Kitchen Nightmares 6 Reasons Why Your Restaurant May Be Failing

Kitchen Nightmares 6 Reasons Why Your Restaurant May Be Failing Creativity is a wonderful thing. Lots of people assume (erroneously) that there are two kinds of people; creatives and everybody else. But we all know this to be a fallacy. Make no mistake… Everybody is creative! The beauty of creativity is that it’s such a broad and multifaceted concept. There are so many forms of creativity, yet so many assume that if they don’t paint, write, act, dance or sing that they’re not creative. Even if you have no interest in the arts in your extracurricular activities, it’s likely that your work or other endeavors allow you opportunities for creativity. Whether your canvas is the building site or the javascript suite and whether your brush strokes are lines of code or rows of bricks, every day we’re afforded opportunities to create and build. Nowhere is this truer than the service industry. Many involved in the culinary arts are unaware of just how much art they bring to their work. Like any artist, they take time to learn their craft and master the subtle art of sculpting flavors using an eclectic palette of ingredients. They work with food to create beautiful presentation just like any sculptor shaping a thing of beauty out of raw material. And there’s no truer form of creative expression for an ambitious and talented chef than opening their own restaurant. Many chefs endure long hours, stressful working conditions and erratic shift patterns with big smiles on their faces because they know that they’re working towards a very particular endgame. The prospect of some day opening up their own restaurant and being able to make their own mark on the culinary world is the dream that many hard working chefs strive towards. But upon becoming masters of their craft, sourcing the necessary funding, coming up with a great concept and opening their doors to the public, many talented chefs have found that the reality does not necessarily reflect their hopes or dreams. While they’re living their own dreams, they quickly find that they are embroiled in kitchen nightmares that not even Gordon Ramsay could save them from. Here we’ll learn why many successful chefs become struggling restaurateurs and look at some of the common reasons why they find themselves failing as well as suggesting some ways of sidestepping the common hurdles that threaten to send their potentially successful businesses spiraling into debt and even bankruptcy. If you don’t like the idea of joining the 60% of restaurant businesses that fold in their first year, read on. Good chef / bad restaurateur It’s very easy for a good chef to become a bad restaurateur. In fact, it happens all the time. Like any other entrepreneur, a restaurateur must rely on a very particular set of skills which is quite disparate to those they may have honed in the kitchen. While some of those skills are obviously transferable; patience, time management, proper resource allocation and above all passion, even the most seasoned (pun sort of intended) chefs struggle with the daily realities of running a business. In order to make a success of your restaurant enterprise you’ll need to walk a fine line between using your skills in the kitchen and the office. It’s a tricky balancing act that even the best sometimes struggle with… You’re spending too much time in the kitchen and not enough time in the office Let’s start with the obvious. As a chef you know where your skills lie and it’s oh so tempting to remain in that comfort zone. Moreover you know that your culinary expertise and culinary vision are your USP. After all, if there’s one thing a restaurant needs to distinguish itself from the legions of others out there, it’s something unique. need it’s a unique selling point. But the kitchen is rarely the best place to get a good understanding of how well your restaurant is functioning as a business. Sure, you may be able to keep a close eye on the quality of the product you offer (and that’s certainly important), but that’s just one aspect of what makes a healthy and successful restaurant. A good product needs good management behind it, and even chefs who are used to managing a workforce in the kitchen can struggle with the concept of management from a strategic perspective. Small businesses need to be agile and reactive and restaurants are no exception. They need to keep a close eye on their competitors and embrace market research. They need to stay in touch with the needs and desires of their customers. They need to look closely at their metric data. They