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March 2024
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REFRESHING WAYS TO SHOW APPRECIATION AT WORK Boost Morale, Build Bonds
Acts of Service: Employees who prefer this style like colleagues who pitch in to help when they’re overloaded or voluntarily pick up extra work themselves. To avoid misunderstandings, ask first whether the team member wants help. And take over only the drudge work — never tasks that would have put your colleague in the limelight. Gifts: Employees whose primary language of appreciation is gifts will be motivated by items that reflect a genuine interest in their personal tastes. Some employers actually survey employees about their preferences and select made-to-order perks, such as gourmet coffee for a coffee lover or a home-delivered meal for a busy working parent. Physical Touch: Although physical touch has become the third rail in office interaction, there are still acceptable ways to use it at work. Never touch anyone who doesn’t want to be touched, of course, and always abide by HR guidelines. The recipient’s preferences should always be the primary guide. But for team members who truly enjoy a handshake, fist bump, or high-five, physical touch can still be an enjoyable way to show appreciation. As the founder and principal attorney at a personal injury law firm, I want to be sure that my clients are being taken care of. The best way to do that is to make sure I’m taking care of my team. If I show I understand my team members as people and care about how they want to receive appreciation, not only will that create a great result for my client, but the positive results will propel a kind of flywheel effect — growing my firm by building momentum to the point of breakthrough and beyond.
As an ancient prophet once said, courtesy costs nothing but buys everything. March 21 is National Common Courtesy Day, a time to show respect and honor the inherent value of every individual. As quarterly employee performance reviews roll around this month, I want to highlight a book that gives practical advice on showing common courtesy to your employees at work — “The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White. Most people have heard of the perennial bestseller, “The 5 Love Languages” for couples, also by Dr. Chapman, a minister and marriage counselor, but few realize there is a business version. This book, co-authored with Dr. White, a psychologist, applies the same framework to the workplace. Just as couples’ relationships improve when partners understand each other’s preferred love language, workplace relationships grow stronger when managers take the time to figure out individual team members’ preferred language of appreciation.
Here are the five languages, as described by the authors.
Words of Affirmation: For employees who respond to this language, it’s important to go beyond simply saying, “Good job” to describe the specific actions or skills that delivered results. Perhaps a team member noticed and solved a client’s problem before they had a chance to complain or detected a budgeting error before it cost the company money. By being specific, you show that you truly saw and valued the employee’s contribution. Quality Time: This language requires giving an employee your focused time and attention. For example, you might ask for a team member’s input one-on-one and listen deeply to the response, or hold a small-group discussion and pay close attention to employees’ concerns. These low-key behaviors go a long way toward conveying sincere appreciation.
-Adrianos Facchetti
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alcohol or put into situations where drinking is advisable. In Hawaii and Michigan, undercover agents are allowed to purchase or consume alcohol so long as it pertains to their assignment. With Family Some parents prefer that their children drink at home for various reasons. A few argue it discourages drunk driving and other risky behavior. Others just like to share a beverage with their children at dinner. Regardless of the reasons, several states allow underage drinking in the presence of a family member or guardian. The details of this exception vary widely. For example, some stipulate that a family member must provide the alcohol, like in New Mexico. Many states restrict alcohol to home use only, such as in Nebraska. Texas and other states allow the exemption in any location, such as restaurants. Drinking is distinct from possession, in case things weren’t complicated enough. In 19 states, minors can possess alcohol with parental consent. Other states, like Utah, prohibit alcohol possession at all times. Other Complexities The law is always nuanced, but few are as complex as the tangled web of alcohol restrictions. States like Pennsylvania restrict the drinking age and require sellers to fulfill strict requirements, like only selling beer and wine under 5.7% alcohol. Meanwhile, Louisianians sell daiquiris from drive-thrus (so long as they don’t have straws). The bottom line is that the U.S. has so much variety because it allows the states to set their own guidelines, and the differing cultures within states and counties affect their drinking laws. “The bottom line is that the U.S. has so much variety because it allows the states to set their own guidelines, and the differing cultures within states and counties affect their drinking laws.” ” How Someone Under 21 Can Legally Consume Alcohol WHEN MINORS ARE ALLOWED TO IMBIBE
When it comes to drinking age requirements, the U.S. is strict for a Western country. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was enacted in 1984, which raised the minimum age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21. It also set a precedent for the age requirement for other substances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned tobacco purchase for anyone under 21, and recreational cannabis is similarly age-restricted. While the law dictates that people under 21 can’t consume alcohol, that’s not the whole story. There are many exemptions nationwide, with every state having unique age requirement laws. Even counties can have special restrictions. American Indian reservations have independent sovereignty, so they don’t follow American laws at all. Religious Ceremonies and Services Currently, 26 states allow for religious exemptions for underage alcohol consumption. Alcohol is commonly used in many religious services; for example, Christian communion often involves a sip of wine. These legal loopholes are why priests aren’t arrested every Sunday. States that don’t have laws for religious exemptions never generally enforce the alcohol requirement on religious organizations, so they are practically legal. Medicinal Purposes People use alcohol for more than just