| How to Deal With Overly Competitive Colleagues Posted: 24 Jul 2017 05:00 PM PDT The majority of people want a workplace that is friendly, productive, and enjoyable. However, sometimes workers who have an overly competitive attitude can make this difficult to achieve. If you suspect you're on the receiving end of regular negative treatment dished out by an over-competitive co-worker, by assessing your workplace, learning to cope, and taking steps to protect yourself you can successfully deal with overly competitive colleagues. EditAssessing Your Workplace - Take a look at your work environment. Some workplaces are naturally more competitive than others. For instance, if you're in sales and marketing, you'll be surrounded by people who are competitive by design. On the other hand, if you're in an environment where competitiveness isn't part of the job description, its presence can seem foreign and unpleasant.[1]
- Weigh the benefits. Competitiveness has both advantages and disadvantages; painting it in a purely negative light does it a disservice. By only concentrating on the downside of competitiveness, you risk losing sight of the potential benefits. Competitiveness can result in innovation, successful sales and outcomes, and motivation.[2]
- Look for balance. Be aware that most organizations are a combination of cooperation and competitiveness. Problems really only arise in workplaces where extreme competition is not adequately dealt with.[3] If your organization is all competition and no collaboration, you're probably sitting in a hotbed of negative competitiveness.
- Set an example. Sometimes the best policy is to be the change you want to see in your workplace. Yes, this is a hard task, but it is not any harder than fuming silently around the water cooler. Try to set an example for those around you.[4]
- Use inclusive language. Say "We" rather than "I."
- Avoid responding to competitive outbreaks at work with arrogance or jealousy;
- As best you can, show competitive people some compassion.
- Avoid buying into the competitive dogma. Accept that you're exceptional and wonderful just as you are. You don't need external validation to prove this, nor do you need more things to show that you're better than anyone else. Ask your co-workers exactly what it is they're wanting more of, and how they feel this is improving their personal lives.[5]
EditCoping with Your Work Environment - Maintain a polite and civil manner. As tempting as it can be to react in the heat of the moment, try your best to be friendly and civil. Reacting harshly (even when this reaction is justified) can often backfire, encouraging the offender to react to you in worse ways than before. On the other hand, if you remain calm (and don't give them the emotional reaction they're seeking). they may stop trying to get a rise out of you.[6]
- Also, sometimes when an over-competitive co-worker notices that you don't intend them harm, they'll feel more motivated to treat you nicely in return.
- Friendly casual conversation, especially around non-completive or non-work subjects, can help.
- Try working with (rather than against) competitive colleagues. If your colleague is openly competitive, think of the ways that you can harness that. For example, it can often be a useful tactic to ask them for their advice and ideas about things they talk about or do, rather than assuming they're going to run away with all the glory. This flatters them, as well as giving you an opportunity to learn from them. Openly competitive colleague types include:[7]
- The superstar – this competitive co-worker always needs to shine and will go above and beyond the call of duty to do so.
- The weightlifter – this competitive co-worker shoulders responsibility by taking on extra workloads.
- The speeder – this competitive co-worker wants it done yesterday. This can be beneficial in terms of morale and motivation.
- Talk to your colleagues. Discuss their feelings concerning team morale and management support. Try to gauge their general feelings and understandings. Be careful not to name call or theorize without actual facts. Later, if you feel there is enough concern, you could consider raising the particular issue of competitiveness for a general discussion.[8]
- Speak directly to your boss. Find out what his or her strategy is with respect to teamwork and shared outcomes in the workplace. Consider pointing out to your boss that a team encouraged to do well as a whole benefits the organization, especially where those who are not performing as well are given help and advice from those who are performing well.[9]
- You could also talk to higher level management or human resources if you're concerned that your workplace environment is too divisive.
EditProtecting Yourself From Competitive Colleagues - Spot the sneaky saboteur. These people are harder to work with than the openly competitive colleague because they like to undermine through devious means. You can spot a sneaky competitive colleague by the things they conveniently leave out.[10] This includes things like:
- Not letting the boss know you helped with a project
- "Forgetting" to send emails to you that concern you
- Standing up in front of the weekly work meeting and proclaiming they were solely responsible for some good outcome in which you played a major part.