need to know when they’re quiet and why, which dishes are selling and which aren’t. Spending all of your time in the kitchen can give you a very narrow perspective which can limit your efficacy as a manager and entrepreneur. You’re under spending on personnel Of course, the reason many restaurateurs spend a lot of their time in the kitchen is because they feel that only they can rally the troops in the kitchen to create a quality of product that is becoming of your restaurant. But while this may seem admirable, this noble intention can mask a less than palatable truth… You don’t trust your staff as much as you should. Part of entrepreneurship that many struggle with is coming to the realization that your business needs to be able to handle your absence without any discernible dip in quality. If you’re unable to do this, it may be that you’re under spending on personnel. While it’s completely understandable for a restaurant to be concerned about overhead costs, you shouldn’t be afraid to invest for success. Putting your money into not only recruiting the best talent in your kitchen but also training and developing them is an essential area of spending for restaurants. Under staffed, under trained kitchens mean long wait times, mistakes and cold food going out to tables. Surely, you wouldn’t want to besmirch your own reputation that way? You’re under spending on equipment Just as it’s necessary to spend money on the people who can bring you success, it’s also vital that you spend as much as is necessary on the equipment inside and outside of the kitchen to help take your restaurant to new heights. Even a great chef can be hindered by poor quality knives or a temperamental oven. Be sure not to neglect your office when it comes to business spending. Anything that can increase your productivity and insulate your business from risk is a worthy spend. You’d be surprised at how important the right accounting resources are to a restaurant. Even if you’re allergic to math, if behoves you to get familiar with the basics of restaurant accounting. Your restaurant needs a healthy enough cash flow to pay staff and bills on time to ensure employee productivity and avoid late fees which can eat into your profit margins. Speaking of margins, you also need to be cognizant of the various costs and selling prices. If you’re able to calculate the cost of every single plate of food that passes through the kitchen door and every bottle of wine consumed, you’re well positioned to manage your restaurant strategically. You also need to be able to quantify how hard your employees are working for you and whether they’re justifying their pay. As important as it is to avoid u nder investing on staff, you must also get ruthless with employees who aren’t making more for the business than they cost. If you’re unable to do this yourself, you need to invest in an outsourced restaurant accounting professional or at least some POS software which can help to calculate the majority of this for you and feed that data back to you in the form of easy to follow reports. Your menu is too diffuse When you’re starting out in the restaurant business it’s all too easy to get over excited. You will likely have a back catalogue of recipes under your belt that you’re just itching to share with the world. But going back to Gordon Ramsay and his Kitchen Nightmares, one of the most common criticisms of the restaurants on that show is that the menus are too diffuse, offering a selection of dishes that’s a little too wide and inevitably results in a dip in quality. A menu that’s too big may offer lots of choice, but it inevitably comes at the expense of quality and freshness. A menu that’s too big can also be pretty wasteful, resulting in many ingredients for less popular dishes going to waste.   Your passion is clouding your judgment Passion is one of the most important qualities in any entrepreneur. But there’s a fine line between passion and vanity. Passion can be a powerful motivator, but it can also drive you at great velocity in the wrong direction. It can help you power through a rough day and block out the negatives, but it can also make you invulnerable to criticism. Your passion can blind you to the fact that a dish you’re proud of just isn’t selling. It can make you resistant to the idea of changing branding that doesn’t resonate with your target market. By all means own and embrace your passion but don’t let it close your ears to changes that can better your business. Avoid these common pitfalls and you’ll be well placed to ensure that your restaurant grows from strength to strength.

