Recorded Poem: I Love You by Linette Rabsatt

Twelve Ways We Frustrate and Alienate Employees

I love to be funny and lighthearted, but I am writing this topic from a different standpoint. I had my first employment opportunity in 1992 as a summer intern and started my first job in 1993. Since then, I have been unemployed only at one point during my first semester at the University of the Virgin Islands. I have worked in the British and United States Virgin Islands and Ithaca, New York, in various positions and at different levels.

I wrote this post because of what I have experienced and have seen in workplaces. I have matured quite a bit since 1992, but I still have my challenges and weaknesses. Working during the COVID-19 pandemic has shown which supervisors are empathetic and who are not. We have seen how systems have failed because of a lack of preparation. Parents have had to make tough choices that impact their families, earnings, and mental wellness. I am not sure if some managers care.

The post idea came to me while hanging clothes over the weekend. Here are my thoughts on how we frustrate employees.

1. Don't Communicate
Do not tell your employees anything that is happening in the organization. They can find out when the customers do. We know that makes no sense, but communication remains one of the major issues in workplaces. Solution: Share the good news, changes, and bad news with your team, and encourage employees to share their views and suggestions.

2. Ignore When Employees Do Well
Some managers feel that employees get paid, and that should be their reward. Many do not see the importance of highlighting innovation and dedication. If you want your employees to be frustrated, ignore the extra they do. Solution: Recognize their excellent work. You can acknowledge their excellence with a commendation letter, by creating an 'Achievement Wall,' and giving compensatory leave and bonuses.

3. Ignore Employee Concerns
Ignoring issues when they arise is one way to alienate employees. It is not only poor communication, but it is also inactive leadership. For example, one employee may be misbehaving, and other team members report the problem. However, no one addresses this poor performance. The other employees will look poorly at management. Solution: Listen, consider, respond, and take action!

4. Ignore Health and Safety Regulations
Employees want to know that they are safe on the job. COVID-19 has caused us to implement social distancing, frequent sanitization, and increased use of personal and protective equipment. Ensure that these policies are in place or risk your employees' lives or commitment to your workplace. Solution: Follow the health and safety guidelines developed by your organization and in your country.

5. Don't Recognize Boundaries
Some managers feel that they can contact employees at any time of the day, on weekends, or when they are on vacation. People need time to tune out from the work setting and enjoy their leisure time with their family and friends. Solution: Respect these boundaries, and if an employee is willing to engage work-related conversations after hours, do not abuse it.

6. Don't Pay Employees Well
Salary may not be the top factor why employees are frustrated or resign from jobs. However, as we say in the Virgin Islands, "talk is cheap, but money buys land." While the workplace may not have any other issue on this list, employees expect decent compensation. Solution: Look at the average salary your industry pays and consider what other perks you can offer, such as vacation leave packages, discounts, or insurance coverage.

7. Take Credit When Things Go Right
If you are a manager who takes credit for all the positive happenings without acknowledging your team, look out for the repercussions. The employees may not leave, but they may hold back when their expertise is needed. Solution: Refer to Number 2!

8. Pass Blame When Things Go Wrong
If you do Number 7 in addition to passing blame, then your team is unhappy. Solution: Instead of focusing on what went wrong, look at possible solutions and implement them.

9. Speak to Employees Like Children
Your employees are not your children. Please do not yell at them and or chastise them in front of other people, especially customers. Solution: Deal with discipline or correction tactfully by treating the employee the way you would want someone to treat you.

10. Stay in the Dark Ages
It is always amazing when you visit businesses or organizations, and they utilize manual systems for procedures that should have been automated years ago. While older employees may be willing to work in those situations, the Gen Xers will become frustrated. You will not find an easy solution unless the leaders of the organization are ready for automation.

11. Forget that Team Members have a Personal Life
This point not only covers boundaries but considers that employees have their families and personal challenges. When we hire employees, by extension, we take on their situations. For example, with the lockdowns, some employees could not work because they had to take care of their children, and some could not perform their jobs remotely. I do not have an easy solution for this issue, but I suggest that employers review each situation and carefully weigh decisions.

12. Block/Discourage Them from Growing
If you want to alienate your team, then discourage them from developing themselves. Worst, block promotions or other opportunities. We enjoy having dedicated and hardworking employees on our teams, but we dare not hold them back from pursuing their goals. Solution: Cross-train all employees and encourage their growth and ongoing development.

Being a manager or a leader is not easy. You have to be tough while still being understanding. You have to coach and motivate, even when you are down-trodden. Always consider your team and how you can engage and motivate them. Employees will become frustrated or leave the organization, but you have to remain aware of what is happening. Therefore, you can improve the working relationships and overall vibe in the entity.

Please comment with your opinions and suggestions.

