The Results - That’s the most unbelievable excuse I’ve ever heard!

Thanks to all those participants who sent in examples of unbelievable excuses staff members had given them when looking to take time off work or explain their absence. We've cast our net wider this time and have examples from Canada, USA and the United Kingdom.

Obviously the majority of people have totally genuine reasons for needing time away from work, however I'll let you decide how you feel about the examples of excuses we received.

As usual I've had great fun reading all of the entries and I've published my top 5 here:

5. My mom forgot to wake me up and I knew I'd be late so I didn't come in!

4. My doctor's office is only open between 12 & 1 so I'll need the whole day off to go for my appointment!

3. My dog ate my bus ticket and I didn't have any money for my fare, so couldn't come to work!

2. I didn't have a clean shirt so couldn't come to work!

And my personal favourite ...

1. I went swimming yesterday evening and got water in my ears l so I can't come in today!

So there it is the most unbelievable excuses for taking time off work, if you have one to share please send it in.

How to be a really stupid Leader

Jim Hopkins has written a light hearted blog post with serious message entitled "How to be a really stupid Leader", that looks at unhelpful behaviours that certain leaders display as Jim says:

"What makes a leader stupid? Most believe it is a combination of a number of unattractive and unproductive behaviors that are incorporated into their style that makes them unsuccessful, along with a refusal to change."

To read the full article http://linked2leadership.com/2014/07/20/how-to-be-a-really-stupid-leader/

Heroes and Inspiration

Jane gives her thoughts on women leaders and who inspires them .. "Maya Angelou was and continues to be one of my heroes.  She had a voice that made your ears feel as if they were being brushed by velvet and wisdom that made world leaders stop in their tracks.  It was my dream’s wish to sit at her feet and listen, like a toddler on the mat at story time, simply soaking in her words and basking in her presence.  Well, maybe I’ll get the opportunity in another life or another realm, who knows?

Maya Angelou’s death in May 2014 got me thinking about women leaders and who inspires them.  Who do the women aspiring to become the next leaders have to look up to?  Are there currently women in your organisations who you would like to emulate?  According to a UK survey conducted by the Chartered Management Institute there are very few current leaders, in their members’ organisations, which have inspirational qualities.  In fact the recent economic downturn, experienced by most western countries, seems to have given a rise to dictatorial rather than inspirational characteristics in the workplace.

Looking at popular press it would give the indication that young women, today, are more interested in getting a butt like a Kardashian rather than a mind like Maya Angelou.  I may be wrong and in fact I hope that I am, as it strikes me that women will need to take charge of changing the landscape of leadership.  Years of equality legislation has failed to secure the right for women to rise to levels equal in status and pay to their male counterparts.  Therefore, it will require women to develop more than just that, which indicates aesthetic appeal to achieve this goal.

So, I would like to ask all women, who are your inspirational heroes, whose feet would you like to sit at to listen and learn?  What can their journey teach you as a leader today?  Who are the great women ambassadors that have led the way that you can follow and in following their footsteps are you leaving behind you a path for other young women to tread?

As a potential influence on future females are you heading towards the legacy of a stunning butt, or a brilliant mind?  I know which one I would choose, if in fact a choice has to be made."

That’s the most unbelievable excuse I’ve ever heard!

It’s competition time.

Back in April we searched for Alberta’s Worst Boss and received some unbelievable stories. So after giving Alberta’s Bosses a hard time we thought we’d turn our attention to the staff. 

We’d like you to send us your stories of the most unbelievable excuses you’ve ever heard from a co-worker taking time off from work. It’s Stampede time so I’m sure you’ve heard some great ones.

As before please send your entries to me at office@bluegem.ca, to be in with a chance of winning some great prizes. Entries by July 31.

12 Questions Every Leader Should Ask Themselves

"12 Questions Every Leader Should Ask Themselves" is the title of a blog post by Linette Lopez, and focuses on an interview with Lieutenant General Joseph Anderson, Commanding General of Fort Bragg and the XVIII Airborne Division.

In the interview Lieutenant General Anderson sheds light on 12 of the values and traits he looks for when evaluating potential leaders, a few of my favourites include:

·         Are they focused on doing the right thing for the right reason and moving the organization along in the right direction?

·         It’s all about people, so how well do you communicate?

·         How do you treat people?

·         Do you live our values every day?

·         And do you have the character and the discipline to do the right thing when nobody’s looking?

To read the article and watch the interview in full check out

http://www.inc.com/linette-lopez/12-questions-every-leader-should-ask-themselves.html