Fire is a common “tool” in our life. Without fire we would not be able to cook, our automobile engines wouldn’t run, our homes would be cold in the winter and holiday lights may never have been invented. Isn’t it hard to imagine what it would be like to live without fire?
Albeit, fire can also be a life threatening enemy; it only takes minutes to destroy a home filled with a lifetime of memories with fire. Fire can take away your workplace and job. How do we keep the “good fire” separate from the “bad fire”? Knowledge and attentiveness are key elements to preventing the fires that can kill and destroy.
Fire needs three elements to exist-fuel, oxygen and heat. To understand the relationships, think of each as separate sides of a triangle. Fire needs all three elements in the proper proportions to exist. If one side of the triangle is removed, the fire will go out. For fuel to ignite… oxygen must be present; then heat must be applied until the combustion point is reached. When this point is reached, the fuel will ignite with the oxygen, consuming both fuel and oxygen and giving off heat. If the oxygen is removed, the fire is smothered. If the fuel is removed, there’s nothing left to burn. Oxygen by itself, will not burn.
For your safety and the safety of your co-workers if you are an authorized responder in your workplace you should know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them properly. Fire extinguishers should only be used on manageable fires or to help keep an exit route traversable.
The most important thing to remember about fire extinguishers is that you must use the correct type for each kind of fire.
Class A fires - combustible such as wood, paper and cloth , Foam, Soda Acid, Water, Multi Purpose Dry Chemical
Class B fires - flammable liquids , Foam, CO2, Multipurpose Dry Chemical
Class C fires , electrical , CO2, Multipurpose Dry Chemical
The most common extinguisher is the multipurpose dry chemical type. It can be used for any class of fire. However, if the tag on the extinguisher is not labeled ABC, you must know the type of fire the extinguisher can be used on.
For your safety and the safety of the workplace:
• Know where fire extinguishers and fire alarm boxes are located. Keep these areas free of debris.
• Store all flammable liquids in approved safety containers.
• Observe no smoking signs at all times.
We cannot do without fire but yet an unwanted fire can be deadly. We must stop unwanted fires that can destroy our buildings, lives and jobs. Never take the attitude that it can’t happen to me or “I can get out of here quick enough”. Do what you can to prevent fires, but always be prepared by knowing what actions to take if one occurs.
We’re all experiencing quite a roller coaster ride on the stock market this week. With layoffs at record numbers and well-known companies going under, it’s natural for people these days to be wondering a bit about their career future. So, how are your employees doing? Are they excited and motivated to come into work or do you see some trepidation in their eyes? Are they focused on goals and objectives or do they seem distracted?
Motivated employees is always a critical ingredient in any successful company. The mindset of your people is perhaps the single most important element of productivity,often more important than talent. Give me an average talent willing to “chew through walls” over a bored wiz-kid any day. So, how do you keep your employees motivated in these tough times?
Unfortunately, the term motivation has become… a tired cliche. There’s motivational books, motivational speakers, motivational seminars and a host of web sites dedicated to pumping up our enthusiasm for life. What works and what is just the same old stuff?
A good manager knows what motivates the people on the team. The challenge is that it’s different for each individual. When was the last time you sat with people one on one and asked about their long-term goals? What gets them going in the morning? Do you know? Well, start by asking. You’d be surprised at how much people appreciate just being asked by an owner or their manager. It shows that you care. That, in itself, is motivating.
Studies have shown time and again that most people are motivated more by personal praise than by money. We all like money, but hearing that we did a great job, and better yet, having that praise publicized is powerful. Here’s the challenge: The power of praise comes from the honesty in which you deliver it. False praise is worse than none at all, so watch for outstanding performance and while it is still fresh, recognize the achievement. Do it often, but not predictably. That is just part of giving praise sincerely.
What else should you do to keep up morale? When was the last time you took your team or company out to lunch? Yes, the economics these days make it tougher to do, but done right, you’ll be paid dividends in increased productivity. While you’re at it, make that lunch more effective by making an announcement or two. Tell people some good news about the company’s health, or share some plans for growth or expansion, or offer praise to a few people. Whatever you do, make it a feel-good event.
Whether it’s a genuine pat on the back, giving out a new iPod for employee of the quarter, a lunch recognizing your star players or giving someone and their significant other a paid night out on the town, you must keep your employees motivated now more than ever. Making your employees feel appreciated and informed will go a long way to helping you survive and thrive in these turbulent times.
Please share ideas on things you done to motivate the people within your organization. What have you done that didn’t cost a fortune yet made people feel good about their efforts? Feel free to comment to this post and share your ideas.
Times are hard. You don’t need me to tell you that. I read recently where 60% of employees are having a hard time paying their bills. If you are one of those people, you may have been thinking of going to your employer for an advance. Let me give you a few things to consider before you make that tough move.
Employers don’t like loaning money to their employees. Simple as that. It requires them to track it which is just more record keeping, they may be having their own cash flow problems and don’t really have it to loan, it ads an additional layer of complication to your employee/employer relationship, and it sets a precedent they really don’t want to start.
All that said, it is possible to get an advance, and here’s a little advice that may help you to persuade your employer. First, you should be…clear on the reasons I stated above as to why they DON’T want to be a bank for their employees. Putting yourself in their shoes will help you when you make your request. Sympathize with their issues.
Your chances are best if, just like trying to get money from a bank, you are a good credit risk. In other words, have you been a valuable employee for a few years? Is the amount you are requesting reasonable relative to your salary? You should have a target already in your mind as to how you’ll pay it back and when. Seeming responsible in this way could go a long way to demonstrating credibility to your employer. That’s called being a good credit risk.
Last, you should be the first to say that you don’t want this to create a precedent and that you are sworn to secrecy. It won’t be a habit, and you very much appreciate their consideration of this favor. You’re not being obsequious, just courteous and mindful of your employer’s situation. Afterall, times are hard for a lot more people that you think!