“The worst sorrows in life are not in its losses and misfortunes, but its fears.”

- A. C. Benson

At work, and everywhere else these days, there seems to be an increasing sense of fear in the hearts of so many people. Fear of job loss, fear of bad weather, even fear of falling meteors. Just the other day, the Wall Street Journal published an article with that precise thesis: it doesn’t matter your perspective on life, a cloud of fear has befallen so many. Do your best not to focus so much on the “what-if’s” but try, instead, to steer in the positive direction of the “what-might-be’s” in life. Go “for it,” not “from it.”

© 2013 Alan L. Sklover. All Rights Reserved

[If you would like to contribute a favored quote, saying or proverb, please submit it to us at info@SkloverWorkingWisdom.com].

“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in 7 years.”

- Mark Twain

All dads know the truth: being a father is all about giving. This is the day you hope to hear, just this once, “Thanks.” Hold on to that thought; it may be a year before you hear it again. Like my son, Sam, once told me, “Father’s Day is just like Mother’s Day, only I don’t have to buy a present.” Oh, well…being a father is still my favorite hobby. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

© 2013 Alan L. Sklover All Rights Reserved. Commercial Use Prohibited.

Chairman Reveals His Top Life Tips

 “You don’t establish your manhood or womanhood by turning 18.
You do so with actions.” 

-       Orlando McGuire    

ACTUAL “CASE HISTORIES”: In June, 2013, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke gave a commencement address to Princeton University graduates. In his remarks, he was “uncommonly common” and uncharacteristically simple in expression. 

Because Dr. Bernanke is quite accomplished, and yet quite down-to-earth, as well, I thought I’d pass on his Ten “Life Suggestions” to the graduates of the university at which he was an economics professor before being summoned to public service in Washington, D.C. 

1. “Don’t be afraid to let the drama play out.” “Life is amazingly unpredictable; any 22-year-old who thinks they know where they will be in 10 years, much less 30, is simply lacking imagination.”

In this, Dr. Bernanke drew upon his own life: “A dozen years ago I was minding my own business teaching Economics 101 in Alexander Hall and trying to think of good excuses for avoiding faculty meetings. Then I got a phone call.” 

2. “Focus on becoming a better human being.” “If you are not happy with yourself, even the loftiest achievements won’t bring you much satisfaction.” 

For a man who is credited by some with saving the world’s financial system, that’s a pretty interesting comment. 

3. “Those who are luckiest also have the greatest responsibility.”  “As the Gospel of Luke says (and I am sure my Rabbi will forgive me for quoting the New Testament in a good cause): ‘From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.’” 

He gave the Biblical quote an academic spin: “Kind of grading on the curve, you might say.” 

4. “Effort Matters.” “I think that most of us would agree that people have, say, little formal schooling but labor honestly and diligently to help feed, clothe, and educate their families are deserving of greater respect – and help, if necessary – than many people who are superficially more successful.” And, he added, “They’re more fun to have a beer with, too.” 

5. “Most policymakers are trying to do the right thing.” “The greatest forces in Washington are ideas, and people prepared to act on those ideas. Public service isn’t easy. But, in the end, if you are inclined in that direction, it is a worthy and challenging pursuit.”

 6. On Economics: “Economics is a highly sophisticated field of thought that is superb at explaining to policymakers precisely why the choices they made in the past were wrong. About the future, not so much.” 

7. “Money isn’t everything.” “I’m not going to tell you that money doesn’t matter, because you wouldn’t believe me anyway.” But he did add the following: “If you are part of the lucky minority with the ability to choose, remember that money is a means, not an end.” 

8. “Don’t be afraid to fail.” “Nobody likes to fail but failure is an essential part of life and of learning. If your uniform isn’t dirty, you haven’t been in the game.”  

9. On choosing a partner: “Remember that physical beauty is evolution’s way of assuring us that the other person doesn’t have too many intestinal parasites. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for beauty, romance and sexual attraction – where would Hollywood and Madison Avenue be without them? But while important, they are not the only things to look for in a partner.”  

“Speaking as somebody who has been happily married for 35 years, I can’t imagine any choice more consequential for a lifelong journey than the choice of a traveling companion.” 

10. “Call your mom and dad once in a while.” “A time will come when you will want your own grown-up, busy, hyper-successful children to call you,” said Bernanke, who has two adult children. “Also, remember who paid your tuition to Princeton.”

The Fed Chairman ended with a battle cry: “Congratulations, graduates. Give ‘em hell!” 

P.S.: For those college students, soon-to-be grads, and grads in search of Internships to start your journey, we offer Two Model “Internship Wanted” Cover Letters. To obtain copies to adapt and use for yourself, just [click here.]  

SkloverWorkingWisdom™ emphasizes smart negotiating – and navigating – for yourself at work. Negotiation and navigation of work and career issues requires that you think “out of the box,” and build value and avoid risks at every point in your career. We strive to help you understand what is commonly before you, and to know what to “watch out” for, at each step along the way. Now the rest is up to you.       

Always be proactive. Always be creative. Always be persistent. Always be vigilant. And always do what you can to achieve for yourself, your family, and your career. Take all available steps to increase and secure employment “rewards” and eliminate or reduce employment “risks.” That’s what SkloverWorkingWisdom™ is all about. 

*A note about our Actual Case Histories: In order to preserve client confidences, and protect client identities, we alter certain facts, including the name, age, gender, position, date, geographical location, and industry of our clients. The essential facts, the point illustrated and the lesson to be learned, remain actual.     

