Corporate Blame Culture: Why It’s More Prevalent in an Economic Downturn and What Employees and Managers Can Do to Prevent It

Corporate blame culture is a phenomenon in which employees are blamed for mistakes, problems, or failures in the workplace. In this type of culture, individuals are quick to point fingers and shift blame rather than focusing on solutions. This culture can have a negative impact on the work environment, employee morale, and overall productivity. It is particularly prevalent in times of economic downturn when companies face financial pressure and uncertainty.

In an economic downturn, the focus on financial performance can lead to a toxic work environment where employees feel pressure to perform and are afraid to speak up about issues or mistakes. This pressure can result in a culture of blame, where individuals are quick to point fingers and avoid taking responsibility for problems.

One of the reasons why corporate blame culture is more prevalent in an economic downturn is that companies are under financial pressure to meet their targets and stay afloat. In this environment, employees may be more likely to blame others for their mistakes in order to avoid repercussions themselves. Additionally, when employees feel that their job security is threatened, they may be more inclined to avoid taking risks or speaking up about issues, which can exacerbate the blame culture.

However, the blame culture is not only detrimental to employees, but it can also have a negative impact on the company’s bottom line. When employees are afraid to speak up about problems or mistakes, the organization may be unaware of issues that could lead to legal and reputation damage. This can severely impact the company’s finances and brand, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.

To prevent a blame culture from taking hold in the workplace, it is essential that managers take a proactive approach. One method to stop a blame culture is to promote a culture of teamwork and responsibility. Managers should motivate workers to collaborate to address issues, instead of pointing fingers. This can help create a more positive work environment where individuals are willing to take responsibility for their actions and work together to solve problems.

Another strategy to prevent blame culture is to provide support and resources to employees. During times of economic downturn, it is important for managers to be mindful of the impact of financial pressure on employees. Managers should be supportive and provide resources such as training, coaching, and mental health support to help employees cope with stress and perform at their best.

It is also important for managers to lead by example. If managers are quick to blame others for mistakes, it can create a negative culture in the workplace where individuals are more likely to shift blame. Instead, managers should model accountability and responsibility, taking ownership of their mistakes and working with their team to find solutions.

Employees also have a role to play in preventing blame culture. One way that employees can prevent blame culture is to be open and transparent about mistakes and problems. When employees are honest and forthcoming about mistakes, it can help create a more positive work environment where individuals are willing to take responsibility for their actions and work together to find solutions.

Another way that employees can prevent blame culture is to focus on solutions rather than assigning blame. When employees are focused on finding solutions to problems, they are less likely to be concerned about who is to blame for the problem. By focusing on solutions, employees can help create a more positive and productive work environment.

In conclusion, corporate blame culture can be detrimental to the workplace and its employees, especially during economic downturns. Managers and employees should take proactive measures to prevent blame culture from taking root. By fostering a culture of collaboration, providing support and resources, and focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame, companies can create a positive and productive work environment. By taking responsibility for their actions and working together to find solutions, employees can build a stronger sense of community and accountability. In the end, preventing blame culture can lead to better outcomes for the company, its employees, and its stakeholders.

10 Groundbreaking Women in Technology to Celebrate This Month

The world of technology has historically been dominated by men, but various inspirational women have made their mark in the field, such as Grace Hopper, Ada Lovelace, Sheryl Sandberg, Susan Wojcicki, Meg Whitman, Radia Perlman, Kimberly Bryant, and Reshma Saujani. These women have been leaders in the industry, developing technologies, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and leading organizations aimed at empowering girls in technology. These women are inspiring girls and women around the world to pursue careers in technology and make advancements in the industry.