You Are the Product Make Your Résumé Sell

You Are the Product â€" Make Your Résumé Sell You Are the Product â€" Make Your Résumé Sell You there, job candidate, put yourself in the hiring managers’ shoes. What is he or she looking for? It’s a very competitive world out there so you need to stand out to be THE BEST! Strive for an excellent presentation and show yourself as the top candidate Regardless of what your résumé says now, toss it and start over! Raise the quality bar, reach for excellence, and Cut the Crap, Get a Job! Job candidate excellence can be defined by three major principles: 1. Easy to Find: Optimize the key words you use in your résumé and cover letter so that search technology can find you. What are keywords?” They are the words that the technology uses to find appropriate candidates, usually words that describe the skills the hiring manager is looking for. In today’s new job search era, recruiters, screeners, employers, and others are fluent in the techniques and tricks of keyword searches. You should be too! 2. Easy to Read: Carefully format your résumé for viewing both online and in print. It must be easy to read, and good design makes it possible. Good design calls attention to key sections of your résumé, such as work experience and education. A well-designed résumé reflects positively on your skills. Sloppy or careless design may give a negative impression, even if you’re well qualified. 3. Easy to Measure: Quantify give numeric proof of your brilliance! Hiring managers, recruiters, and HR managers are so tired of “world-class marketing person” or “exceeded targets in…” or “best in class performance.” You need to prove your results right in your résumé. Job candidates tell me they will wait until the interview to share them or say, “My successes cannot be quantified.” Cut the Crap, Get a Job! Here is an example: Before: Maintained accounts receivable and accounts payable. After: Managed over 2,500 accounts receivable and accounts payable, working directly with the Chief Financial Officer. It isn’t difficult to create a highly readable and attractive résumé. The table below lists some of the most important techniques. Technique Why It’s Important White space Lots of white space makes text easier to read. Text that’s too dense may discourage time-pressed readers. Bullets Bulleted text allows you to break down complex information into readable chunks and to highlight key points. Easy-to-scan headings Your reader should be able to quickly locate key areas on your résumé, such as education, without extensive searching. Limited number of fonts Use no more than two font stylesâ€"one for headings and the other for body text. More than that is distracting. Selective use of bold Use bold carefully and consistently. For example, if you bold the name of one company you’ve worked for, do it in all cases. No underlining (except links) Reserve underlined text for web links. If you need to emphasize something, use bold. Consistent spacing Use a consistent amount of space before and after headings, between bullets, etc. This gives your résumé a uniform look. And please, please, stop using your own acronyms and terms; instead, speak the language of your target reader. I want to help you win that interview! Here is a list of free resources to change your game! What do you think hiring managers want to see in a resume? If you hire people, what do you look for? Comment below!

