ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 17, 1995 TAG: 9512150054
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: G-4 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Working It Out
SOURCE: CAMILLE WRIGHT MILLER
Q: I've lost patience with trying to get our office to be environmentally responsible. How can I? And, how can I be OK when I'm seen as a "fanatic" and people avoid me?
A: Bonnie Cranmer, founder and principal of Envirostruct in New Castle, says: "Talk money. Bring the discussion to an economic level. For example, talk about reducing the cost of waste disposal or about the price of recycled paper."
Cranmer believes discussions of cost savings often prompt offices to implement basic concepts such as "using the unused side of failed copies from photocopiers and printers." Making better use of the clean side of what generally is regarded as waste paper, such as interoffice memos, "makes sense because internal messages don't have to be on pristine paper," she says.
Cost, again, is a factor for recycling toner cartridges. Cranmer says that both Apple and Canon recharge cartridges more cheaply than new purchases. Demonstrate where money can be saved - that gets attention.
Beyond economics, Cranmer finds that environmentally sound practices attract customers. She believes this public relations tool is highly effective in customer service-oriented companies. "Having that extra piece, how your business is making the world a better place, sways customers."
For those who want to make their organizations environmentally sound, Cranmer recommends the magazine "In Business for the Environmental Entrepreneur," available by calling (215) 967-4135. The "National Green Pages," a directory of products and services, lists a number of retail businesses with environmentally sound products. Call (202) 872-5307. And, American PIE (Public Information on the Environment, staffs a 24-hour line to answer questions at (800) 320-APIE.
Cranmer, who conducts workshops on environmental concerns, counsels those who are attempting to change offices to "hold to your personal ethics in a setting that isn't receptive. Show, by your own example, how you're making a difference." The entire office may not come around immediately, but a few will get the message.
Q: I don't get paid enough for the things I'm asked to do. I've made it clear I'll do only the minimum until I'm paid more.
A: More money follows extra effort and sustained strong performance, not the other way around.
Review your job. Are you performing at your absolute best level on a consistent basis? A strong daily performance determines most salary increases.
Consider additional responsibilities you're asked to perform. If you do these with willingness and attention to detail, your supervisor will notice.
When pay increases are determined and promotions are available, supervisors consider consistent performers - not those who promise to do better if rewarded in advance.
Few individuals are paid what they believe they are worth. Right or wrong, those who advance make a contract with themselves to give their employers the best work for the pay available.
If you can't offer that to your employer, consider looking for another job where you can give your best - and where you'll feel rewarded.
Q: After fights with my husband, he calls me at work. At the end of the conversation, I'm left holding the phone, and it's apparent I've been hung up on. My co-workers are embarrassed for me. Between my anger and our collective embarrassment, it's hard to work.
A: Beyond the embarrassment of your co-workers, continuing calls are noticed by your supervisor. Raises and promotions - which benefit you both - won't be easily gained if your fights extend to the office. Relationship battles don't belong in the workplace.
When you've repaired the relationship, make a pact to confine your marital disputes to your home. Explain that such an agreement makes good business sense for both of you.
If that doesn't work and the calls continue, practice masquerading. Alter your body language and voice to disguise the problem.
After your spouse has terminated the call, say something calming into the phone such as, "OK. After dinner, let's talk." Pause a moment, take a deep breath, pretend to listen carefully, then add, "OK, I'll see you then." Hang up, give a quiet sigh of relief, smile and return to work.
Deep breathing, a smile and the knowledge that you've returned your co-workers to a state of comfort should alter your mood - and reduce the anxiety in your office.
Do consider counseling. There are rules for fair fighting between married partners. While the rules don't include calling one's spouse and hanging up, they do provide excellent guidelines for handling unavoidable conflict in a fair, respectful manner.
Camille Wright Miller, an organizational behavior sociologist who works in Lexington, answers questions from our readers about workplace issues. Please send them to her in care of The Roanoke Times, Business News Department, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke 24010-2491.
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