  1. Grace Hopper was a pioneering computer scientist and US Navy Rear Admiral who developed the first compiler and played a crucial role in the development of early programming languages. She was also a key advocate for making computer programming more accessible and user-friendly. Hopper’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and advocacy for accessibility and diversity in the field of technology make her an inspiration to women and girls everywhere.
  2. Ada Lovelace is considered to be the world’s first computer programmer, having written the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine. Her work with Charles Babbage on the design of his proposed mechanical computer, the Analytical Engine, laid the groundwork for modern computing. Lovelace’s contributions to the field of computer science and her groundbreaking work in algorithmic programming make her an inspiration to women and girls interested in technology.
  3. Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and a prominent advocate for women in technology and leadership positions. She has authored several influential books, including “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” which encourages women to pursue their goals and ambitions in their careers. Sandberg’s dedication to leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for women’s advancement in the tech industry make her a powerful role model for women and girls interested in pursuing careers in technology.
  4. Susan Wojcicki is the CEO of YouTube and has been influential in the growth and development of the video-sharing platform. She has also been an advocate for increased diversity and representation in the tech industry, particularly for women. Wojcicki’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and diversity and inclusion make her an inspiration to women and girls in technology.
  5. Meg Whitman is the CEO of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and has been influential in the technology industry for decades. She has previously served as CEO of eBay and as a board member of companies such as Procter & Gamble and Dropbox. Whitman’s dedication to leadership, innovation, and business strategy make her an inspiration to women and girls interested in pursuing careers in technology and business.
  6. Radia Perlman is a computer scientist and network engineer who is credited with developing the Spanning Tree Protocol, a key component in the development of modern computer networks. She has also been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, particularly for women. Perlman’s dedication to innovation, leadership, and diversity and inclusion make her an inspiration to women and girls interested in pursuing careers in technology.
  7. Kimberly Bryant is the founder of Black Girls CODE, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity and representation in the technology industry. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing opportunities for girls and women of color in technology and has been recognized for her work by numerous organizations, including the White House. Bryant’s dedication to advocacy, leadership, and diversity and inclusion make her an inspiration to women and girls in technology.
  8. Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, an organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology by providing opportunities and education to girls. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing

Women have always been a powerful force in the tech industry, yet their achievements are commonly ignored or undervalued. Let’s join forces and bring light to the inspiring women in tech that have made a difference in your own career journey. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or an iconic personality, share their story and honor their incredible works. Through the collective efforts of the tech world, we can create a more welcoming, diverse landscape for all. #ShareHerStory #WomenInTech

Top 10 Common WordPress Errors:

  1. White screen of death (WSOD): This error occurs when your website appears as a blank white screen with no error message or content.
  2. Internal server error: This error occurs when your website’s server encounters an issue but is unable to identify the specific problem.
  3. Error establishing database connection: This error occurs when WordPress is unable to connect to the database where your website’s content is stored.
  4. 404 page not found error: This error occurs when a visitor tries to access a page on your website that does not exist.
  5. Syntax errors in WordPress: This error occurs when there is an issue with the coding of your WordPress theme or plugin.
  6. WordPress memory exhausted error: This error occurs when your WordPress website uses more memory than your server can handle.
  7. Connection timed out error: This error occurs when the server takes too long to respond to a request from your website.
  8. WordPress login page refreshing/redirecting issue: This error occurs when you are unable to log in to the WordPress dashboard because the login page keeps refreshing or redirecting.
  9. WordPress maintenance mode error: This error occurs when WordPress is updating or performing maintenance tasks on your website.
  10. Plugin compatibility issues: This error occurs when a WordPress plugin is not compatible with your website’s theme or other plugins, causing conflicts or errors.

And How to Fix Them:

