Lunchmeat & Life Lessons Ch: 3

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Questions and Answers

What realization did the employee come to about the work environment after several months?

Her performance was only dependent on her efforts.

She could easily ignore office drama.

Other people's attitudes could influence her days. (correct)

Other people's moods had no effect on her.

What advice did the father give regarding workplace negativity?

Focus on the positives rather than the negatives. (correct)

Participate in all office gossip for better connections.

Engage more in discussions about work issues.

Avoid addressing personal problems with coworkers.

How did the employee feel about her distractions caused by coworker interactions?

She believed it was a normal part of work culture.

She found them amusing and entertaining.

She felt guilty for getting involved in negativity. (correct)

She was proud of her ability to engage with coworkers.

What did the employee struggle to maintain focus on when things became difficult at work?

The negatives surrounding her. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did the father imply about people's tendency in workplace discussions?

Most prefer to criticize rather than compliment. Signup and view all the answers

What concept did the father introduce to help stay focused amidst negativity?

Putting on blinders Signup and view all the answers

What was Hank's behavior that prompted the father to intervene?

He was gossiping about the management practices to other employees. Signup and view all the answers

How did the father relate the concept of blinders to his approach in managing Hank?

By stating it helps with focus on one's own tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Samantha's character caused tension with Lily?

Samantha's spontaneous and fun-loving nature. Signup and view all the answers

How did the narrator feel about their father's ability to teach them initially?

Doubtful. Signup and view all the answers

What was the narrator's main takeaway from the story of putting on blinders?

To focus on what is important. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the visual descriptions contrasting Lily and Samantha?

Lily had more traditional attire, and Samantha's style was more modern. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'putting on blinders' symbolize in the workplace context?

Focusing on one’s own duties without distraction. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Hank’s behavior have on other employees?

They started doubting management decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the father’s primary intention when advising Hank to put on his blinders?

To minimize workplace gossip. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Importance of Blinders

The author's father taught her the importance of "putting on blinders" to avoid getting distracted by negativity at work.
The author's father used the analogy of horses wearing blinders to focus on moving forward, not distracted by their surroundings.
The author's father had to deal with a negative employee named Hank, who was distracting others with gossip and complaints.
He addressed the situation by explaining the blinders principle to Hank and asking him to focus on his work.
The author found the blinders principle helpful in her career, allowing her to focus on her work and earn respect from her boss.
Stephen Covey's book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" discusses a similar principle about focusing on one's circle of influence, not getting caught in the circle of concern.

Workplace Dynamics and the Blinders Principle

The author worked alongside two distinct personalities: Sam, who was spontaneous and uninhibited, and Lily, who was more traditional and judgmental.
Lily often criticized Sam's behavior and lifestyle, but the author chose to defend Sam, pointing out her strengths and positive qualities.
This served as a practice of the blinders principle, allowing the author to focus on Sam's positive contributions to the team.
The author learned that focusing on the positive, even when faced with negativity, helped her maintain her own well-being and build strong relationships with colleagues.
The blinders principle was a valuable tool for navigating workplace dynamics and focusing on what mattered most, despite distractions.

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Description

Explore the concept of 'putting on blinders' at work, as taught by the author's father. This quiz delves into how focusing on one's tasks can help navigate workplace negativity and distractions. Learn how utilizing this principle fosters respect and productivity in a professional environment.