Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Astronology - Holidaze: Beating the Holiday Blues & Stress
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The months of November to January signal a busy time for holiday celebrations, family time, and other happy moments. It is also the time for what some call the "Holiday Blues" and high stress levels. For those who work in an office setting, trying to meet pressing deadlines before vacation time and simultaneously preparing for holiday family and office events can become a major contributing factor to this seasonal anxiety...
What I'm Hearing...Can-gini
Ah, my long-suffering New York Jets. This weekend they once again snapped defeat from the jaws of victory.
The big news yesterday and today here in New York City is the firing of Jets head coach Eric Mangini. A few other NFL coaches also were let go, including record-breaking Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli, but none have received the airtime like Mangini's firing did.
From both a fan's perspective and that of an HR professional, I have mixed feelings on the sudden termination. This year the Jets had a winning season, so that in and of itself is an accomplishment and not something to be terminated for. But with the caliber of players they have, the Jets should have done better. However, is it all Mangini's fault, and therefore worthy of such a brisk termination? I can raise questions regarding other players' and coaches' performance, particularly near the end of the season.
I suppose that professional athletes and coaches go into the business knowing that the fates are fickle, opinions can change on a dime, and despite the lip service paid to "teamwork," in the end it is the individual's performance that matters. Do the rewards of high salaries and fame outweigh the risk of swift termination should things not go 100% perfect? Not every employee can be a A player, much as we might like.
Let's try to pull some good from Eric Mangini's experience, and consider our own organizations - how they are and how we'd like them to be. Is teamwork or individual performance more important? Is it OK to have B and C players to support our stars?
The big news yesterday and today here in New York City is the firing of Jets head coach Eric Mangini. A few other NFL coaches also were let go, including record-breaking Detroit Lions coach Rod Marinelli, but none have received the airtime like Mangini's firing did.
From both a fan's perspective and that of an HR professional, I have mixed feelings on the sudden termination. This year the Jets had a winning season, so that in and of itself is an accomplishment and not something to be terminated for. But with the caliber of players they have, the Jets should have done better. However, is it all Mangini's fault, and therefore worthy of such a brisk termination? I can raise questions regarding other players' and coaches' performance, particularly near the end of the season.
I suppose that professional athletes and coaches go into the business knowing that the fates are fickle, opinions can change on a dime, and despite the lip service paid to "teamwork," in the end it is the individual's performance that matters. Do the rewards of high salaries and fame outweigh the risk of swift termination should things not go 100% perfect? Not every employee can be a A player, much as we might like.
Let's try to pull some good from Eric Mangini's experience, and consider our own organizations - how they are and how we'd like them to be. Is teamwork or individual performance more important? Is it OK to have B and C players to support our stars?
Monday, December 29, 2008
A Change Of Pace...Football Wild-Card Weekend
I figured it was time to introduce a new series called Change of Pace where I'll be writing on a few other topics in addition to Human Resources.
The first is for me to put on my prediction cap and to break down the wild-card matchups for the National Football League playoffs:
AFC
| Wild-card Weekend | ||
| Saturday, Jan. 3 | ||
 | Qualcomm Stadium, 8 p.m. (NBC) |  |
| Sunday, Jan. 4 | ||
 | Dolphin Stadium, 1 p.m. (CBS) |  |
We'll start with the two AFC matchups. The Colts amazingly won 4 more games in the regular season, but are going to be on the road to start the playoffs. But if anyone knows the road to the playoffs can go through playing on the road, it's a Manning. Last year Eli Manning took a #5 seed through the playoffs and on to the Super Bowl and this year his older brother Peyton hopes to do the same. They have a pretty good chance to do so against a Chargers team that started the season 4-8. The only reason the Chargers are in the playoffs is because of the division they play in. Because of the flawed playoff system in place, the Chargers were able to win 4 straight games (the last being last night against the Broncos) and propel themselves into the playoffs. Picked as favorites for the AFC West before the season started, the Chargers have mostly disappointed due to a large amount of last-minute