  1. White screen of death (WSOD): To debug this error, you can try enabling WordPress debugging by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file: define( ‘WP_DEBUG’, true ); This will allow you to see any error messages that may be causing the issue.
  2. Internal server error: You can check the server error logs to see if there are any specific error messages that can help you identify the problem. You may also want to check if any recent changes or updates may have caused the issue.
  3. Error establishing database connection: To debug this error, you can check your wp-config.php file to ensure that the database name, username, and password are correct. You can also try repairing your WordPress database by accessing your site’s cPanel or PHPMyAdmin and running a repair function.
  4. 404 page not found error: To debug this error, you can check if the page URL is correct and if the page exists. You can also try resetting your website’s permalinks in the WordPress dashboard.
  5. Syntax errors in WordPress: To debug this error, you can check the code for any syntax errors using an IDE or text editor that highlights syntax errors.
  6. WordPress memory exhausted error: To debug this error, you can increase the PHP memory limit by adding the following code to your wp-config.php file: define( ‘WP_MEMORY_LIMIT’, ‘256M’ ); You can also try disabling any plugins that may be using excessive memory.
  7. Connection timed out error: To debug this error, you can try increasing the timeout limit by adding the following code to your .htaccess file: php_value max_execution_time 300 You can also try optimizing your website’s code or server settings to reduce the server response time.
  8. WordPress login page refreshing/redirecting issue: To debug this error, you can try clearing your browser cache and cookies. You can also try disabling any security plugins that may be blocking your login attempts.
  9. WordPress maintenance mode error: This error occurs when WordPress is updating or performing maintenance tasks on your website. You can wait for the maintenance tasks to complete or try manually deactivating any maintenance plugins.
  10. Plugin compatibility issues: To debug this error, you can try disabling one plugin at a time to identify which plugin is causing the issue. You can also try checking the plugin documentation or contacting the plugin developer for support.

Safeguard Your Business

Businesses today face a constantly evolving set of potential threats, from data security breaches to downtime from unexpected events. Businesses are asking questions like:

·         With growing use of the cloud and mobile devices at work, how can we keep business data protected?

·         As my data grows, how can I make sure it is all backed up without spending a fortune?

·         If an unexpected event occurred, like a fire, break-in, or flood, how long would it take our business to get back online? And what would this downtime cost our business?

·         How do we keep up with a constantly changing compliance landscape?

Get modern protection for evolving threats, with solutions that help protect your business data and minimize the disruptions caused by unexpected events. With Microsoft, enterprise-grade protection is built into its technologies. So you don’t have to think about it. From advanced data protection to solutions that help you recover quickly from unexpected events, get technology that is designed to help safeguard your business.

Safeguard your business use cases:

Get advanced data protection, built-in at every level of your IT
Easier security
for PCs & devices
Log in to PCs and devices quickly and easily using enterprise-grade security features like Windows Hello facial and fingerprint recognition—and Two-factor Authentication for added protection.
Automatic threat protection, PC to cloud Get up-to-date anti-malware protection with Office 365 and Microsoft Azure.

Get built-in threat protection on PCs and devices with Windows Defender.

Detect and alert security breaches with Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) in the Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS).

Built-in mobile data protection Take your Windows mobile device to and from work and know sensitive data is protected with built-in encryption capabilities like Enterprise Data Protection and BitLocker.
Protection that
follows your data
Track sensitive data you send in email and selectively prevent actions like editing, copying, or printing with Azure Rights Management in Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS).

 

Easy, affordable data backup—ready when you need it
Always have access to your latest files Keep your files synchronized across your devices and access them anywhere, anytime, both online and offline, with OneDrive for Business, where you have the confidence that your data is continuously backed up in Microsoft’s geographically distributed datacenters.
Easily back up business applications Get peace of mind knowing your data is backed up and that you can restore your information quickly with Azure Backup, which provides scalable, secure backup services and up to 99 years of data retention for legal compliance.
Protect your database Protect critical information in your SQL Server databases by automating database backups to Microsoft Azure with encrypted backup files and the ability to restore your backup to the cloud if your main servers are unavailable.

 

Be back online in minutes when the unexpected happens
Know you’re open for business, even if disaster strikes Get your business back up and running in minutes when the unexpected happens with Azure Site Recovery, which offers an automated disaster recovery solution in the cloud—without requiring major capital expense.
Have confidence you won’t lose your work Always access your latest files from any device with OneDrive for Business. So, if you accidentally leave your laptop at home, you can easily access your files from another PC at work—and then all of your changes will automatically sync back to your laptop at home.
Have peace of mind if mobile devices are lost or stolen Know that lost or stolen laptops are automatically protected with BitLocker encryption.

Remotely wipe data from a lost device with easy-to-use tools in Enterprise Mobility + Security (EMS).

Automatically sync your data, settings, and apps to a new Windows device to get back up and running fast.