Seven Hot Songs Released in 2020 to Keep on Your Playlist - Part 1

The year 2020 had some challenges from the pandemic to other natural phenomena. Technology and food security have become highlighted topics. However, I think that creativity and innovation are also trending, and entertainers have also stepped up. I love music, and I am sharing songs released in 2020 you should have on your playlist not only for this summer but for years to come.

"Butterflies" by Priceless featuring Pressure Busspipe

Priceless is a multi-talented musician and producer from the British Virgin Islands. His songs include "Listen to Me", "It's Real" and "Issa Hit" feat. Da General. "Butterflies" features Pressure Buss Pipe, who is known for "Love and Affection", "I'm Grateful" and "Virgin Islands Nice". Priceless sings in the hook, "I'm in love and I know, I'm in love and I know, the way you turn me on, gal me love you bad". Pressure Buss Pipe tunes in with "Gal me say her boyfriend pon de freezer, and me fi make your drawers fly with no visa".

"Lockdown" by Koffee
2020 Grammy Award winner for Reggae, Koffee, is a 20-year-old Jamaican reggae singer with a fresh and energetic music style. Her earlier hits include "Toast", "W" featuring Gunna, and "Rapture". Lockdown" brings a cool vibe and shows the artist's extraordinary talents. The hook is "Where will we go, When di quarantine ting done and everybody touch road, Mommy, me go Nascar, Pull up in a fast car, A nuh false start..."

"Don't Walk Away" by John Legend featuring Koffee
John Legend is one of my favorite artists. When I first heard "Ordinary People", I was enthused by his sensual voice. I appreciated his versatility and after listening to the albums, "Get Lifted" and "Evolver", I knew his name would be engraved in musical history along with many other great performers. Legend sings, "Can we just wait, don't walk away, don't walk away, don't walk away, There's so much more I wanna say." Koffee is also featured on this song, but this is not his first collaboration with a reggae artist. He sang "Can't Be My Lover" with Buju Banton. Koffee's lyrics include "Fragile is my love, I ain't never givin' up, Give you my life, I would, I'll stand by you, bad times and good".

"Cool as the Breeze/Friday" by Chronnix
This Grammy-nominated Reggae artist is another engaging artist who I enjoy listening to. Chronnix has released many hits and "Cool as the Breeze/Friday" is a chart-topper. "Here Comes Trouble", "Skankin' Sweet" and "They Don't Know" are some of his other hits. "The sun burning up til it red, Welcome to Kingston, every day is a summer, Every night feel like a Friday, Rev d bike til dem swear is a hummer"are some of the lyrics in "Cool as the Breeze/Friday".

"Blessed" by Buju Banton
Buju Banton has a long musical career spanning from the early 1990s. Impactful albums included "Til Shiloh", "Inna Heights" and "Voice of Jamaica". "Blessed" takes us back to the 1990s reggae/dancehall style. Buju chants "Tell dem we bless, tell dem we bless, tell dem we bless, Nah see me spend my last fi impress, Tell dem mi nuh waste my own, a me invest". It is great to have Buju Banton back on the charts.

"Mr. Policeman" by Ill Mindz
This song starts "Mr. Policeman, me no understand, why you driving past mi house so often for, Me have to wonder what you're really looking for, me a music dealer, lyric murderer". Ill Mindz is a music duo from the British Virgin Islands who are storming up the music scene. Their songs include "Day After Day" and "Black Man". The excerpt of the lyrics of "Mr. Policeman" display their lyrical prowess.

"Properlay" by Adam O - (Big Body Riddim)
Adam O has hits on the Caribbean Soca scene including, "Sexy Dance", "Wine and Dip", and "Welcome Home". He hails from the United States Virgin Islands. "Properlay" is on the Big Body Riddim produced by Marvelus. "She season up the thing properlay, sauce got me leaning properlay" is part of the hook.

Bonus:
"Fresh Prince of JA" by Tarrus Riley
You may have heard of the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" television show, but we introduce you to the "Fresh Prince of JA" performed by Tarrus Riley, a well-known voice in reggae music. He has countless songs and collaborations including "Superman", "Cold Kisses" and "Crazy Love" with Rock City. This song is different from Riley's style of crooning sweet love songs but it shows his versatility and fun side. Riley chants "Blessing in abundance, yeah it shows, and is like the more them see mi smile, ah the more them frown".

Listen to these songs and share your feedback in the comments. Soon, I will also be sharing some songs from the British Virgin Islands Soca scene.

Book Highlight: Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book by Gabriel Skelton-Bardo

Do you want to learn more about the British Virgin Islands (BVI)? If you love history and enjoy coloring, then you need to get a copy of "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book," which was written by Mrs. Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo. Mr. David Thrasher created the illustrations, and each page vividly highlights the rich history of this small Caribbean territory. This coloring book, which displays historical data and areas in Central Tortola is labeled 'Book One' which hints that the author has plans to create similar works.

The Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book brings the rich BVI history and culture alive by showcasing the national symbols, and notable buildings and sites. Did you know how Road Town, the capital city of the British Virgin Islands, got its name? One may think the name was selected because there was a system of roads for land transport in the area. However, that answer is not correct. You will have to get your copy to find the answer!

This book not only stands out because it is a colouring book created for the BVI by a British Virgin Islander. It is unique because the information shared reflects the time and effort it took to create this masterpiece. In addition to the historical details, another highlight is the official mascot, Zoe, the Turtle Dove. The turtle dove is the territorial bird, and the word, Tortola, translates to 'Land of the Turtle Dove.'

I asked the author for permission to share this page from the book about Sir Olva Georges, who was the first and only male British Virgin Islander to be knighted. She shared that the Sir Olva Georges Plaza "... has special meaning to me as this was where we were sold as slaves, and this is where politics was reborn in the '50s. It is a perfect tribute as we are celebrating 70 years of self-governance."

The author also shared that she would like to encourage anyone who has a dream to follow it and to embrace their passions, whether it be arts, science, writing, drama, etc. She urged us to always stay true to ourselves and be humble in all things that we do. Mrs. Skelton-Bardo also stated, "I hope everyone has a fun time learning about our history because I had a fun time learning about and putting this project together."

The Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book is ideal for children because they have a beautiful reference guide they can use for their social studies and history lessons. Adults will also enjoy this book, especially if they are older because they can reminisce about their younger days and how the BVI has progressed.

For more information or to get copies of the book, please visit the Colour ME BVI History page on Facebook.

POEM: What I have to Offer

I've got something

although many may say it's little or nothing

Noting that I don't say much

as such, I'm like a blank slate

a child lost in a big state

but just like you I want to be great

but I can wait

because I have so much to offer

and I do want to prosper

but I'll do it in my time

when it's my time to shine

but in the meantime

I'll stay silent

become more resilient

and resistant to nonsense

I'm about setting my own trends

and don't have time to pretend

to be someone else

when I can be my self

these talents won't be shelved

but shared for anyone who cares

to listen

© Linette Rabsatt

Ribbon

Looking at Life on June 17, 2020

 

I have written a few blog posts about COVID-19, and as we progress, life gets more interesting. We have mandated a "no mask, no service" policy. In response, several persons have been selling masks they manufacture, which facilitates creativity and employment. The downside is that persons are not wearing their masks correctly.  Thus, we put ourselves and families at risk. We need to educate people on the proper way to wear masks.

COVID-19 has also impacted church attendance. Numbers are limited, and attendees are mandated to wear masks. Can you sing and preach wearing a mask? People would have to remove masks at some point to sing or take communion. Does this pose a risk if everyone sits six feet apart? Unfortunately, the churches have suffered because some members are unable to pay tithes and offering because of financial challenges. While we have to be faithful and participate in corporate worship, we must remember that the threat of COVID-19 has not dissipated. 

COVID-19 also impacted our children. They spend most of their day in online classes. Oddly, before COVID-19, parents complained about children's screen time. Now, they spend several hours either in online sessions or completing assignments on their devices. Some parents struggle with the volume and level of work. Some students are stressed and are not learning the material. Parents ought to seek assistance from the teacher, family, or friends. Students can also contact their peers for support.

Extracurricular activities most likely have been postponed. Therefore, children need activities to keep them active and engaged. We have participated in various challenges and work together in the garden. Each family must determine what works best for them.

Financial challenges are some of the impacts of COVID-19. I can only imagine how some families are faring. While people may have saved money in their rainy day fund, some people haven't worked for several months. What about parents with young children who have no one to care for them? What happens to families if no one is working? Our government has implemented measures to assist persons in need. However, challenges exist that hamper some from benefitting from the programs. Therefore, the affected persons have to request assistance from the community or religious organizations, or elected representatives. 

We are affected by other factors outside of COVID-19. Therefore, we have to support local businesses. Also, we must be compliant and encourage others to do the same. Employers must pay statutory deductions on behalf of employees. Our success as territory relies on our ability to work together in this "new regular."

Please continue to do your part. If you need assistance, please request it.

Poem: Sore and Tore

As I delve into my mind

into my psyche

into my ego

I realize that 

there's a lot that I don't know

I may pretend

I may even bend the rules

thinking that I can fool

everyone but they

know I'm not having fun

they know I need to run

for the hills cause my skills

are not up to date

so I can't skate

by anymore

cause the score

is not in my favor

and while I savor

the one 15 minute moment

that one famed comment

I can't play the game anymore

I'm sore and I tore

the ligament

of resent

and I'm no longer content

and I don't want to be important

I just want to live

in peace with my mind

Linette

Ribbon