Want a Raise Use Your Vacation Days - Career Advice Blog for Millennials

Want a Raise Use Your Vacation Days - Career Advice Blog for Millennials Our vacation days are precious. The paid time off we’re given away from the office is our time to relax, rejuvenate and spend some quality time maintaining our work-life balance. Unfortunately, not many people take advantage of their vacation days the way they should. There seems to be a misconception about taking time away from the office. Many of us fear taking breaks will hurt our projects, work relationships and professionalism, preventing us from getting a raise or a bonus. However, did you know taking your vacation days may actually help you get a raise? According to the State of American Vacation 2017, a study completed by Project: Time Off, those who did not take time off from work were less likely to report raises or bonuses than those who did take advantage of their vacation policy. Vacation Days and the Work Martyr In the United States, we seem to push the idea that if you’re not always working, you’re lazy. We value busy entrepreneurs and business professionals who are always on the go, work long hours and do whatever they can to get ahead â€" even if it means skipping out on time with friends and family. This causes employees to believe if they want to be taken seriously in their professional positions, they need to be seen as a work martyr. A work martyr is someone willing to sacrifice their personal relationships, time off and even their health for the sake of the company. They put in long hours, take on extra work and are proud of how busy they are. Typically, a work martyr believes that by sacrificing everything for the job and company, they’ll be rewarded with more raises and promotions. However, the exact opposite is more likely to happen. According to the State of American Vacation 2017, work martyrs are less likely to receive a bonus or promotion than their coworkers who maintain a work-life balance. This may be because of the additional stress they take on. Because work martyrs are constantly working for appreciation and praise they don’t seem to be getting, they create a stressful environment for themselves. As they take on more work and take less time off, that stress only grows, until they’re experiencing more problems both at work and at home. This stress can make them difficult to work with, cause careless mistakes in their jobs and prevent them from moving up the corporate ladder. On the other hand, individuals who use their vacation days perform better because they’re able to get a break from the office and do something they enjoy. By taking time off from their work and projects, they can clear their heads and come back to the office ready to tackle new challenges. Why Aren’t Employees Taking Time Off? Not everyone who becomes a work martyr planned to do so. While some would rather spend their days in the office than on the beach, most people who forfeit their vacation days would rather take the time they’re given off, but they don’t feel like they can. The State of American Vacation study outlines a number of reasons why employees are choosing to pass over time off to stay in the office. At the top of the list, employees are worried they’ll return to an overwhelming pile of work at the end of their vacation. Instead of postponing the work until they return, they’d rather stay in the office. Other top reasons for missing vacation days include: Believing no one else in the office can do the job Not having the finances to take a vacation Finding it difficult to take time away because they’re in a senior role Wanting to show complete dedication to the company is actually last on the list. However, the study also states that two-thirds of employees believe their company has a negative or discouraging culture surrounding vacation days. This means they may find it difficult to ask for time off, which is difficult to comprehend when vacation days are part of an agreed-upon benefits package. When it comes down to it, taking time off is better for the employees and the company as a whole â€" even if managers begrudgingly accept your vacation request. Benefits of Taking Time Off â€" and How They Apply to Your Work Taking your vacation days can bring you a number of health benefits. The healthier you are â€" both mentally and physically â€" the sharper you will be at work and the better you can function at 100 percent. Here are some of the biggest benefits you get from taking a vacation day: Relieve Stress: Stress can cause a number of problems for you in the office. Taking a few days off every now and then can give you the opportunity to do something you enjoy, catch up on sleep or even spend a day getting some much-needed rest and relaxation. Improve Relationships: Whether you have a family or you’re single, fostering strong relationships is important for your overall happiness. Taking a vacation with your husband, kids, friends or parents can give you an opportunity to improve your relationship, bond and create some new memories â€" improving your happiness. Prevent Burnout: When the only thing you focus on is work, it’s easy to become bored or burned out. Taking a vacation allows your mind to do something different and take a break from the everyday tasks you need to complete in the office. Increase Energy Levels: Low energy can be linked to burnout and stress. When you’re spending too much time in the office, you may lose some of your spark. Taking your vacation days allows you to clear your mind, get an energy boost and come back to work ready to take on new challenges. The benefits of vacation all relate to your mental health. When you take care of your mind and body, you can perform well at work, showcase your skills and get the raises and promotions you want. It all starts with asking for the time off. How to Ask for Time Off By now, you’re probably thinking about the next vacation you’re going to plan. You still need to be respectful of your boss, your projects and what needs to get done in the office while you’re away. In order to get the stamp of approval on your next vacation, you need to ask for time off appropriately. Your company probably has a set procedure for requesting a vacation day. Whether this is sending a written notification to your boss, sitting down with an HR director or scheduling a meeting with your supervisor, you’ll want to initiate the process in whatever way is appropriate for your employer. If you’re able, time the meeting, email or conversation to happen after you’ve completed a strong task or you’ve done something particularly well. If you catch your manager in a good mood, they’ll be more likely to grant you the vacation days without trying to make you feel guilty. This is especially true if you have a no-nonsense boss who seemingly becomes irritated every time you wish to use a PTO day. Before you go into your meeting, think about the projects or tasks that would need to be completed while you’re away. Consider who else would be able to take them on, if they can wait until you return or if you can complete them before you go. Showing your manager that you’ve properly thought through what will need to get done when you’re out of the office can make you seem more professional and considerate of the company. When having the conversation, remember to be respectful. If your manager has qualms about the dates you’ve selected, listen to their worries and work with them to come up with a solution. Remember, although you are entitled to your vacation days, you still need to get approval. Upsetting your boss or making demands is not the way to do that. Also, keep in mind the number of vacation days you’re taking. While time away from work can help you improve your health and reduce stress, too much time away can hurt your professionalism. If you’re constantly taking time off or spending more time away from the office than you spend in it, you probably won’t be in the running for a promotion or raise. Taking your vacation days may not directly translate into a promotion, salary bump or bonus, but it can help you maintain your happiness and strengthen your mental health so you can perform better on the job. Taking time off appropriately throughout the year can give you the break you need to maintain a clear, creative and energetic drive at work. Ready to book a trip yet? Tell us where you’re heading and share your tips for planning a successful return to work in the comments! For more information about vacation days, impressing your boss and getting a promotion, subscribe to Punched Clocks.