- Keep backup copies of everything you do. A sneaky person is unlikely to change his or her ways, so you'll need to manage around them. Start by keeping backup copies of everything you do, especially anything involving this person or their responsibilities. In the event the co-worker tries to place blame on you, or show you up in a negative light for anything, you'll be covered.[11]
- Keep your boss apprised of the work you've done. Regardless of what is said openly elsewhere in the workplace, go ahead and let your boss know about your contributions privately. Make sure your performance is verifiable and unimpeachable, and use the paper trail you've been creating to back this up.[12]
- Cull their snooping. If you suspect a co-worker is physically prying into your business, put a stop to it. Use secure PC passwords to protect any electronic files you use at work and keep your desk and filing cabinet contents locked with a key. Avoid sharing personal information about yourself with such a co-worker. Keep all conversations professional and distant.[13]
- Call them out. You may need to approach the sneaky competitor colleague directly, and call him or her on their tactics. This lets them know you're no pushover. If you find this approach too difficult, find other colleagues willing to approach the person with you, and/or talk to your boss about the impact this person's behavior is having on you.[14]
- Minimize contact. If possible, try to minimize your contact with this person. This doesn't have to mean avoiding your competitive co-workers altogether, but if hostile, negative, or undermining behavior is ongoing, stick to communicating with them only when you have to.[15]
- Incorporate assertive behavior techniques into your communications.
- Try to empathize with the person. He or she wouldn't be doing this in the first place if in some way they weren't feeling deeply insecure or threatened. Try to appreciate how this feels to them.
- If the situation still gets worse after attempting non-confrontational methods, it may be worth either directly confronting the co-worker about their behavior or reporting it.
- Avoid presenting complaints to a competitive worker. They'll mark you down immediately as a weaker person. The clever way around this is to always ask for advice directed at the matter concerning you.
- Workplace harassment and bullying is unacceptable. If you are experiencing either of these problems, report it and seek support.
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| How to Take Action to Reduce Global Warming Posted: 24 Jul 2017 09:00 AM PDT Global warming is largely caused by carbon dioxide emissions. Unfortunately, the modern global economy is tied to carbon-based fuels. Because of this, taking on global warming might seem overwhelming. However, there are many things you can do to help reduce its effect. By changing your consumption habits, taking steps to save energy, and organizing with others, you'll be able to take a real stand against global warming. In the end, you'll not only help save the planet, but you'll have fun raising awareness and making a difference. EditChanging Your Consumption Habits - Eat fewer animal products. Since animal meat and animal products take a lot of energy, water, and other resources to create and transport, you can lower your carbon footprint by reducing your consumption of them. Instead of eating animal products, consider adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. To do so, refocus your diet on fresh fruit and vegetables.[1]
- Buy locally-sourced products. By minimizing the amount of products you consume that are made far from you, you'll not only help your local economy, but reduce your overall carbon footprint. Look around your community for products made locally.[2]
- Visit farmers markets for locally-grown produce and other food.
- Buy products, like furniture, from local craftsmen.
- Recycle and reuse what you can. Since it requires a lot of energy to create certain materials from scratch, recycling and reusing will lower the amount of energy needed to make new products. Use recycle bins provided by your local government. If you don't have access to them, collect plastic, aluminium, and paper products and periodically bring them to a recycle center near you.[3]
- Donate items you don't want instead of throwing them away.
- Use cloth towels, reusable plates, and silverware instead of paper towels, paper plates, and disposable silverware.
EditSaving Energy - Drive less. Since driving is one of the biggest ways people contribute to global warming, minimizing how much you drive will make a huge impact. There are many ways you can do this:[4]
- Carpool to work with others.
- Using mass transportation. Consider riding the bus, using the subway, or taking a train.
- Plan weekly or monthly shopping trips, instead of going out whenever you need something.
- Ride a bicycle. Buy a new bicycle, a used one, or refurbish one. While you don't need to bicycle everywhere, you can use it to get around town, exercise, and to visit friends. In the end, you'll save energy and get in shape.[5]
- Maintain your automobile. If you can't live without a car, then use it in a way that minimizes global impact. By regularly maintaining your vehicle, you'll save money on gasoline and on future repairs.
- Keep your car tires adequately inflated. Under-inflated tires can reduce fuel economy by up to 9% and are subject to increased wear and tear. Check them monthly.
- Change your air filter. Check your car's air filter monthly. Cleaning your air filter improves your mileage and reduces pollution because it makes it easier for your car to take in air and maintain a proper fuel/air mixture.[6]
- Insulate your home and major appliances. Insulate anything that uses energy to stay a different temperature from its environment. You can buy insulation from hardware stores and in many varieties.
- Keep your water heater insulated to save up to 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide a year. Avoid using units fitted with continuous pilot lights, and you will save 200 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions yearly.
- Re-insulate your whole home to reduce heating and cooling costs. If your insulation is old or inefficient, replace it. Consider the attic, crawlspaces, basement, walls, and ceiling. If you have awkward spaces, be aware that cellulose or fibreglass insulation can be blown in by a professional contractor.
- Weather strip your home. Weather strip your doorways, windows and HVAC system. This could save up to 1,700 lbs. of carbon a year.[7]
- Use compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. Walk around your home and count how many incandescent light bulbs you have. Then, go to the store and buy compact fluorescent or LED bulbs to replace them. By replacing your old light bulbs, you'll save a lot of power.[8]
- A standard compact fluorescent bulb will save around one-third of a ton of greenhouse gas over its life.