 

Reduce risk with easier compliance
Business controls to help ensure compliant behavior Office 365 includes controls that help stay compliant, like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policy Tips, which triggers an alert when sensitive information is about to be sent via email.
PC and device compliance with Windows 10 Windows 10 is able to be deployed in a compliant manner, as Microsoft is continually working to deliver technology that helps customers meet the latest industry and regional certifications.
Compliance-ready cloud Meet a range of country and industry compliance requirements with Microsoft Azure and Office 365, which are independently verified to maintain compliance with a broad range of standards.

 

Microsoft Office 365 is the Right Choice for Small Business

Business is better with Microsoft Office 365. It’s the Office you know, with additional tools to help you work better together.

Create, edit, and share Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents from your PC/Mac, iOS, AndroidTM, or Windows devices, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere. Plus, with multi-party HD video, content sharing, and shared calendars, you’re always in sync with your team.

 

Office 365 updates itself, so you always have the latest features of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. With low upfront costs and the flexibility to add users and services as needed, Office 365 provides the ROI you need to succeed.

 

Office 365 Benefits

Access your email, contacts, and calendar anywhere on any device via Outlook, with built-in spam and malware protection that automatically updates itself.

 

Hold online meetings for up to 250 participants, with screen sharing, audio and video, virtual whiteboards, polls, and shared notes.

 

A private social network enables your company to stay connected, share information across teams, and make faster, more informed decisions.

 

Simplify IT management and save money with a reduced IT infrastructure and continuous backup and disaster recovery abilities.

 

Store up to 1 TB of documents online to easily access anywhere on any device, share with colleagues, and back up your work.

 

Get telephone technical support for setup and deployment. Get more support via online Q&As, how-to resources, and the Office 365 customer community.

 

A financially backed 99.9% uptime guarantee* gives you the peace of mind of knowing you can always access your services.

 

Flexible plans to meet your needs. Choose between plans that include online versions of Office, or get the full Office suite loaded to your favorite devices.

 

office365

Support Pioneers in Skirts

Pioneers in Skirts™ is a film that takes an honest look at solutions for the setbacks women still face in their careers – for women now and for the next generation. Visit the official website to learn more about the film.

It’s a documentary film about women who want careers, their success and their struggles, and the people who advocate for them: employers, coworkers, mentors, and parents.

They are running a month-long crowdsourcing party on Kickstarter from August 19 – September 19! Funds raised will help the film finish production and transition into post-production. Please help them finish this amazing movie!!

Office 365 Government The best choice for government organizations

Use Office anywhere

Provide users with the Office applications they know, optimized for their devices, so they can work their best wherever they are.

Simplify collaboration

Hold multi-party HD online meetings with screen sharing, note taking, and annotations. Start an IM, call, or video chat with just a click.

Run it the way you want

Move to the cloud on your terms. Get highly configurable administration that is easy to use and accessible anywhere. And save on IT.

MetaLogix, Inc.’s Crystal Williams named to CRN’s Women of the Channel Power 50 Solution Providers

 

Charlotte, NC June 2, 2014 – MetaLogix, Inc. a leading software solution provider and IT consulting firm today announced that Crystal Williams CEO has been named to the CRN 2014 Women of the Channel list, and has been recognized as one of this year’s inaugural Power 50 Solution Providers. The annual Women of the Channel list highlights the accomplishments of female executives within vendor, distribution, and solution provider organizations, and the impact they are having on the advancement of the IT channel. The Power 50 honors an elite subset of female executives at solution provider organizations who are extending their respective company’s sphere of influence as trusted advisers.

Crystal has been the driving force in expanding MetaLogix services to not only provide software development solutions, but also to provide technical services to include Custom Mobile Application Development, Internet Marketing and Integration solutions to federal and corporate clients.

“We are seeing a steady increase in the number of female executives making their mark in the solution provider community,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company.  “The new Power 50 list shines a spotlight on both their contributions as individuals and the importance of the solution provider role in the success of their clients. We congratulate the Women of the Channel, and look forward to their continued success.”

“It is an honor to be selected as one of this year’s “Women and the Channel and Power 50 Solution Providers,” and be associated with such a distinguished company, says the award recipient, Crystal Williams. “I am blessed with significant support from MetaLogix staff, the community, and my family, and they are what make such achievements possible.”

