Spoiled brats: When parenting goes wrong

At 20 years old, I chose not to have children, so my tolerance for unruly kids may be less than most people’s. I do think my observation skills are fair, and in saying that, I have discovered the reason youngsters today are spoiled brats. It’s their parents and the lack of disciplining children when appropriate.

Sitting in the crowded terminal at the Philadelphia airport, waiting for my connecting flight, I watched a young mother running around and around the chairs with her two-year-old daughter chasing her. This gave the child the model that running is OK so she took off screaming, crashing into luggage, people, furniture and more.  The mom then tried to get the child settled down, with not much luck.

We boarded the plane and were ready to take off, but the child was wailing and would not sit in her own seat with the belt on. We were delayed almost an hour because of this situation. Finally a bribe of candy and a Coke from the flight attendant settled the child down.

Who created this aggravation? The child? Ah, no.  Mom was the one who validated the behavior profile that the child parroted.

So what should be done? What can be done? How will business handle this bad behavior when the kids are going into the business world? Yikes!

Don’t get mad: Ask questions and be accountable

I love it when my flight is delayed at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, because I get to shop at Brighton Collectibles in the terminal. One consideration, though: The salesperson can’t be suffering from MBDTM syndrome (My boss didn’t tell me).

I found a fabulous silver bracelet and earrings and took them to the register with cash, not plastic, in hand. One of my purchases wouldn’t pass the bar scan routine. After several minutes–10 to be exact–of phone calls, calling people stupid, frustration and indignation, the clerk blamed everyone but herself for the incorrect code. Here was a true absence of conflict resolution skills!

I watched with interest, from a Decontaminator of Toxic People point of view, waiting for an alternative solution that never appeared. So I selected a new jewelry combo that did pass the electronic scrutiny. Here are some possibilities my angry helper might have considered:

1. Add up the sale by hand.
2. Take my name, information and credit card number, and send me the jewelry after resolution.
3. Ask in training, “What happens if . . .”
4. Pay attention in training.
5. Have the boss’s cell number in case of “real” emergencies.

What else could she have done? Look forward to hearing from you!

Marsha

Restaurants, responsibility and resolution: How to make your work environment fun and productive

In our family, when it’s your birthday, you can do and eat anything you want.  So to celebrate his own special day, my husband immediately requested the Waffle House. Visions of clogged arteries, expanding waistlines and possible indigestion quickly filled my head.

Upon arrival at the local Waffle House, we were greeted by a friendly smile and an enthusiastic, real welcome. There was one small booth left in the crowded eatery, so we hurriedly took it. Franny was immediately at our table, asking for our beverage orders, and made a pleasant comment about my husband’s Tennessee ball cap. And there it started.

I had never been in a Waffle House before, and can guarantee that within five minutes, my preconceived notion of “depressing greasy spoon” was erased because of the attitude and joy expressed in that restaurant.  Every employee was engaged, laughing and helping each other. Without hesitation or asking, they dove into whatever needed to be done.

Self-leadership lessons:
1.    Lighten up and give everyone a sincere greeting.
2.    If you don’t like your job, get out. If you don’t like them, they probably don’t like you.
3.    Pitch in and help whenever needed–without being asked.
4.    Engage in some small talk.  Show that you are interested in the person and the job.
5.    Be authentic. Be yourself. Be kind. Be gracious.

What do you think?

Marsha

Discombobulation: lightening up helps end confusion.

The definition of this little-used word is “confusion.” With so much going on in the world, and at work, it’s easy to become discombobulated. Read more

Giving back (live your mission statement)

Al and I worked this weekend cleaning a water tank for the conservation of elk herds and other animals in the Big Lake, Arizona area.  I don’t think I have ever been this dirty – but the day was rewarding, and fun. This will provide much-needed water retention areas for the animals. Read more

Personal Responsibility and YOU

In this age of entitlement, bailouts and apathy, it becomes more important than ever to  to stand up for your rights and beliefs while not violating the rights of others.  The challenge is to take responsibility for every element of your personal and professional life.  Two of the topics at the top of my list right now are social networking and challenging myself to stay up in down times, especially with the negatives heard every day through the media.

Social Media?  Yep.  Learn about it and use it.  Begin by following Chris Brogan. He is cutting edge and will help you see the application of these dynamic tools for your business and personal relationships.

Join my Personal Responsibility for Success Club on Facebook. Follow me at mpsue and others on Twitter. These tools cost you nothing but time, and I guarantee that when you pledge to yourself to take personal responsibility for your success, you will open doors that you didn’t even know were there!

What is your take on personal responsibility?

~Marsha Petrie Sue