The Secret of Writing a Resume College Graduate That Nobody Is Discussing

The Secret of Writing a Resume College Graduate That Nobody Is Discussing Using Writing a Resume College Graduate Then decide which will be contained beneath their various work in the Experience section of the resume. Therefore, you will need experience to find an entry-level job, but minus the job, you can't get experience. You will need experience to have a job but you require a job to acquire experience. The Argument About Writing a Resume College Graduate A fresh graduate of Public Administration currently searching for an entry-level customized service position to help in the very best way possible in controlling the stream of restricted goods into and out of the nation. The very first portion of your resume should include your contact information and numerous qualifications that you want to highlight. Utilizing a one-size-fits-all'' resume might be a huge mistake when you're looking at an assortment of job opportunities. Utilizing a student resume template can help sa ve you time and effort in addition to offer you ideas on which sections to include and the way to complete them to be able to pull in the ideal employers. Writing a Resume College Graduate Ideas Moreover, in case you have not already composed an academic CV, now's the ideal time in your career to achieve that. Writing a resume can be a little intimidating if you are a newcomer to job hunting or whether you've been job looking for a while with little if any results. There are various tips in writing resumes that you could follow to create a resume which is among a type that will entice the eye of your employers. Make certain that you will only writer down references that you believe will provide positive feedback on you. Following that, writing an overview of your qualifications like your educational attainment and the crucial skills needed in the position ought to be done. Also, compare your resume to the writing instructions (should you have any) to be sure you included eve rything required. Great writing skills are always valued so that your language should be on point. Understanding Writing a Resume College Graduate You're a graduate who's full of potential. If you're still a student, start contemplating your upcoming employment now. Graduate school resume differs from a professional resume because it doesn't stick to the normal structure. Before you commence writing your graduate school resume, you should go through the prerequisites of the program you're applying to. It is extremely important to include information on the subject of the teaching certifications in a teachers resume. Therefore, candidates have to be very careful when adding and organizing educational info on their resumes. Internships and volunteer work outside the classroom shows admissions officers what you're interested in and also that you're eager to work hard and support a team. Teacher Resume needs to be well drafted document. The Lost Secret of Writing a Resume C ollege Graduate Some graduate schools might request your complete work experience, while some could recommend that you concentrate on the things closely regarding the program. Recent graduates may be experiencing the very same circumstance. Most grad programs require some type of private statement, which is where you'll receive the very best opportunity to inform the school why your experiences and interests make you the very best candidate for the program. For a graduate, the education is the most crucial thing followed by some expert experience they gain.

How to Put Internship on Resume Secrets That No One Else Knows About

How to Put Internship on Resume Secrets That No One Else Knows About Life, Death, and How to Put Internship on Resume So, highlighting any appropriate internship that has prepared you for work in your new business is excellent. Likewise if you're changing career and will need to compose an entry-level resume for a new industry, internships can help you receive the break you require, and they need to be among the focal points on your resume. It's possible that forfirst job resumes, it's not essential for the applicant to have a comprehensive cover letter. however, it cannot go amiss when it has to do with applying for work. A legal professional seeking the most suitable job ought to have a strong resume to be able to be noticed by the employers. Bear in mind the people that you will be competing with for the jobs you desire. Your very first job is to define which type of industry you would like to work in. How to Find How to Put Internship on Resume Online Begin a new entry Since your internship is probably the latest position you've held, make certain it appears on top of all your other experience. Your internship experience ought to go right at the very top of your resume, below your title, in addition to the remainder of your work experience. On the flip side, if you're writing an advertising internship resume, then you're probably writing to an exact ruthless person who's very good with people in any type of situation. My resume doesn't require a makeover, it has to be restarted from scratch, and that's an excellent thing! The Hidden Truth About How to Put Internship on Resume Regardless of what you do, don't set your internships at the base of your resume or in the Education section. Internships represent a method of collecting valuable connections. They also a great addition to your resume. Plus, some internships have an excellent deal of prestige. Introducing How to Put Internship on Resume The best method to capitalize on the advanta ges of the internship program is to apply to companies in precisely the same industry. What's more, if you're changing careers you can earn use of internship experience. Work experience doesn't have to be listed chronologically. In case it demonstrates you have the necessary skills and experience for work, it is going to offer you a huge benefit. Writing for the internet and writing your typical research paper couldn't be more different. Writing a competitive application document demands a good deal of effort. however, it surely pays off. Some men and women get so involved in the facts of their CV which they don't make it rather clear they want the internship. Keep in mind, the resume shouldn't exceed one particular page. What's more, internships can be included whenever you are starting a new career. You might start to remove internships from your resume when you start to create enough work experience in your area. You should also incorporate internships when you're star ting a new career. Again, internships are equally as important to your career for a job, and that means you should not format them differently. Specify what sort of internship you did. An internship is a program that is given by means of a company to prospective employees. Finally, if your internship isn't related to the job that you are applying for, please avoid mentioning it. An appropriate internship on a resume sample can cause you to stick out from the crowd.