Please Note: This Email Newsletter is not legal advice, but only an effort to provide generalized information about important topics related to employment and the law. Legal advice can only be rendered after formal retention of counsel, and must take into account the facts and circumstances of a particular case. Those in need of legal advice, counsel or representation should retain competent legal counsel licensed to practice law in their locale.

Repairing the World -
One Empowered and Productive Employee at a Time ™

© 2013 Alan L. Sklover, All Rights Reserved.

Question: I was just fired. My boss has been making accusations that I somehow took $2,800 over the last three months, which I did not do.  

Even though the person working with me was seen by others on a surveillance camera stealing cash from a client, my former boss still has not viewed the videotape. 

Is there anything I can do?  

                                                                                                                                Sally
Cottage Grove, Oregon 

Answer: Dear Sally: Your situation is far more common than you might think. Either managers don’t like doing all of the work necessary to fully investigate matters of misconduct, they are using a problem as an excuse to eliminate employees who are not their favorites, or perhaps it is a friend of theirs who actually is engaged in the wrongdoing, and they want to blame someone else. Whatever the reason is, I suggest you consider doing these six things; 

1. First, make a record of the fact that a videotape exonerates you. From your limited presentation of the facts of your matter, it seems that the surveillance videotape in question would exonerate you. If so, make a record – now, and by email – to those in senior-most management positions that (a) a videotape exists, (b) it exonerates you, and (c) your manager apparently refuses to look at it. The fact that evidence of your innocence now exists does not mean it will exist in the future. Take steps – now – to make a record.   

2. You may also want to review an answer I previously prepared for a similar question submitted by another blog visitor. That previous blog visitor’s letter was not about herself, but about the firing of her husband. Like you, he was also fired – falsely – for alleged theft. I recommend you read that short Question-And-Answer, entitled “My Husband was Fired – Falsely – for Theft. Should He Consult an Attorney?” You can review my answer to that inquiry by simply [clicking here.] 

3. I’ve also put together a free YouTube video on this very topic: “Fired for Misconduct? –What to Do.” Misconduct, especially criminal misconduct, is a very serious thing. Not only can it result in job loss, and even reputation loss, but loss of your freedom – that is, jail time  – in certain circumstances. There are certain steps everyone should consider taking if and when fired for alleged misconduct, and that goes doubly for those accused of criminal misconduct. I’ve placed these into my free YouTube video on the subject. To view it, just [click here.] 

4. Your most important asset is your reputation; that you need to protect. If you have any intention of working again, you have to have some concern for what your former employer is going to say if he or she is asked “Is this employee eligible to return?” or words to that effect. While most employers have strict policies against giving out references – either positive or negative – vindictive managers can easily skirt themselves around those policies. May I suggest you consider using one of our Model Letters for this purpose; it is one of our best-sellers. It is entitled “Model Letter for  Expressing Concern for Bad-Mouthing by Your  Former Employer.” To obtain a copy, just [click here.]   

We offer something that you might really make good use of: 50 Good Reasons to Explain Your Last Job Departure. Whether or not you are asked the question, you will need to come up with a good answer to it. Here’s one of my favorites: “Boss Indicted.” (Just joking!) “What to Say, and How to Say It.™ To obtain your copy, [click here.] Delivered by Email – Instantly!

5. Finally, Sally, you would be wise to consider consulting with a criminal defense attorney, as I cannot advise anyone on matters of criminal law, especially in Oregon, where I have no law license. I get quite concerned when blog visitors mention that an allegation of criminal misconduct has been made against them. That is because there are potentially significant consequences to ignoring the potential seriousness of such an allegation, and, too, there are many pitfalls that exist for those who are uneducated relative to the criminal justice system. What you say, when you say it, and often to whom you say it can all “cook your goose.” Please consider doing so.  

6. “If people say bad things about you, live your life so that no one believes them.” This is an old saying for people in your situation. My heart goes out to anyone who is falsely accused of serious misconduct, and even more so to a criminal act. Bear in mind one thing: this will pass, and life will go on, if you let it. Take all the right precautions now, and do all you can to protect your freedom and your reputation. But, whatever you do, don’t do anything foolish, like strike back or other foolish things that people are tempted to do to “get even.” 

The best way to “get even” is to “get a better job.” My very best to you!!

My Best,
Al Sklover 

P.S.: One of our most popular “Ultimate Packages” of forms, letters and checklists is entitled “Ultimate New Job Package” consisting of 10 items, including Resume Cover Letter, Thank You After Interview, Memo Confirming Terms Offered, Response to Offer Letter, our Master Checklist of Items to Negotiate, and 50 Good Reasons to Explain Your Departure from Your Last Job. To obtain a complete set, just [click here.] Delivered by Email – Instantly!

Repairing the World -
One Empowered and Productive Employee at a Time ™

© 2013 Alan L. Sklover, All Rights Reserved.

“The best teacher one can have is necessity.”

- Francois de la Noue

At work and otherwise, when things get to the point of “Make or Break,” it is simply amazing how people will somehow find the inner strength, the bald creativity, and the true grit to simply “Make” things happen. Buried inside each of us – often deep among our many fears and doubts – there is something that just, somehow, guides us to where we must “get to.” And so, in living, we are daily taught such important lessons about ourselves.

© 2013 Alan L. Sklover. All Rights Reserved

[If you would like to contribute a favored quote, saying or proverb, please submit it to us at info@SkloverWorkingWisdom.com].