Is it really urgent?

Last week: before Christmas Day, I received a number of 'URGENT: PLEASE RESPOND IMMEDIATELY' emails from other businesses. Of course, I responded as soon as I'd read them, only to receive automated responses "I'm not in the office until 4th January".
Why were they urgent: requiring my immediate response then?

Of course it is always correct to act quickly when a swift response is required; I like to hope that people would respond to me if an answer or response was needed URGENTLY. But in these instances, they weren't in the office, so wouldn't be able to act on anything I sent anyway.

It rather reminded me of Matilda and the fire, who was always telling lies and when she shouted "Fire" everyone called her "Little liar". If we constantly communicate something as being urgent, eventually, other people won't take it seriously. So only mark emails "Urgent" when you want a swift response that YOU can act upon straight away!

For more information go to http://www.executivevoice.co.uk

Isn't confidentiality part of being professional?

My other business is arranging/co-ordinating/and delivering live entertainment for private and corporate events. Many of our clients do not wish us to publicise who we are working with. We have a professional arrangement with them, and respect their privacy. We also ensure that our entertainers respect their privacy.

I was not surprised that some companies are organising "Secret Santa Parties" to avoid the backlash against Office Parties this year (see article below).
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/lifestyle/article-23786715-secret-santa-parties.do

What I am surprised about is that event management companies have to emphasise that they don't discuss their clients. If I receive service from a client: I expect confidentiality - and this includes the event industry. Strange....

Coping with Drinks parties when you're tall

A client asked me how to stand at parties and network meetings. He is very tall, and felt he had to lean over shorter people to be heard and be friendly. He even stood with his feet very wide apart, which looked odd, but was also uncomfortable.

When you lean over, it can be intimidating for others. It affects the quality of your speaking voice and alters your positive, professional body language. Unless the person is in a wheel chair, or is forced to sit down, I believe there has to be compromise on both sides. I recommend you both stand a little further apart. Then the shorter person isn't straining their neck looking upwards, and the taller person isn't compromising their voice or body language.

Guidance notes from The Equalities Commission and the Health & Safety Executive on 'festive' songs

Guidance notes from The Equalities Commission and the Health & Safety Executive on 'festive' songs

This is something I received from my 'mole' in Birmingham......

The Rocking Song
Little Jesus, sweetly sleep, do not stir;
We will lend a coat of fur,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you,
We will rock you, rock you, rock you:

Fur is no longer appropriate wear for small infants, both due to risk of allergy to animal fur, and for ethical reasons. Therefore faux fur, a nice cellular blanket or perhaps micro-fleece material should be considered a suitable alternative.

Please note, only persons who have been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check and have enhanced clearance will be permitted to rock baby Jesus. Persons must carry their CRB disclosure with them at all times and be prepared to provide three forms of identification before rocking commences.

Jingle Bells
Dashing through the snow
In a one horse open sleigh
O'er the fields we go
Laughing all the way

A risk assessment must be submitted before an open sleigh is considered safe for members of the public to travel on. The risk assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate to use only one horse for such a venture, particularly if passengers are of larger proportions. Please note, permission must be gained from landowners before entering their fields. To avoid offending those not participating in celebrations, we would request that laughter is moderate only and not loud enough to be considered a noise nuisance.

While Shepherds Watched
While shepherds watched
Their flocks by night
All seated on the ground
The angel of the Lord came down
And glory shone around

The union of Shepherd's has complained that it breaches health and safety regulations to insist that shepherds watch their flocks without appropriate seating arrangements being provided, therefore benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available. Shepherds have also requested that due to the inclement weather conditions at this time of year that they should watch their flocks via cctv cameras from centrally heated shepherd observation huts.
Please note, the angel of the lord is reminded that before shining his / her glory all around she / he must ascertain that all shepherds have been issued with glasses capable of filtering out the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and Glory.

Little Donkey
Little donkey, little donkey on the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onwards with your precious load

The RSPCA have issued strict guidelines with regard to how heavy a load that a donkey of small stature is permitted to carry, also included in the guidelines is guidance regarding how often to feed the donkey and how many rest breaks are required over a four hour plodding period. Please note that due to the increased risk of pollution from the dusty road, Mary and Joseph are required to wear face masks to prevent inhalation of any airborne particles. The donkey has expressed his discomfort at being labelled 'little' and would prefer just to be simply referred to as Mr. Donkey. To comment upon his height or lack thereof may be considered an infringement of his equine rights.

We Three Kings
We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts we traverse afar
Field and fountain, moor and mountain
Following yonder star

Whilst the gift of gold is still considered acceptable - as it may be redeemed at a later date through such organisations as 'cash for gold' etc., gifts of frankincense and myrrh are not appropriate due to the potential risk of oils and fragrances causing allergic reactions. A suggested gift alternative would be to make a donation to a worthy cause in the recipients name or perhaps give a gift voucher.

We would not advise that the traversing kings rely on navigation by stars in order to reach their destinations and suggest the use of RAC routefinder or satellite navigation, which will provide the quickest route and advice regarding fuel consumption. Please note as per the guidelines from the RSPCA for Mr Donkey, the camels carrying the three kings of Orient will require regular food and rest breaks. Facemasks for the three kings are also advisable due to the likelihood of dust from the camels hooves.

Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
had a very shiny nose?
And if you ever saw him,
you would even say it glows.

You are advised that under the Equal Opportunities for All policy, it is inappropriate for persons to make comment with regard to the ruddiness of any part of Mr. R. Reindeer. Further to this, exclusion of Mr R Reindeer from the Reindeer Games will be considered discriminatory and disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty of this offence. A full investigation will be implemented and sanctions - including suspension on full pay - will be considered whilst this investigation takes place.