- LED light bulbs are the most efficient and can save a lot of power. However, they may be costlier.
- Consider substituting as many energy efficient bulbs as you can, and give them as gifts to family and friends. Donate a set to a local charity to refit their office.
EditEngaging in Activism - Contact your representatives and urge them to fight global warming. Since political leaders have a lot of power to change the system, one of the most effective ways to reduce global warming is to pressure them to do something about it. Start by finding out who represents you at the local, state, and national level. Then, contact them and share your concern about global warming. Ask your representatives to:
- Promote mass transportation projects.
- Help fund alternative energy projects.
- Support regulation that limits carbon emissions. For example, let your representatives know you support a tax on carbon emissions.
- Enter agreements with foreign nations to limit carbon emissions, like the Kyoto Protocol.[9]
- Inform people about the dangers of global warming. Take initiative and share your concern about global warming with the people around you. Simply by talking about it, or mentioning it, you may inform others about how it could impact their lives or the lives of their children or grandchildren.[10]
- Tell people why you do certain things, like adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet.
- Let people know about things they can do to reduce their carbon footprint – like insulating their home or reducing the amount they drive.
- Don't be pushy. If someone doesn't want to talk about global warming, that's okay. There is no reason to alienate people who don't share your perspective.
- Join an advocacy group. Look around your community for organizations and groups that share your concern. Chances are, there are many groups around you that work to educate the public and make real change to reduce global warming. Some national and international groups that take action to fight global warming include:[11]
- Green Peace
- Citizens Climate Lobby
- The Environmental Defense Fund
- Green America
- The Sierra Club
- Idle No More
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| How to Play Shuffleboard Posted: 24 Jul 2017 01:00 AM PDT Shuffleboard is a game that uses a long board and disks. In this game, players attempt to get their disks to the furthest point on the board without going over the edges or crossing the end line. There are four different variations of the game: table shuffleboard, outdoor shuffleboard, deck shuffleboard, and shovelboard. The rules are similar, but there are some important differences. EditPlaying Table Shuffleboard - Assemble the players at the shuffleboard. Shuffleboard tables, commonly found in bars, have a polished wood surface and range from 12 to 22 feet (3.6 to 6.6 m) in length. The table's height is usually 30 inches (75 cm) and its width is 20 inches (50 cm). Lines are drawn 6 and 12 inches (15 and 30 cm) from the far end. A foul line is drawn 6 feet (1.8 m) from the far end; disks must cross this line without falling off the table to be eligible to score points.[1]
- Give each player or team four weighted metal disks. The discs should be marked to distinguish one side's pieces from the other side's pieces; however, the disks are usually marked with red or blue. There are only two sides; players play solo or in teams of two.
- Decide who starts. Have a team or player call heads or tails, then toss a coin. If the side the team or player called is what turns up, then they go first. If not, then the other team or player goes first.
- Start playing. Have players or teams alternate sliding their disks across the table until all disks are cast. The goal of shuffleboard is to get your disk to the furthest point on the board while also trying to knock the other players' disks off of the board. When playing table shuffleboard in teams, you may also try to knock your partner's disks into a higher scoring area.
- Score the disks. If you are playing in teams, then only the player or team whose disks are furthest down the table scores points, and only those disks further down than the opponent's furthest disk score.[2]
- If a disk hangs over the far end of the table, it scores 4 points. If a disk crosses the far line without hanging over the far end, it scores 3 points. If a disk crosses the nearer scoring line, it scores 2 points. If a disk crosses the foul line, but no other lines, it scores 1 point.
- If the disk touches or crosses any of the lines, it scores the value of the lower scoring area. Thus, if a disk has crossed the 3-point line but is still touching it, it scores only 2 points.
- In some versions of table shuffleboard, a less skilled player scores 1 more point for a hanger or crossing the lines than a more skilled opponent does. You may observe this rule if you choose, just make sure to specify that this rule will be in effect before you start playing.
- Retrieve the disks and start again. Some table shuffleboard games play from only one end, while others play from either end. Whichever player or team won the last turn starts the next turn. In a 2-player game, the first player to either 11 or 15 points wins the game. In a team game, the first team to 21 points wins the game.
EditPlaying Outdoor Shuffleboard - Gather the players at the shuffleboard court. Outdoor shuffleboard features a 52-foot-long (15.6 m-long) rectangular court with a triangular scoring area at either end.[3] Have all of the players come and stand around the board.
- Give each player or team 4 wooden disks and a cue. You will be using a cue to push the disks down the shuffleboard court. Disks are in 2 colors, usually yellow and black, with a diameter of 6 inches (15 cm) and a thickness from 9/16 to 1 inch (1.4 to 2.5 cm). The cue is a pole no longer than 6 1/2 feet (2 m), with a U-shaped prong on the pushing end.