defeats and the loss of Shawne Merriman. The biggest concern for the Colts is that their run defense looked weak early in the season and now the Chargers running game with LDT is starting to gain a little bit of momentum. A lot of people are expecting a blowout by the Colts and although I think they will win, one has to remember this is an experienced Chargers team (they were in the AFC Championship game last year), and I think the score will be a lot closer to the 23-20 Colts win from Week 11. But I think that, in the end, the Bolts are no match for the Colts, winners of 9 straight. The Colts are battle-tested with wins over the Vikings (NFC North champs), Texans twice, Ravens (wild-card), Patriots (11-5), Steelers (AFC North Champs), Titans (AFC South Champs) as well as the Chargers. I think the key will be for the Colts to get some semblance of a running game going. Even the threat that they'll be able to run will buy time for Peyton Manning, the leading MVP candidate, to hit his receivers and propel Indy to the divisional round. Final score: Colts 25 - Chargers 20
The other game is a great matchup of 11-5 teams who play similar styles. QBs who aren't great but limit their mistakes. A power running game. Strong, athletic defenses that rank in the top 10 and rookie coaches who led teams with losing records last year back to the playoffs. The most amazing of these two has to come from the Miami side where they went 1-15 last season. Before the season, the Dolphins were the greatest Vegas long shot in football at 250-1 odds to win the Super Bowl (followed by Atlanta at 200-1 which also made the playoffs). Chad Pennington (who went from scrap heap to MVP candidate) and Anthony Fasano (who says football trades are dead?) have proved to be key players in the Miami offense which has brought back the Wildcat and used it to perfection. The key in today's NFL is to use two running backs effectively (one for power and one for speed) and both of these teams do it well. The Ravens may have been a botched touchdown call away from being NFC North Champs (and having a first-round bye) and took down Miami 27-13 in Week 7. But Miami got hot after that and has won 9 out of their last 10 including a current 5 game winning streak. The problem for Miami is that the Ravens game in Week 7 is the last game they played against a playoff team. In fact, out of the 3 playoff teams that they've played (Arizona, San Diego and Baltimore), their only win was a week 5 win against the Chargers team that couldn't buy a win in the first 13 weeks of their season. This game will be hard fought. The key for both teams is to limit mistakes on both offense and defense. Head Coach Tony Sparano will have his Fins give the Ravens a lot of different looks on offense, but I think that the Ravens defense may prove too much for this Dolphins team. I've gone back and forth on this game, but I think that in the end, Baltimore will find a way to plow ahead into the divisional round. Miami gives up about 20 points a game and the Ravens give up around 15. So... Final Score: Ravens 20 - Dolphins 16
This would mean Titans - Ravens and Steelers - Colts for the Divisional Round...but I'll wait until next week to give those previews...
NFC
| Wild-card Weekend | ||
| Saturday, Jan. 3 | ||
 | University of Phoenix Stadium, 4:30 p.m. (NBC) |  |
| Sunday, Jan. 4 | ||
 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, 4:30 p.m. (Fox) |  |
On to the NFC. The Atlanta Falcons were 200-1 odds coming into this season. It seemed no one wanted to coach them or be a part of the team (Bill Parcells turned them down for the Dolphins). Michael Vick was all people could talk about. And then Matt Ryan came along. The Boston College rookie Quarterback has led a very surprising Falcons team to the playoffs as the #5 seed against a deadly passing attack for the Arizona Cardinals. This is a tale of two teams on different roads since Week 12. Since Week 12, the Falcons have won 5 out of 6 including impressive wins over the Panthers (NFC South Champs) and Vikings (NFC North Champs). Since Week 12, the Cardinals are 2-6, with their only wins coming against the lowly Rams and Seahawks. In fact, the only playoff-bound team that the Cardinals beat were the Dolphins all the way back in Week 2. Since then, they've lost 4 straight against playoff-bound teams. The only saving grace for Arizona is that this game is being played in doors at University of Phoenix Stadium where the team was 4-2 this year. The Cardinals clinched the division quite a while ago and have been coasting since. Their biggest "coast" came in a snow-filled game in New England two weekends ago where they didn't even show up to play and got demolished 47-7 in an important game for the AFC. The Football Gods don't always look so highly on teams that coast through "meaningless" games. The Cardinals are also yet to develop a running game having only one rusher go for more than 100 yards in a game this season...and that as 109 yards against the Rams (in contrast to the Falcons who topped 100 yards rushing in 8 different games). Arizona is dead last in the NFL with 71.1 yards per game on the ground. Kurt Warner had a phenomenal first half but seemed to show his age in the second half of the season, while Matt Ryan seemed to get better as the year progressed. The key will be Ryan in this matchup. Most people like to bet on veteran QBs in the playoffs, but I'll bet on a rookie here. Final Score: Falcons 31 - Cardinals 21