recreation: it’s often used for medicinal purposes, too. For example, cough syrup uses it to break down ingredients. It is thus legal for medicinal purposes in 16 states, including Wyoming and Utah. Isopropyl and rubbing alcohol are distinct from the ethyl alcohol used in spirits, so they aren’t regulated similarly. Drinking for Education Alcohol is a culinary mainstay for many cultures, and many dishes include alcohol as an essential component — tiramisu, coq au vin, and flambé, to name a few. For minors interested in pursuing a culinary career, preventing them from accessing alcohol can be detrimental to their education. So, many states allow students enrolled in the culinary arts — including brewing, enology (the study of wines), and hospitality — to consume alcohol for educational purposes. For example, in Florida, students can drink as much as they want as long they’re on campus and have specific curriculums. Undercover Imbibing Minors can work for law enforcement. If they’re going undercover to expose illegal activities, there’s a good chance they’ll be offered
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BIGFOOT IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES!? A Washington County’s Unique Hunting Ban Most people don’t consider the legality of Bigfoot hunting, but in Washington state, it’s part of the law. In Skamania County, it’s illegal to kill the mythological ape. Should someone murder the creature, they’d face a stiff penalty. Bigfoot — sometimes called Sasquatch — is an elusive ape-like cryptid said to roam the forests of North America. It allegedly has reddish-brown fur, a gorilla-like body, and its namesake big feet. Some claim Bigfoot is the “missing link” between walking apes and our ancestors, who walked on all fours. Most scientists dispute the claim, saying that any ancestor this old likely would’ve adapted or gone extinct. Bigfoot was first spotted in California in 1958, and most sightings since occur in Washington state. Per every 100,000 people, 9.12 sightings are in the Evergreen State. That’s a third more often than its neighbor Oregon, the runner-up at 6.06. If there were a Bigfoot capital of the world, it’d be in Washington. On April 1, 1969, the Skamania County legislature enacted Ordinance 1969-01, the first law prohibiting the killing of Bigfoot. Anyone convicted of murdering the cryptid would be classified as a felon and imprisoned for five years. While modified decades later, it set an important precedent: Bigfoot is a protected species. Tourism picked up shortly after that. Bigfoot mania officially hit the U.S. in the 1970s as directors released films like “Sasquatch, the Legend of Bigfoot.” New Bigfoot enthusiasts started to visit Washington in droves, hoping to be the first to find proof of its existence. While locals appreciated the influx of cash from tourism, they didn’t appreciate the influx of guns from Bigfoot hunters. County legislatures enacted a new ordinance in 1984. It further clarified the regulations on Bigfoot and designated the ape as an endangered species. As such, hunting Bigfoot with the intent to kill is illegal. However, the ordinance softened the penalty for hunting Bigfoot, lowering the penalty for poachers to a year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000. Every law has some logic; no matter how frivolous it may seem, there’s a reason why lawmakers went through the trouble. While this law may seem unnecessary, it protects “Bigfoot” and the Skamania County citizens alike.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING “Adrianos gave me great advice when I needed it. He is an excellent communicator and explains the details of complicated processes. He’s a great lawyer for people who prefer over-communication, clarity and direct answers. He is also a tremendous resource and gave me referrals to other types of attorneys for my friend.” – Narine A.
Thank You for the Referrals!
This month, we’d like to thank Ana V., Courtney S., Eric L., and Raquel L. for believing we’re the right firm to help their friends and family. Your continued support gives us the ability to reach more individuals and make a positive difference in their lives. If we can help anyone you know who needs our services, please send them our way!
Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
Ingredients
• 2 boneless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn
• 1 cup canned black beans • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
Directions 1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Speak Their Language: Better Ways to Praise Your Team
When Minors Can Drink
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Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl
Why Bigfoot Is a Protected Species in Washington
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The Marketing Campaign That Cost Red Bull Over $6 Million
MARKETING CAMPAIGN DISPROVED IN COURT RED BULL DOESN’T GIVE YOU WINGS
For decades, Red Bull has run the marketing campaign that its energy drink gives people wings. Most assume it’s a joke, an exaggeration of the beverage’s stimulating effects. The courts disagreed. A group of Red Bull drinkers in 2014 filed a class action lawsuit against the Austrian company, accusing them of false advertising. Despite the company’s claims, they alleged that the drink does not give you wings. To be more specific, the suit alleged that the ad campaign uses flying imagery to convey that the beverage is better than other caffeinated drinks. While the brand’s messaging claims it improves response times and concentration, the suit alleges the beverage isn’t much more effective than a cup of coffee. Red Bull settled for over $6 million. They also agreed to compensate customers who were disappointed about the drink’s wingless results. Such claimants could receive $10 or
a voucher for $15 of Red Bull products. But before you go writing a letter to Red Bull for your voucher, know that customers are no longer eligible for this compensation. In Red Bull’s words, they settled to “avoid the cost and distraction of litigation,” noting that their ad campaigns and can labels “have always been truthful and accurate.” Red Bull denied any wrongdoing. What Red Bull did was tread the line between false advertising and “puffery,” the legal term for extravagant claims about a product. The law allows for some lofty claims — such as “World’s Best Coffee” — so long as they are opinions. “Red Bull gives you wings” sounds like a factual statement, so it doesn’t fall under puffery. The energy drink company has continued using the slogan in its marketing in event sponsorship and TV ads. So, while Red Bull may not actually give you wings, it did pay out a lot of money in a court settlement over the claim.
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