Step back and analyze the situation from an outside perspective. When we are less emotionally involved and “cool our jets,” the answers come for how to effectively deal with them. Whether dealing with a difficult boss, dealing with a difficult co-worker, or spouse. Choose your battles. There are times when you have to “let it go.” Know when to speak up and when to pick your battles. This is where you can ask for assistance from the Dean of Students Office – Greek Affairs. Criticize in person, praise in public. Never publicly criticize someone as you will look like the bad guy and the difficult person will only become more upset. People often won’t care what you think unless they think you care. At least attempt to see it from their perspective. Maintain high expectations and standards. If you don’t do this, you will be seen as enabling their unacceptable behavior. Don’t lose emotional control. Antagonists said, “passive-aggressives” will often try to push your buttons. Accept, change or reject. Know that ultimately you only have three choices. 1) Accept the situation knowing it won’t change. 2) Attempt to change your relationship with them by changing how you react. 3) If it’s really affecting your well-being, it may be time to “reject” the situation and move on. No “but’s” allowed! Don’t follow giving them positive reinforcement with, “But on other hand…” The word “but” only negates everything positive you just said. Watch your tone of voice. Avoid an autocratic or sarcastic tone. The Latin root of the word “sarcasm” is “sarco” meaning tearing of the flesh. Give sincere positive reinforcement when they do something well. Show genuine appreciation. Often difficult people are difficult because they feel unappreciated. Don’t take it personally. Often they’re difficult because of something going on with them. Mutually agree to move on. Agree or disagree. If this isn’t possible, at least “move on” in your own mind. Reporting Community Service Hours and Philanthropy Donations
Philanthropy The act of donating money, goods, services, time and/or effort to support a charity, cause or foundation. Community Service Direct service back to the community OR an agency that directly benefits the community. Volunteering The practice of people working on behalf of others or a particular cause without payment for their time and services. Examples of philanthropy Donating clothes, shoes, hygiene products, furniture, and/or bicycles to an organization such as The Southside Community Center or Goodwill Donating canned foods to a food pantry, such as donations to the Hays County Food Bank Donating money directly to a charity or non-profit agency Donating money to Relay for Life The cost of supplies required to create gifts for the community such as gift baskets, cards, bookmarks, applies to teachers, etc. Examples of community service Doing a Habitat for Humanity project Doing housework or yard work for an elderly person Visiting residents of a nursing home Tutoring elementary school children Volunteering at agencies such as the Boys & Girls Club, SPCA, etc. Picking up trash around the community Working with a girl or boy scouts troop Ringing bells for the Salvation Army Working with a school or a non-profit Coaching for a school (unpaid) Examples of volunteering Babysitting, house sitting, pet sitting (unpaid) Helping with activities such as Residence Hall Move In Walking/running in a 5k The time spent creating or preparing gifts Helping a teacher decorate their classroom Donating blood Any activity that doesn’t directly impact and agency or a community What does NOT count as philanthropy? What does NOT count as community service? Donating blood If you are paying money to participate in another chapter’s philanthropic activity, you cannot count the money you donated/paid as philanthropy for your Helping with activities such as Residence Hall Move In Activities completed for class credit or as a class assignment do not count as community service.