The last matchup of the wild card weekend is an extremely interesting one. The Eagles had a tie against the Cincinnati Bengals on Week 16 and many experts said that tie would keep them from the playoffs. They then got destroyed the next game and both the Eagles and their Quarterback, Donovan McNabb were declared done for by the media. Both proved to be wrong. The tie is what got the Eagles into the playoffs over the Bucs and the Cowboys and the Baltimore loss and the benching of McNabb, seemed to light a spark in the Eagles and turn around their season. They've won 3-4 in decisive fashion including big wins over the Cardinals, Giants and Cowboys to close out the season. McNabb and Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid kept their jobs for at least a little while longer and are going to Minnesota for at first round matchup. Although none of the first round games are in cold weather places, the Vikings home being in a dome, may prove to be the biggest home-field advantage. Minnesota has put the season back in the hands of Tarvaris Jackson...and that may not be such a good thing. The third year pro has looked lost out there. He was very lucky to escape the game against the Giants, even though the Giants were playing backups. The biggest X factors in this game have to be the running games. Adrian Peterson is another MVP candidate and has been a beast for the Vikings this year (when he's held on to the ball). Brian Westbrook is still the best player on the Eagles, but at times, Andy Reid's questionable play calling has led to him all but vanishing. Correll Buckhalter and Chester Taylor will also play big roles for their teams if they expect to win. This all means the run defenses will be extremely important. And here's where the Vikings are in trouble. Without big Pat Williams up the middle, they have a huge hole which won't easily be filled. If this was the matchup a few weeks ago, I would have easily bet against the Eagles. Now I'm not so sure anymore. This one comes down to a last second field goal. Final Score: Eagles 20 - Vikings 19
This would mean Giants - Eagles and Panthers - Falcons, two great divisional matchups for the divisional round...but we'll get to those next week...
Friday, December 26, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
What I'm Hearing...Happy Holidays to You and Yours
It's hard to believe that Santa will hopefully be making his way to my parents' house in a few short hours. I've tried to be a good girl this year, but I'm never quite sure how I stack up against the rest of the general population.
With all the gloom and doom on the news, it's easy to be down this holiday season. For the first time ever, I didn't decorate my apartment. (Unless you count seasonal placemats and towels, in which case I'm good.) In reality, though, we have a lot to look forward to in the coming year. For those who have steady employment, the opportunity to make a difference in our organizations in 2009. For those who are looking, a chance to reinvent themselves in the new year. You hopefully enjoyed good health, strong friendships, and good times in 2008, with more waiting in 2009.
Thank you for reading our blog. Time is a precious commodity. Andrew, myself, and everyone at Astron Solutions appreciates your sharing a part of your day with us. We look forward to the opportunity to share with you 2009's late breaking news and HR insights.
Happy holidays to you and your family, and best wishes for a successful and positive new year!
With all the gloom and doom on the news, it's easy to be down this holiday season. For the first time ever, I didn't decorate my apartment. (Unless you count seasonal placemats and towels, in which case I'm good.) In reality, though, we have a lot to look forward to in the coming year. For those who have steady employment, the opportunity to make a difference in our organizations in 2009. For those who are looking, a chance to reinvent themselves in the new year. You hopefully enjoyed good health, strong friendships, and good times in 2008, with more waiting in 2009.
Thank you for reading our blog. Time is a precious commodity. Andrew, myself, and everyone at Astron Solutions appreciates your sharing a part of your day with us. We look forward to the opportunity to share with you 2009's late breaking news and HR insights.
Happy holidays to you and your family, and best wishes for a successful and positive new year!
Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and just a Happy Holidays to everyone who reads our blog from everyone at Astron Solutions...
