Longtime employees, boss need a timeout
Dear Harriette: I own a retail store that opens at 10 a.m. Since most of my employees have been working for me for many years, I have given them a lot of responsibility — I trust them. One of those responsibilities is to open and close the store. I think that my employees should be there 10 to 15 minutes beforehand, setting up for the day. The problem is that my employees tend to arrive at exactly 10 a.m.
Through the years, I have built a strong and comfortable relationship with my employees, but I am having a hard time finding a way to tell them about this problem. Is there a polite way to discuss this, or will I just have to lay down the law? — Darrin, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Dear Darrin: Try the direct, compassionate approach. Explain to your staff — either as a group or individually — what’s important about running the business. Talk about how vital it is for the preparation to occur before the doors open. Thank them for their unwavering support over the years, and ask them to support you further by showing up a little earlier in the morning — 15 minutes, to be exact — in order to be ready to hit stride at 10 a.m. Use inspiration rather than condemnation to motivate them to step up. Then notice who does. That person or persons should be commended, either with a bonus or a promotion.
Dear Harriette: My family travels a lot, and we are constantly faced with the guilt that I’m sure many New Yorkers have dealt with — homeless people. There is no doubt that my family feels for the needy, but some people who beg for money on the streets tend to have harmful spending habits.
As a family, we give to charities, help at local shelters and donate objects from our home. However, we are faced with a dilemma when it comes to homeless people on the streets. Should we have the trust to give money to a homeless person and expect them to buy food or clothing instead of drugs or alcohol? Walking past is a difficult thing to do, but my family does not want to condone drinking and drug use. — Carol, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dear Carol: Instead of inviting feelings of guilt, which definitely will not help you make any decisions, invite a clear head here. Realize that you cannot wipe out homelessness, but you can be actively supportive. By giving to charities that help the homeless, you are indirectly helping the homeless person on the street.
Furthermore, you can on occasion give directly to a person who touches you. Giving money may not be the most constructive way to go. Already you know you can’t direct where that money goes after you give it. Offering food, clothing or a beverage to a needy person you encounter, however, is a way to touch an individual. A sandwich or bottle of water can make a big difference in a homeless person’s life.