I work in a relatively conservative law firm in Chicago . Much to my surprise, the new administrator that my company hired a month ago came to work with her hair dyed green . I have seen this trend on kids as I walk around town but there is no room for this look at my law firm . In the employee handbook, it doesn't specifically speak about hair color but it does say that modest attire and overall presentation is required . How can I talk to this young woman about her hair color choice to help her ?
I don't know if human resources will say she can be fired but I can say that it is not likely that she will rise up through the ranks at any company if she decides to be a trendsetter in this overt, extreme kind of way
How to Mentor
Dear How to Mentor ,
Talk to your human resources department about the legalities of addressing this employee about her choice of styles . You should get guidance to make sure that you do not overstep your authority to address her hair color .
With that information in tow , speak to her as a mentor and tell her that you want to share some supportive information with her should, she be interested . What you may want to tell her is that in every industry there are spoken and unspoken standards . In the law profession, people tend to err on the side of conservative, as they do in your company . Tell her that while her hair color may be a trend, it may be also telling her bosses and co-workers that she is serious about working there .
There likely are law firms where more personal innovation is welcomed . She may want to think about what best fit her, given her choices . That said, if she excels at her job, your company may want to look beyond her style eccentricities .
Maxy
Dear Maxy ,
It's back to school time and my kids are having a hard time getting their bodies on the school clock . I tried having them go to bed an hour or so earlier for the past few weeks but it didn't work very well . I know that the beginning of school is an important time for them to get settled . What can I do ?
Settle Down
Dear Settle Down ,
It is never too late to work on getting your children focusd. Start by shutting off screen time until the weekends . Set schedules for your children . Review the homework with them each day to see how well they are doing . Set their bed times and enforce it by walking them to their rooms, tucking them in and turning off the lights. Don't forget a kiss and a hug,
Maxy
Dear Maxy ,
My company was just sold and the new owner seems like he could be an OK guy . Some people in the media don't like him , but the buzz around the office so far is cool . I'm supposed to have a meeting with him . One of my friends says I should get ready for my walking papers because I've been there a long time and my salary is high. I don't want to think like that . What can I do to help preserve my job ?
Staking a Claim
Dear Staking a Claim,
The sale of a company does not automatically lead to a bloodbath at the office . That largely depends on the financial health of the company when it is purchased . The way to make yourself the most appealing to your new boss is to be prepared . Do some research on him and his company so that you can speak intelligently about his background .
Know your own company inside and out, at least your area . Present yourself as capable and having valuable experience with the company. Talk to him about what strengths you bring to your job, your level of expertise and your ability to be a team player . Paint an accurate and positive picture of your value to the company and show him your interest in joining his team . Good luck,
Maxy
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