First, from Reuters, word that stores are going to ramp up closings and jobs cuts early in '09: click here
The Washington Post says certain DC industries are calling for backup as the inauguration has prompted a surge in the hospitality industry's workforce: click here
The New York Times has some advice for surviving the holidays: click here
Also from the Times, word on how to throw a successful holiday office party: click here
Lastly, from the Boston Globe, an article says that for many, during this holiday season, vacation is not a matter of choice: click here
Have a great one!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Byline Strike
In the world of unique strikes, the Associated Press's "byline strike" has to rank up there: click here
A lot of Canadian jobs are at stake if the Big Three fail: click here
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Astronology - Protecting Your Employees and Your Company In The Face Of Big Labor's Ambitious Legislative Agenda By A. Kevin Troutman, Esq.
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By A. Kevin Troutman, EsqMonday, December 15, 2008
States' Jobless Funds Running Out
Word today from the New York Times that some states are running out of money to pay unemployment benefits: click here
Thursday, December 11, 2008
New unemployment claims reach 26-year high
From the AP, via Yahoo! Finance, this morning, new unemployment claims rise more than expected to 26-year high as layoffs continue: click here
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
New Jobs for Women and the NFL
The New York Times asks in an Op-Ed today: where are the new jobs for women? click here
ESPN.com reports that the recession is hitting the NFL with 150 layoffs: click here
What I'm Hearing...Holiday Parties
We've all heard the reports from the news regarding the number of organizations that have slashed their holiday parties due to the economic downturn. While you may or may not agree with that approach - I don't, assuming the organization has funds to cover the cost of the party - one aspect that hasn't been covered as much is the decision to attend the party.
Now more than ever, it's critical that employees attend their organizations' holiday parties. What better way to demonstrate your interest in and support for your co-workers and your organization? Those who attend parties will be seen as the employees who care and are team players, and may have the upper hand if layoffs arise down the road.
While at the event, mix and mingle with attendees outside your typical work group. Expand your network. Get into as many pictures as possible to be remembered as the outgoing, caring person who is thankful for their job. Who knew that partying professionally could contribute to job security?!
Now more than ever, it's critical that employees attend their organizations' holiday parties. What better way to demonstrate your interest in and support for your co-workers and your organization? Those who attend parties will be seen as the employees who care and are team players, and may have the upper hand if layoffs arise down the road.
While at the event, mix and mingle with attendees outside your typical work group. Expand your network. Get into as many pictures as possible to be remembered as the outgoing, caring person who is thankful for their job. Who knew that partying professionally could contribute to job security?!
Monday, December 08, 2008
More Sit-In News
Day 4 of workers in shuttered plant: click here
The Chicago workers' sit-in has become a rallying point: click here
They've sent the Reverend Jesse Jackson in: click here
President-elect Obama thinks they're "absolutely right" in what they're doing: click here and here
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
BREAKING NEWS: Employers cut 533K jobs in Nov., most in 34 years
First, from the Associated Press (via Yahoo! Finance), breaking employment numbers that said that employers axed 533,000 jobs in November, the most in 34 years: click here
Followed by this AP story that the expected unemployment rate was 6.8% last month: click here
New York Times reports the number is 6.7% (as does the Drudge Report) and has some more information: click here
Fundfire (free subscription required) says that institutional investors are cutting employee bonuses, in some places up to half: click here
Lastly, the Wall Street Journal talking about the layoff sign--the boss's cold shoulder: click here
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Jobs Over Turkey
Really interesting BNET blog post about people choosing applying for jobs over Thanksgiving dinner: click here
How Smith Barney Scores Managers
Free subscription required...but interesting video from FundFire: click here
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Want a Job with Obama? Open Up Your Diary
From HR BLR...an interesting article about what they're asking you if you want to work for the Obama administration...
And the full application here:
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Astronology Link Update
We made a little mistake on one of our links for Astronology this week. The correct link to the HR BLR article is: http://hr.blr.com/hrstrangebuttrue.aspx?id=79189
Sorry for the confusion!
Astronology - Helicopter Parents Descending onto Your Organization
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The helicopter parent. In the past, the phrase may have been used in a whisper to describe parents who micromanage their children's lives from kindergarten until entering college. The phenomena of helicopter parents has become a significant workplace issue, particularly when hiring new employees. In some organizations, it is not surprising to find parents patiently waiting outside of an office while their adult child attends an interview. Some of these parents have even gone as far as calling managers in reference to performance reviews. To an HR professional, knowing how to properly handle this rising phenomenon can prove to be an arduous task. Where did these parents come from? How are other organizations dealing with this issue?...| |
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