A navy seal shares his secrets to developing mental toughness

A navy seal shares his secrets to developing mental toughnessAre you tough enough? Regardless of your particular career aspirations, theres no denying the fact that a little mental fortitude can go a long way towards helping you achieve your career goals and find success in all facets of life. Its truemental toughness, when handled properly, helps you command respect from colleagues and peers, advocate for your point of view on projects, negotiate effectively, and will give you the confidence to know youre capable and worthy of success. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) The truth is, some of us just seem to naturally have reserves of mental toughness in abundance and at the ready whenever its needed, while others among us need a little more help. If youre the sort that can use a little guidance when it comes to mental toughness, dont worryweve got you covered.When you hear the term Navy SEAL, you automatically think toughboth physically an d mentally. After all, SEALs are the best of the best, the toughest of the tough, individuals who are hand selected to try out for this elite group. Although toughness is a extremum requirement for even being selected to try out for the SEALs, the truth is that only a very small percentage of folks in this elite group actually make it through training, and to call it a rigorous process doesnt do it justice. That said, when you meet someone whos made it through and has become a Navy SEAL, their toughness is not only a givenits an understatement. And when theyre willing to share strategies for developing mental toughness, you better listenfruchtmark Divine, a 20-year Navy SEAL veteran, recently shared his thoughts on building lasting mental strength on mindbodygreen.com. Mark is a firm believer in mind over bodythat if you set your mind to a specific goal or task theres nothing that can stop you from achieving it. He discussed 4 core tips that anyone can use for building a jupe solid mental mindset.1. Determine your purpose.In order to be able to focus your full mental energy on a specific direction in life, you first must determine what that purpose is. Divine has created the following list of helpful questions that you should ask yourself in order to determine your purpose in lifeWhat have you been conditioned to think youre supposed to do with your life?What do you think you are reallysupposed to do with your life?What do you feel you are really supposed to do with your life?Is there a tiny voice of doubt deep within you suggesting you are on the wrong track?Is that same voice nudging you forward with the sensation that you are on the right track?What ONE thing do you think you are here for? What ONE thing would you focus on if you had nothing holding you back?What would you do differently if you knew you had one year to live?These questions should be asked and answered as honestly as possible in an effort to get to your lifes purpose. Once you have a goal, i ts easy to envision yourself achieving it, and the very act of doing so can help boost your confidence and mental fortitude, allowing you to charge forward.2. Focus on yourself.Mark Divine asserts that a deep inward focus is the key to building true self-awareness in life, which ultimately leads to what he terms an unbeatable mindwhich is the foundation of mental toughness. A nuanced and multi-faceted self-awareness can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes youve made in the past, which may have kept you from achieving your goals. Divine suggests that an excellent approach for building self-awareness and an unbeatable mind is to take a few minutes each day to meditate, think inwardly, and maintain a journal. This will really allow you to connect with your true inner self and grow stronger.3. Determine your path.Once you have a purpose, born of true introspection and self-awareness, Divine suggests that you determine your path for achieving success. Most goals have multiple poss ible pathways, but the truth is that they may not all be right for you. Confronting the reality of your current situation will help you determine the fruchtwein effective path forward, which will help you flex and grow your mental muscles.4. Support your purpose with a healthy life and external support.Divine believes that a strong and healthy mind requires a strong and healthy body. A good diet and plenty of exercise are essential for constructing a rock-solid mindset, which will power you to attack your life goals. He also acknowledges that, like most things in life, having a strong support system in place can go a long way to being successful. A group of positive and like-minded friends, family, and colleagues can make all the difference as you go through life and charge forward towards the goals youve set for yourself.There you have itstrategies for building mental toughness and going after your goals from someone who really knows what it takes. Take full advantage of Mark Divin es advice on developing a strong mindset, and before long therell be no stopping you

