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THE GOOD WORKPLACE BLOG
Elizabeth Fuss Arnott, SPHR I have been working in Human Resources for 25 years. Since 2011, I have been certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). I have a BA in English and a Master of Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane Law School. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband Luke and our cat, Greta Gerwhiskers. I write about HR, non-profits, the art of managing people and Neurodiversity in the workplace. I'm available for employment, contract work, consulting, coaching and training virtually and in the Portland, OR area. Please email me at elizabeth@efaconsult.com for more information.
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Trust or Bust: How Managers Can Make or Break their Teams
"I promise I'll give you more notice next time." An executive in the organization I was working for, let's call him Jim, was asking me to...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Feb 22, 20234 min read
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What a Long Year This Week Has Been
I have this t-shirt that says "WHAT A LONG YEAR THIS WEEK HAS BEEN." I wear it whenever I feel like I've been living the same day over...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Feb 16, 20233 min read
142 views
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Leading by Consensus is Not Inclusion
It should have been a two-week project at most. Updating an employee handbook is usually a job done by HR or an employment attorney, and...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
May 21, 20193 min read
50 views
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How to Make All Work Meaningful Work
Meaningful work. It's one of the things that employees want. It's what keeps them at an organization, gives them motivation to go above...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
May 9, 20193 min read
34 views
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Whose Side Are You On, Anyway?
"Do you consider yourself to be on the employees' side or on the company's side?" From the way they asked the question, I already knew...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
May 8, 20192 min read
50 views
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Our Generations Are Not That Different
"Gen Z wants prompt responses, transparency and regular communication!" "Millennials want flexible work arrangements and to have purpose...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
May 3, 20191 min read
13 views
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Why Your Team Isn't Working Well Together
You've put the team together, given them the target goal. Now, they won't work together. One or two people are doing everything, while...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 25, 20192 min read
14 views
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"Rules are rules!" And Other Dumb Rules
I heard it just the other day. "Rules are rules!" The statement was being used to terminate an employee who, because of difficult...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 24, 20193 min read
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Promoted Too Soon: How to Overcome Inexperience and Become a Great Manager
Defensive responses when you get feedback. Feeling overwhelmed. Frustration when your team asks you questions that you don't know the...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 22, 20192 min read
130 views
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Massages, Leggings and Potlucks
"It's employee appreciation day! Doctors, you will be having a catered lunch with some nice swag bags, because we appreciate you! ...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 18, 20192 min read
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Being Blunt is Kind: Stop Trying to Hide Your Message
"The surgery is serious. Do you want us to do everything we can to save him?" There were eight doctors at a table in a conference room...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 13, 20193 min read
31 views
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Career Mapping with Employees: How You Can Keep Employees Happier, Longer
One of the most common complaints from employees is that they don't have opportunities for growth or professional development. Many...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 10, 20192 min read
21 views
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The Battle Cry of "That's Not My Job!": When to Advance and When to Retreat
We've all heard it. "That's not my job!" And then we reply, "See that last line in your job description? The one that says 'other duties...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 5, 20192 min read
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Five Steps to Creating More Curiosity in Your Team
Curiosity drives innovation and relationship building. It's essential not only in product development, but also in leadership. A curious...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 2, 20191 min read
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An Employee in Crisis: How to Use Compassion to Support the Employee and Your Team
Bill's husband is sick. He was just diagnosed with cancer. Bill's worry and concern is like a heavy cloud over his interactions with...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Apr 1, 20193 min read
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Frequently Misunderstood: Tone of Voice and the Risk of Making Assumptions
"Jane was rude to me. I don't want to work with her anymore. I am sick of her attitude." "Can you explain what you mean when you say...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Dec 3, 20183 min read
93 views
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When Your Employee Asks Too Many Questions
You're leading a staff meeting, rolling out a new protocol. Before you are done explaining the new protocol, John's hand shoots up. "I...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Oct 15, 20183 min read
760 views
1 comment
The Most Important Question to Ask Your Employees
I watched a new television show the other night. It was about a hospital that hired a new director, who comes in and makes radical moves...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Oct 13, 20181 min read
14 views
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The Benefits of a Neurodiverse Culture
One of the things I love about working in human resources is seeing how different people operate, think and solve problems. It's pretty...
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Jul 1, 20183 min read
26 views
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Steps to a Thriving Neurodiverse Culture: Set an Example of Acceptance
"He's odd. I can't put my finger on it, he's just odd." "There's something wrong with her. I don't know what, but there is." "She's......
Elizabeth Arnott, SPHR
Jun 29, 20183 min read
65 views
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