This week’s guru
The ‘Force’ is not to be used during office hours
Guru is looking forward to the first ever employment tribunal considering a
claim of discrimination against a Jedi warrior.
According to census figures released earlier this month, more than 300,000
people in the UK listed their religion as Jedis – made famous by Luke Skywalker
in the Star Wars films.
From December, these followers of the Force may well be able to argue they should
be protected under new legislation outlawing discrimination on the grounds of
religion, beliefs and sexual orientation.
To ensure employers are not caught out, Guru would advise that health and
safety guidance is included on the storage of light sabres. He would also
advise that a specific policy is drawn up to ensure that Jedis only use the
power of the Force after hours and outside office premises.
Good image is key to more prospects
Staff at City firm JP Morgan, who
have just been told by senior management to smarten up their appearances in the
office, might be interested in a new seminar for business professionals
designed to help executives make a good impression at work.
According to image consultant Lesley Everett, the seminar
Walking Tall: maximising personal image and personal brand, can increase your
earnings, help you ascend the career ladder faster and increase business
performance.
It also helps you prevent your image getting in the way of
‘your true message’ and how to use your ‘personal charisma as a powerful
business tool’. Guru is signing up tomorrow.
Funny side of executive life
Executives working at Bosch or Mercedes are set to have a laugh a minute.
They are being sent on £700-a-day humour and leadership presentation skills
course that apparently promotes the importance of laughter at work.
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They are told that chuckling at work at least five times a day will help to
increase their productivity.
Guru would be fascinated to know how you monitor your laughter to ensure you
meet your sense of humour quota when you are under pressure to meet challenging
production targets. It might be hard to know who’s laughing and who is crying.
