYC hotel. My restaurant co-workers who did their best to manage difficult customers and always had my back- and I had theirs. #Memories

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Expectations? Service was POOR- what does that mean? Waiter was rude, wait time too long, problem not solved. Define 'rude', time you waited, solution desired. Be specific and clear. Workers can't fix everything so don't blame them without cause #customerservice

CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK. This poster-WOW. I worked in hospitality for years-Definitely limits!! Had to say NO, explain why XYZ wasn't possible or respond to inappropriate comments. Customer is NOT always right Worker needs to exercise skills and set limits #CustomerService

Weekly memory: Look back to effectively move forward. My husband- John Holland with Mr Met many years ago. Mets have had tough time. As I write this their postseason fate hangs in the balance. Whatever happens, we stay loyal and supportive. You gotta believe. Go Mets! #memories

Do you MICROMANAGE? Pressure, demands from management-pushes you to doubt the team and take control. Resist this and regroup. Collaborate with specific expectations- to succeed together. #micromanage

BOUNDARIES at work-set by leader. Boss wants to be 'one of the gang' shares personal info-expects same from you. Uncomfortable-unprofessional BUT leader has power. Keep interactions short-specific to task. Answer questions with limited info and smile: Redirect to work #boundaries

Weekly memory: Look back to effectively move forward. London- Summer 2022. Remember the crowds- first plane travel since COVID. My first time in London, so I had plenty of sites to see. Will be nice to go back without masks. Less anxiety and more comfort second time. #Memories

When I teach or lead a training, we sit in a CIRCLE. We can all see each other so communication is clear- verbal and non verbal. Body language, how your words and others land, really hear what is said and respond directly. Best way to connect and learn from each other #circle