Undercover Boss and the Office

NaeNae55

Whew! I had back to back telephone conferences this afternoon. One was easy and fun, the other made my head spin. I could use a good laugh.

So: Did you see the most recent episode of either one of these shows, and can you share what good HR lessons you learned?

Paul in Cannon Beach

We are not here to entertain you, Nae. We are serious professionals.

NaeNae55

Ha! What a clanker! :whip:

ACU Frank

The Office is dying a not-so-slow death. I've seen two episodes this season, and didn't care for either of them. It's gotten to the point that I'd rather trot out my DVDs from prior seasons and watch them again. Sadly, the past season or so has also made me realize that Jim and Pam are both people that I would rather not be around. Their redeeming qualities have all but evaporated. Erin's kinda hot, though... in an odd sort of way.

Another show that has jumped the shark - CSI. It's not that Grissom is gone, or that Sara is back, or that Langston got added, or that Warrick got killed... its that the past two episodes have involved really bad acting from 'celebrity' guests involved in cases - first PGA tour pros, then Rascal Flatts. It's starting to feel like when the Harlem Globetrotters showed up on Gilligan's Island. And Scooby Doo.

Paul in Cannon Beach

Perhaps its telling that the original British version of the office had the good sense to quit after two seasons and an hour long final episode.

Popular shows Ive never watched:

CSI
LOST
24
American Idol
Dancing With the Stars

ACU Frank

I was the only adolescent boy in the United States who did not watch Charlie's Angels.

NaeNae55

I didn't watch Seinfeld or Friends, though I have watched Friends in re-runs. I could never get past people who are supposed to be such good friends lying to each other all the time.

Still Need Coffee

[QUOTE=NaeNae55;719308]I could never get past people who are supposed to be such good friends lying to each other all the time.[/QUOTE]

Wait...I thought that's what we're doing here! Aw crap. The cat is outta the bag now...

Paul in Cannon Beach

Hey Need Coffee, I love your signature on your posts.

[I][COLOR=#808080]"You are you. Now isn't that pleasant?" -Dr. Seuss[/COLOR][/I]

Ok, I really do. I am not lying.

So, where is it from and have you ever used it in an HR situation?

Still Need Coffee

Don't you just love Dr. Seuss??? It's from his book, "Happy Birthday to You!"

I love the quote because it is a formula for happiness - I should be happy with myself for just being me, and I should be happy with others because they are themselves - stop looking for greener grass and finding faults. So, while I haven't used the exact quote in HR, it is still quite applicable, and I try to teach my employees to accept others for who they are, and look inward for conflict management as opposed to assigning blame.


But, now that you mention it, I do have a version I use for HR:

"You are you. Now get out of my office before this becomes very unpleasant. I need a cocktail."

Sharon McKnight SPHR

One of my favorite quotes is from Buckaroo Bonzai, "Wherever you go, there you are."

Happy weekend to everyone.

Sharon

ACU Frank

I used a movie quote a few weeks ago... but I used it on the only person in the whole organization who would get it... When he came in to vent about a co-worker, I listened for about 30 seconds, slowly waved my hand once between us, and simply said:

"These aren't the droids you're looking for."

He paused for a second, and we both started laughing so hard I thought we might get sent home. Clearly, he got it. The next time, I'll use the hand motion but I bet I won't have to speak a word.

NaeNae55

What a great line! Now, who can I use it on who will actually get it?