Can't resist the temptation of more “Celebrity” lessons

15 Feb Can't resist the temptation of more “Celebrity” lessons

Editor’s note: Contemporary Working, WTN’s newest column, is actually a blog on the Manpower Web site, and it’s designed to guide readers on their journey through the changing world of work. Readers will find tips, tools, and information on topics as diverse as the aging workforce, working women, professional etiquette, generational diversity, the talent crunch, and more.
Okay, I couldn’t resist. I have to do another Celebrity Apprentice. There is so much to say (and so little time). And I’m not naive – it’s all about TV ratings. But who is right? Who is wrong? Who is unprofessional? And who is downright hateful?
Should victory be sacrificed because of lack of teamwork? You have to decide. I don’t know where to start. I’m not going to pick a side. But the issues between Piers and Omarosa were amazing to watch.
• Should we bring our families into our professional life? Or should others have that right?
• Should we highlight our own weaknesses by hitting below the belt?
• Should we make our differences so personal?
• Should our personal differences get in the way of getting the job done?
• Is it right that we get personal satisfaction from disputes and disagreements?
• Should we dismiss our colleagues – without listening to what they have to say?
I suggest that the answer to all these questions is a resounding “no.” Focus on the goal. Focus on winning. Put your personal differences aside to get the job done. Trump was put into an impossible position – fire someone who won the challenge or fire someone from a well-running team. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but he made the right choice.
Trace and his team deserve to stay in the game – even though the team will be broken up. Next week should prove interesting. Will Piers survive? Will Omarosa? And let’s not forget the higher purpose – this is all about charity. Are we watching “charity” on the screen?
Barking about diversity
Did you watch the Westminster dog show? I look forward to February every year. Not because of the snow (have you heard about all the snow we’re getting in Wisconsin?) I just love watching all those beautiful, diverse dogs prance around Madison Square Garden.
I have to brag a bit – my Hannah’s Dad won best of breed at Westminster in 1999. His name was Frosty. So she’s of fabulous stock and shows her promise every day. And I have the privilege to live with her.
But back to diversity. It’s fascinating to watch the judges at dog shows. Each dog is different. Every dog has something fabulous and unique to offer. Sight hounds. Scent hounds. Herding dogs. Working dogs. Terriers. Lap dogs. Even though there is judging, there is no judgment. Each winner is determined based on his or her breed standards.
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was no judgment anywhere?
Packing light
There was an interesting piece in USA Today this week — on how much stuff we lug around on business trips. According to the article, titled Business travelers can’t seem to pack light on gadgets, about 31 percent of us carry more than one electronic device. And the surprising thing to me is that many of you (not me) carry more than one cell phone (15 percent) or more than one laptop (10 percent).
I always have my blackberry (that is also my cell phone) and iPod (that’s two) and often have my laptop as well (so that’s three).
How about you? Are you weighed down by your electronics?
Other columns by Melanie Holmes
• Melanie Holmes: So many business meetings, so little time
• Melanie Holmes: Career dos and don’ts: Do your homework on the job search
• Melanie Holmes: On wimpy handshakes and other business etiquette pet peeves
• Melanie Holmes: She’s baaack! Avoiding the etiquette pitfalls of Omarosa