The Women of the Channel will be featured in the June issue of CRN magazine and online at www.crn.com. 

About MetaLogix, Inc.

MetaLogix, Inc., a Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, Information Technology firm specializing in SharePoint, Business Intelligence and Business Process Management software solutions.  Founded in 2002¸ MetaLogix maintains offices in North and South Carolina, serving clients all over the world.  MetaLogix is privileged to provide service for local, domestic and foreign enterprises as well as various departments and agencies within the US Government. The Charlotte Business Journal recognized MetaLogix as one of the Best Places to Work 2008 and 2009 and The Charlotte Chamber acknowledged MetaLogix for Best Use of IT as winner of the Blue Diamond Award in 2003.

 

About The Channel Company
The Channel Company is the channel community’s trusted authority for growth and innovation, with established brands including CRN, XChange Events, IPED, and SharedVue. For more than three decades, we have leveraged our proven and leading-edge platforms to deliver prescriptive sales and marketing solutions for the technology channel. The Channel Company provides Communication, Recruitment, Engagement, Enablement, Demand Generation and Intelligence services to drive technology partnerships. Learn more at www.thechannelcompany.com.

Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation Taps Woman Veteran to Expand Digital Marketing Efforts

WASHINGTON – The Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation is proud to announce that Crystal Williams, CEO of MetaLogix, Inc., has joined our team as social media and digital strategy coordinator. Williams and her team will work closely with BPW andJoining Forces Mentoring Plus® (JFMP) to develop and implement forward-thinking digital marketing campaigns. She will also assist with content and social media strategy, market research, and industry analysis.

Williams, CEO of MetaLogix, Inc., a Woman Owned, Veteran Owned, Information Technology firm brings with her over 14 years of business; government and technology experience where they specialize in web development, digital marketing and enterprise software solutions. She also currently serves as the BPW-North Carolina Women Joining Forces Chair.

Williams joined the United States Army shortly after her graduation from High School. During her 10 year military careerundefinedfirst in the US Army and then the US Army Reserves she received the Armed Forces reserve medal and Army service ribbon. She also served honorably during the War on Terror- Operation Enduring Freedom where she earned the national defense service medal. Williams was recognized by CRN Magazine as one of Top Women of the Technology Channel in 2013 as well as being named by the Charlotte Business Journal Forty under Forty and Top Women in Business. She also received recognition from the Mecklenburg Times as one of the Fifty Most Influential Women in 2013.

“I’m honored to be chosen by BPW for this task. I believe in BPW and the Women Joining Forces Mentoring Plus program, states Williams.  As one of the first grassroots organizations to focus on working women; BPW has a unique opportunity to engage women veterans and their families at a local level where mentorship will benefit the most.”

Deborah Frett CEO of Business Professional Women says, “With the ever changing digital landscape it’s critical that we continue to evolve our digital and social media engagement strategy. And we believe that Crystal will bring a unique voice to our mission and help spotlight the great work we are doing with Women Joining Forces Mentoring Plus Program.”    

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 About BPW Foundation  – With a legacy dating back to 1919, Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation was the first foundation dedicated to conducting research and providing information on working women. The mission of BPW Foundation is to promote systematic change in the workplace by strengthening the capacity of organizations and businesses to create environments that are inclusive and value the skills and contributions of working women, empowering them to achieve their full potential.

 

 

For more information visit www.BPWFoundation.org. @BPWF4WomenVets @WomenMisbehavin

Great Article From My Friends at Integrity Global Advisors “All Politics is Local” But Best Practices Are Universal

 
Speaker Tip O’Neal famously said, “All politics is local”. As someone who has worked on and watched campaigns in New York City, Los Angeles, Bogota and Santiago among other cities, I agree. Each place presents unique challenges and opportunities, with rich history and cultural nuances at play. Nevertheless, I would contend that there are best practices every candidate should follow.

To win your next election, you must:

  • Create a strong campaign plan
  • Leverage digital media
  • Use technology to manage voter data effectively
  • Understand the role of money in your campaign
  • Hire the right team

In this piece, I’ll address creating a good campaign plan.

Read More

Be sure to visit them at http://www.integrityglobaladvisors.com