Recommend page to a friend

Contact us

Web site comments

Add to favorites (bookmark)

This & That

FAMILIAR PHRASES

Carry a Torch for Someone

Meaning: Be devoted to (in love with) someone

Origin: during the 19th century, a dedicated follower showed support for a political candidate by carrying a torch in an evening campaign parade. Only enthusiastic followers took part in such rallies. A fellow who carried a torch didn't care who knew that he was wholeheartedly behind his candidate. Later, the term was applied to someone publicly (and obsessively) in love.

Sell Like Hotcakes

Meaning: Go over big; have a big commercial success.

Origin: In the early 1800's, hotcakes were the popular fast food at carnivals and country fairs. Anyone who set up a hot cake was sure to make a killing.

Pull Your Own Weight

Meaning: Do your own share

Origin: Surprisingly, a rowing term. "Each member of a crew must pull an oar at least hard enough to propel his or her own weight."

Source: The B.R. Institute Reader,The B.R. Institute, PO Box 1117, Ashland, OR 97520

"Quotables"

On Opposites:

I told you to make the one longer than another, and instead you have made one shorter than the other - the opposite.

Sir Boyle Roche, British statesman and father of the verbal blunder

Source: The 176 Stupidest Things Ever Said, by Ross and Kathryn Petras,
Doubleday Publishing, 1996.

169 Ways to Wow Your Boss

Earning points with the boss has always been a wise move. But it's more important then ever in today's workplace, says Alan R. Schonberg. Working with Robert L. Shook and Donna G. Estreicher, Schonberg has identified some ways to make it easier for you to earn the points you need. Here are just a few of the winning ideas from their book, 169 Ways to Score Points With Your Boss:

• Make sure you know exactly what the boss expects on an assignment by asking these smart questions: "Should I know anything else?" "What would you do first?" "How do you picture the end result?"
• Think quality, not quantity, when deciding which of your ideas to present to the boss. Reasons: the boss will appreciate not having to waste time listening to a long list of ideas. Also, if you offer too many ideas, you risk having the boss choose a weak one. And that could damage your credibility.
• Exceed - rather than meet - quotas and deadlines. Reasons: A 100% effort is fine. But giving 120% is the best way to stay on the boss's promotion list.
• Limit most of your conversations with the boss to business matters. "Constant chatter - which you may think will impress the boss - could irk instead and earn you a reputation as an interrupter. Guideline: It's better that the boss wonder why you don't talk much than wonder why you do.
• Forget the notion that the squeaky wheel gets grease. Endless complaining and grumbling will fray anyone's nerves, and that includes the boss. Thought: If you constantly squeal for grease, you may end up skidding out the door.
• Respond to your boss's construction criticism of your work with a statement such as, "Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate your interest, and I'm going to do my best to improve." Reason: Your mature response shows you're willing to listen - and to learn from your mistakes.
• Resist the urge to rush a job to impress the boss. Reason: Your haste may produce sloppy work. And the boss will rarely remember how long you took but won't forget the quality of your work.

Source: 169 Ways to Score Points With Your Boss, by Alan R. Schonberg, with Robert L. Shook and Donna G. Estreicher, Ph.D., Contemporary books, 4255 W. Touhy Ave., Lincolnwood, IL 60646 - $14.95.

Appraisal Alert

Performance appraisals will be more productive if you spend some time training employees how to:

Discuss performance expectations with supervisors.

Conduct a self-appraisal.

Prepare for the appraisal interview.

Keep appropriate records of their performance.

Respond if they feel they receive an inaccurate or unfair appraisal.

Source: The Complete Guide to Performance Appraisal, by Dick Grote, AMACOM, 1602 Broadway, New York, NY 10019