From our family to yours, M.E.D. wishes you a safe and happy 4th of July holiday. Especially on this day we remember our troops stationed throughout the world who are defending freedom.

Green means Go:
Going Green at the Office
By Karin Gaylor, Recruiting Specialist

Greener homes are in the spotlight these days, but what about the other places where many of us spend a majority of our time--our offices? There are many steps you can take to be greener and environmentally friendly - even at work. By making these simple changes, we can save energy and resources at work, while contributing to reduce global warming pollution, preserve our forests and keep our air and water clean.

After attending the "Going Green" Seminar, sponsored by Sigma-Aldrich, The Lawrence Group and MPP&W, held at The Botanical Gardens, here are a few simple tips for all of us to GO GREEN:

1. Turn out the lights. "Lighting eats up 44% of electricity used in office buildings." We can collectively save enormous amounts by turning off desk lamps and overhead lights, especially if we're leaving the room. Use natural light when you have the option.

2. Turn off your computers. Make it a habit to turn off your PC when you leave for the day. Plug all your appliances into a power strip so you will only have to flip one switch.

3. Unplug your cell phone charger. If you have a cell phone, have you ever noticed that your charger stays warm even when you are not charging your phone? That's because it is still draining electricity. According to Future Forests, "only 5% of the power drawn by cell phone chargers are actually used to charge phones. The other 95% is wasted when you leave it plugged into the wall, but not into your phone."

4. Be printer friendly. "The average U.S. office worker goes through 10,000 sheets of copy paper a year." Try printing on both sides of the paper or using the backside of old documents for faxing or note taking. Think twice about printing off every email received. Instead, create computer folders to easily organize your data for ease in future referencing.

5. Rethink your commute. Take advantage of the public transportation St. Louis has to offer! Take the Metro, bus or local bike path. Try organizing a carpool schedule to save on gas and help improve our air quality.

6. Recycle, recycle, recycle! Make it a habit to recycle everything your office collects. Just about any kind of paper including fax paper, envelopes, and junk mail, can be recycled. Place a recycling bin in the kitchen or break room for soda cans, papers and plastics. Pick up a pack of Earthshell plates or bowls at your local grocery store which are 100% biodegradable and made from renewable potatoes, corn and limestone. In addition, recycle your office equipment including computers, cell phones, copiers and clocks. Many area schools collect computers and cell phones that they can use towards credit for purchase of new equipment.

A greener workplace can mean a better economy and a healthier place to work. Whether you're the boss or the employee, whether you own the building or renting a small space, these practical tips can make an impact that will hopefully be contagious.

MED has taken a few steps of our own to make our office greener. We have silverware and dishes that are washed and reused. In addition, MED recycles used paper by donating to a local school for scraps and we turn off our lamps and use the natural light from the windows to conserve energy. If you are serious about making your office green, create a checklist or green policy, get your office building certified or initiate incentives to motivate your employees to a greener workspace. Get going; get GREEN!

"Looking for a Better Way to Say That"
Crucial Conversations --
A Valuable Tool for Talking
By Jamie Barks, HR Generalist

During a recent staff meeting, our Director mentioned a book that she read, titled "Crucial Conversations". She suggested that we embark upon a group project and take part in discussing the chapters during our staff meetings.

The purpose of this exercise was to strengthen our ability to navigate those conversations when stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong. This is how the book defines a crucial conversation. Being in the staffing business, I would venture to say that almost all of our conversations are crucial in nature.

The key is to Start with Heart. Learn to make sure your motives are about learning, about finding out the truth, about seeing all sides of the issues, and about being courageous and caring in the way you speak and listen. It's a lot to think about before you open your mouth. But these tips are already paying big dividends in the workplace and in my personal life.

Recently I helped to plan my future sister-in-law's wedding shower. You know how people warn you about dealing with the in-laws. Well, I had the opportunity to put these Crucial Conversation techniques to the test. Words were exchanged, accusations were flying, and I felt myself becoming more and more enraged. The nerve! Prior to this book, I would have raised my voice, cast aspersions, and maybe even shed a tear or two.

Luckily the acronym, STATE, popped into my mind. This small reminder succeeded in getting me through this unsafe dialogue by remembering to:

• Share my facts - facts are most believable, start with least controversial
• Tell my story - blend the facts with your version, but don't water it down
• Ask for others' paths - listen to their side of the story, really listen
• Talk tentatively - it helps to reduce defensiveness
• Encourage testing- make it safe for others to express differing views

After politely requesting that we resume this conversation the next day, this future relative and I were able to safely proceed with this much needed discourse. After airing both sides, it was clear that our facts were not aligned. Once we listened to each other's story, we were able to resolve our issues amicably and no feelings were hurt.

Think about the number of crucial conversations you encounter in the course of the day. This book is a valuable tool that can be revisited and reviewed. Become a Master of your story - make Crucial Conversation a must read this Summer!

Source: Crucial Conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high, by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

MGMA-Missouri State Conference...

	The Afterburners were the featured Speakers at the recent MGMA-Missouri State Conference at the Lake.
	MED St. Louis and Kansas City staff with "Squirt" from the Afterburners.
	Keane Insurance Group and MED, sponsors of the Afterburners.

Visit our web site at www.medstl.com

Contact M.E.D. for all Your Medical Staffing Needs

M.E.D.'s qualified staff is available 24/7 to ensure you have the staffing resources to run your business. Call us today!

West Port office: (314) 991-8806