Studies say that drivers using phones while driving are four times as likely to cause a crash.  A Harvard study conducted in 2007 found that 2,700 fatal crashes a year and 570,000 crashes of varying injury level per year are caused by mobile phone use while driving. And that was seven years ago when adoption of these devices was not as high as it is now. Furthermore, hands-free devices do not help because we are still distracted from our driving by the conversation.

We would think that common sense would keep our eyes on the road while driving. But, drivers largely ignore the research on the dangers – even those who have previously been in a crash or near crash caused by using a mobile phone while driving. Taking our eyes off the road to read an email or respond to a text is the equivalent of driving with our eyes closed. Consider that for a moment.

There is currently no national ban on texting while driving, but individual states have passed laws governing the use of mobile devices while driving. According to the FCC:

• 14 U.S. states and D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held mobile phones while driving. An officer may cite a driver without any other traffic offense taking place.
• 44 U.S. states and D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands ban text messaging for all drivers.

None of us are capable of driving with our eyes off of the road.  No text, email or call is important enough to try.

Negativity in the workplace drags down employee morale and adversely affects productivity and performance. It is evident in attitude, outlook, willingness to participate and engage, and the general vibe of the office. It is contagious and it often follows a feeling of loss of control or confidence.

Keeping in close touch with staff will help to alert you quickly when and if this negativity is taking hold in your office, and will allow you to diagnose and address the symptoms before the situation builds. You can learn about the issues, rumors and perceptions that are causing the negativity and then help you to formulate a strategy. Ignoring the situation will only fan the discontent and potential damage.

To keep the negativity from taking hold in the first place, there are strategies to employ.

• Give staff a voice to ask questions, address rumors, and participate in decision making about their jobs or work life.
• Recognize the impact of change and do your best to address questions that may come up before they do.
• Be transparent, fair and consistent with policies.
• If there is a problem with a staffer, address it with that person in a professional and respectful manner. Don’t blanket the entire team with the issue.
• Communicate with everyone as appropriate. Don’t assume trickle down communication works.
• Invest in your team. Provide training and development opportunities. Allow staffers to cross train each other if beneficial.
• Conduct regular performance appraisals and award bonuses and rewards.