- Take turns. Have the players or teams alternate sliding their disks across the court until all of the disks are cast. Starting with the player with the yellow disks, players place their disks in the "10-off" section of the scoring area on their end of the court on their turn and shoot toward the opposite scoring triangle.
- The yellow player's disks are launched on the left side of the court, and the black player's disks are launched from the right side. A player's cue cannot push past the scoring area when shooting a disk. Disks must cross the "dead line" 3 feet (0.9 m) in front of the opposite scoring area but must not hang off the edge of the court; disks that fail to cross or that hang are removed from the court.
- As in table shuffleboard, players try to knock their disks into the higher scoring areas and their opponents into lower scoring areas or out of play entirely.
- Score the disks. The triangular scoring area in outdoor shuffleboard is divided into 6 sections; a disk must be entirely inside one of these sections to score points. A disk in the apex of the triangle scores 10 points, a disk in either of the 2 areas behind the apex scores 8 points, and a disk in either of the 2 areas behind the 8-point area's scores 7 points. A disk that lands in the "10-off" section deducts 10 points from the score of the player or team who owns the disk.
- Unlike table shuffleboard, outdoor shuffleboard assesses penalties for rule infractions. A disk that touches the 10-off area line before being played costs a player 5 points; if it touches one of the triangle's sides, the penalty is 10 points. Ten-point penalties are also assessed if a player's body crosses the baseline while playing or shooting an opponent's disk.
- Remove any illegally played disks from the court. Give any of the opponent's disks that were displaced by an illegally played disks back to the opponent to replay.
- Keep playing. Alternate sliding disks from either end of the court until one side wins. Whichever side reaches a score of 75 or more after all of the disks are played in a turn wins.
EditPlaying Deck Shuffleboard - Have all of the players gather around the deck shuffleboard court. Deck shuffleboard has 2 oval scoring areas, each 6 feet (1.8 m) in length, spaced 30 feet (9 m) apart. There are lines in front of and behind each scoring area; the inside lines are called "Lady's lines" and the outside lines are called "Gentleman's lines."[4]
- Give each side four wooden disks and a cue. The disks are the same size as in outdoor shuffleboard and they are marked with two separate colors. The cues are similar to those in outdoor shuffleboard, although the shooting section, or "shoe," consists of a semicircle cut into a rectangular piece of wood.[5]
- Players may play in teams of 2, with one player playing one end of the court and the other the other end.
- Decide who starts. This is usually done with a coin toss, as in table shuffleboard.[6]
- Have the players alternate sliding their disks across the court. Keep going until all of the disks have been cast. Players stand behind the "gentleman's line" when shooting. During play, players can try to knock their opponent's disks out of the scoring area or off the court.[7]
- Take any disks that fail to cross the Lady's line off the court.
- Score the disks. Tally up the points after all players have cast their disks. Disks score points according to where in the scoring area they land, as long as they are completely inside that scoring area.
- The center of the scoring area consists of 9 squares labeled with the numbers 1 through 9, arranged in the format of a magic square; any line of 3 numbers adds to 15. The semicircle furthest from the players scores 10 points for any disk landing in it, while the semicircle nearest the players deducts 10 points for any disk landing in it.
- Alternate sliding disks from either end of the court until one side wins. Whichever side reaches a score of either 50 or 100 first, wins.[8]
EditPlaying Shovelboard - Prepare the playing surface. Shuffleboard is played on a table 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 m) long and 3 feet (0.9 m) wide. At either end, scoring lines are drawn at 4 inches (10 cm) and 4 feet (1.2 m) from the end.[9]
- Give each player four weighted metal disks. Each player's disks should be marked in some way to distinguish them from the other players' disks.
- Decide who starts. For two players, toss a coin. If there are more than two players, choose another method with an equal outcome.
- Begin playing the game. Have the players alternate sliding their disks across the table until all of the disks have been cast. A disk must cross one of the lines without falling off the table.
- Once a player has slid a disk across the table, it becomes a target for the other players, who can knock that disk off the table and replace it with their own disk.
- Score the disks. A disk that hangs over the far end of the table scores 3 points, a disk on or across the far line scores 2 points and a disk on or across the near line scores 1 point. If none of the disks has crossed a line, the disk closest to the near line scores 1 point. Add the scores to the players' previous scores.[10]
- Alternate sliding disks from either end of the table until one player wins. Whoever scored the most points on the last turn starts the next turn. The first player to score 11 wins.
- If there are more than two players, the winning score can be higher than 11.
- When shooting a disk or puck in either shuffleboard or table shuffleboard, keep your movements as smooth as possible. Grip the disk between your thumb and forefinger and slide the disk forward with your arm and wrist toward your target. You may want to slide your middle and ring fingers behind the disk as you shoot to help guide the shot.
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