HELPING ALL EMPLOYEES FIT IN

	
	It's almost impossible to be on the ball when you feel like an
oddball.  Individual employees may not "fit in" with the rest of the
team because of differences in age, sex, background, or interests.
Others may be avoided because they're hard to get along with.

	Whatever the reason for an employee's isolation from the rest
of the group, Hard@Workers can't afford to let it continue.  Your
team's overall performance depends on your ability to help all team
members feel comfortable enough to do their best.  Here are some
steps that can help:

	1.  INCLUDE EVERYONE IN GROUP FUNCTIONS.  Even the ones who "never"
participate.  That may be because they feel uninvited.  Let all team
members know they're always welcome to lunches, parties, sports events, and
other group activities.

	2.  REFUSE TO GOSSIP.  Strictly avoid negative discussions of
employees who aren't present.  Make sure any words that could get
back to employees show respect for their feelings.

	3.  BE DIRECT ABOUT ANNOYING BEHAVIOR.  Sometimes people
are left out because it's easier to avoid them than confront an
irritating habit.  Don't waste talent that way. Approach the person
privately with something like, "When you whistle, I find it difficult to
concentrate."

	Help the employee find alternatives.  Thank her for making the
effort to change.  Be open to suggestions about changes you might
make yourself.

	4.  FOCUS ON RESULTS, NOT PERSONAL CONFORMITY. Make sure
everyone is recognized for what they contribute rather than how
they fit in.  If current procedures bring team members into conflict
or make individuals feel isolated, encourage people to think of ways
those rough areas could be smoothed out.

Does that help? YES or NO