HR Practitioner’s Diary: Training in foreign tongues ... continued

Annie Hayes

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HR Practitioner’s Diary: Training in foreign tongues … continued

By Annie Hayes

Wanted – employees with a history of bad behaviour!
How’s this for a revelation, yet another recent article to confuse your ‘bosses’ even more about the ‘ideal’ workforce.

Rather than looking to staff who are cheerful, punctual, flexible, smart and honest, businesses are being encouraged to consider employing staff with ‘flawed’ personalities – it would appear that the ‘flaw’ could actually indicate a powerful personality (why am I thinking of Sir Alan Sugar?)!

The office gossip could help stimulate colleagues, whilst the moody individual could be a developing genius!

At least 10 personality ‘flaws’ could be real positives that could help you get ahead. Recruiters are being encouraged to look a little more closely at the ‘darker side’ of interviewees – here’s what you are supposed to be looking for:

Always late – German studies have shown that this person is an owl, not a lark and could therefore be more suited to flexible working time or a late shift.

Lazy – a study at the University of Bristol has shown that the most creative staff do not work non-stop, but often take time out to daydream when their subconscious is most likely to incubate ideas.

Stressed out – Stanford University in California has found that getting stressed releases adrenalin into the brain. This makes an individual more alert and primed (ready for action) which can help memory retention. The secret is that the stress is not permanent!

Arrogant – the University of Waterloo in Ontario has found that self belief makes for better managers. Self assurance leads to stronger initiative and decision making.

Moody – Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore believe that mood swings are linked to creativity and even genius.

Deceptive – the University of Massachusetts showed that individuals lie three times in a ten-minute chat with a stranger. Apparently men lie to promote themselves and women lie to make others feel better! Does this mean that men are more suited to selling and women are more suited to ‘people problems’? Sorry for any offence caused by this question!

Gossipy – Harvard University believe that a social network in the workplace can lead to a stimulating, positive atmosphere which can promote creativity and success.

Emotional – Stanford University suggest it is better to let it all out than try to fight emotions. Emotion helps to retain memories whilst a stiff upper lip represses them.

Aggressive – Studies on primates in Tanzania show those who are at the top of their packs or social groups are often those who are most aggressive (I’m thinking of Sir Alan Sugar again – strange)!

Anti-Social – New York based psychological studies have revealed that being anti-social can often be the mark of a great leader. Remaining aloof often keeps people guessing and more likely to want to please you to gain approval.

I’m not so sure that ‘bad’ behaviour is a way to get ahead in the workplace, but it certainly does present more than one way of looking at things!
I’d love to hear any views you have on this.

So enjoy those Easter eggs hopefully coming your way soon and let’s see what April brings other than lighter nights.

Vital Stats:

Weight – 9st 3 lbs (invested in the new summer bikini this week, just need the tan to go with it now, yahoo!)

Chocolate – nil – even with Easter around the corner, I am not tempted, plus easing into a pair of size 10 jeans has something to do with my motivation!

Wine – still no more than six units per week, my friends think I’m on the way to being a tee-totaller!

Cider – nil – have now resorted to ‘skinny’ latte. Can’t get over how healthy I feel. I recently celebrated my birthday (forty something) and felt like I was only in my late 20’s – what a result!

Boyfriends – two dates – one void, one potential (here we go again)!
First date – Thomas – only got as far as the third date when I switched off! Nice enough chap, but playing one of life’s rejects and kept on about wanting to be tactile with me and sending text messages to ask when I was next going to ask him out on a date! He seemed more intent on trying to impress me, rather than just being himself – guys – we can see through this more often then you know! Let us see exactly who you are and what you are about from the outset and there wouldn’t be nearly so much disappointment all around!
Second date – Glenn – good job I feel like I’m in my late 20’s, as Glenn is a lovely 31 year old golfer from one of my local clubs. He wants to coach my game and improve my handicap. I think I might concentrate long enough to try this out, it will certainly be fun along the way! He is looking forward to our de-briefs (so to say) at the 19th hole – over a latte no doubt!

Deep thoughts – time does heal a broken heart and life is too short to dwell – live every day to the full.
Keep it simple!
Sue
*Sue Kingston is a self-employed HR Consultant with 24 years HR experience. Sue can be contacted on T: 07966 216561 or at hr@suekingston.co.uk
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