A Letter to Janet Yellen
Dear Ms. Yellen,
Congratulations on your appointment as Chair of the Federal Reserve. As a middle school teacher, I offer you some advice.
Be on time everyday. There will be days when you just don't want to do it...be steadfast and show up. Your punctuality and dependability will have its own rewards.
Have a routine...creative chaos will wear you down fast. Know the routine and stick to it. Folks might complain, but they really do want structure.
Greet everyone with a smile and a "good morning." Sometimes you won't feel like it. Sometimes you might want to forfeit the greetings and get right down to the issue at hand, but that small gesture will go great distances with all concerned.
Begin every meeting on time. I cannot stress the importance of this one; punctuality says that your audience is important and what you have to say is important.
Let everyone know the agenda for the day up front. No one likes surprises.
Give everyone time to get materials and supplies ready for the day. No one can work efficiently if he is not prepared.
Begin your day with answering a few questions. It's important that everyone be attentive with nothing cluttering the mind.
Listen with your whole body. Face the speaker and look him in the eye. The occasional nod will work wonders.
Stick to your plan. You can't let whims of the day sidetrack you.
Be firm but caring. You are the boss, but you don't have to be bossy.
Encourage the occasional joke...it is amazing how a little giggle over bodily functions can make everyone think a little clearer.
Know when sarcasm will work and when you just need to acknowledge the speaker. It is a fine line that takes an experienced person to know when to keep your mouth shut.
Sometimes a pat on the back is all that is needed.
Don't back anyone into a corner...give a little room for escape.
Don't humiliate.
Know when to admit that you made a mistake.
Wait twenty-four hours before you respond to that accusatory email.
Be patient.
Keep a warm sweater handy.
Stash an emergency candy bar in your desk.
Drink plenty of water.
Take a lunch break.
The politicians are going to malign you and criticize your performance...stay true to your soul.
Always do what is best for everyone...even if it's not popular.
It's not an easy job. It's not even always going to be a satisfactory job. There will be days when you will question your career choice. Stick to your guns, but always be ready for negotiations.
Yours truly,
Melissa Reese Etheridge
Congratulations on your appointment as Chair of the Federal Reserve. As a middle school teacher, I offer you some advice.
Be on time everyday. There will be days when you just don't want to do it...be steadfast and show up. Your punctuality and dependability will have its own rewards.
Have a routine...creative chaos will wear you down fast. Know the routine and stick to it. Folks might complain, but they really do want structure.
Greet everyone with a smile and a "good morning." Sometimes you won't feel like it. Sometimes you might want to forfeit the greetings and get right down to the issue at hand, but that small gesture will go great distances with all concerned.
Begin every meeting on time. I cannot stress the importance of this one; punctuality says that your audience is important and what you have to say is important.
Let everyone know the agenda for the day up front. No one likes surprises.
Give everyone time to get materials and supplies ready for the day. No one can work efficiently if he is not prepared.
Begin your day with answering a few questions. It's important that everyone be attentive with nothing cluttering the mind.
Listen with your whole body. Face the speaker and look him in the eye. The occasional nod will work wonders.
Stick to your plan. You can't let whims of the day sidetrack you.
Be firm but caring. You are the boss, but you don't have to be bossy.
Encourage the occasional joke...it is amazing how a little giggle over bodily functions can make everyone think a little clearer.
Know when sarcasm will work and when you just need to acknowledge the speaker. It is a fine line that takes an experienced person to know when to keep your mouth shut.
Sometimes a pat on the back is all that is needed.
Don't back anyone into a corner...give a little room for escape.
Don't humiliate.
Know when to admit that you made a mistake.
Wait twenty-four hours before you respond to that accusatory email.
Be patient.
Keep a warm sweater handy.
Stash an emergency candy bar in your desk.
Drink plenty of water.
Take a lunch break.
The politicians are going to malign you and criticize your performance...stay true to your soul.
Always do what is best for everyone...even if it's not popular.
It's not an easy job. It's not even always going to be a satisfactory job. There will be days when you will question your career choice. Stick to your guns, but always be ready for negotiations.
Yours truly,
Melissa Reese Etheridge
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