13 Things You Should Never Say To Your Pregnant Coworker

13 Things You Should Never Say To Your Pregnant Coworker Pregnancy can be a wonderful time in a womans life, but it can also be challenging.When a woman reaches a certain point in zu sich pregnancy, its hard for zu sich to hide the fact that shes carrying a life inside herbei. You may feel the need to comment on her current condition, but beware that there are some things you should never say to your pregnant coworker.1. Whos the father? or Is the father still around?This is unacceptable for anyone to ask. Depending on the circumstances, it can be incredibly hurtful and an invasion of the mothers privacy. Even if she considers you a friend, its none of your business what she does outside of work and with whom.2. Was your pregnancy planned?Again, this is absolutely none of your business. Whether it was planned or bedrngnis, the baby is here and will be making an entrance into the world soon. The mom-to-be has a lot on her mind, including tons of worries, and if her pregnancy wasnt pla nned, she doesnt need your judgment on top of her stress.3. Are you looking forward to maternity leave?While this question may seem innocent, it can also carry a lot of hidden meaning behind it. After all, your coworker is about to go through the birthing process, followed by sleepless nights and taking care of a tiny human being who requires constant attention. Maternity leave is not like going on vacation, so dont assume shes going to be relaxing.4. What are you going to do if you dont get a boy/girl?Mothers dont have a choice when it comes to the sex of their baby. Nature decides for them. Sure, its possible they were hoping for one or the other, but that doesnt change the fact that theyre getting what theyre getting. mora than likely, no matter if they have a boy or a girl, theyre going to love it with all their hearts.5. Wow When are you due? Youre hugePregnant or not, most women are incredibly sensitive when it comes to their appearance and their weight. Throw in hormones on t op of that, and you have a recipe for disaster with this question. She knows how big shes getting. Shes reminded every day when she needs help putting on her socks or shoes, or when she cant bend over to pick things up. Dont add to her misery.6. Arent you a little old to be having a child?For the past several decades, more women have been postponing having children until they are older. This delay gives them a chance to focus on their life, education and career and to be financially stable before settling down to have a family. She probably wants to give her child every opportunity to be successful, and she might not have been able to do that before, so dont question her ability to do it now.7. Did you decide on a name?You can ask this question with the most innocent of intent, but its also a loaded gun. No matter what the woman and her spouse have decided, someone will feel compelled to weigh in about their choice. More than likely, she doesnt want to hear that opinion, so she coul d be reluctant to respond.8. Your life is going to totally change once the baby gets here.Theres no doubt that the mother-to-be is well aware of this fact. More than likely, just being pregnant has changed her life and her eating and social habits. Theres no reason to remind her that sleep and alone time are about to be a thing of the past.9. Can I feel the baby move?There seems to be this idea that once a woman gets pregnant, her body becomes public property. Family, friends and even strangers feel the need to reach out and touch her belly sometimes without asking. Even if you do ask, she might not feel comfortable telling you no, and she might be even less comfortable with your hands on her. Dont make things awkward. Just keep your hands to yourself.10. You should really do ________ during the birth.When it comes to giving birth, your coworker needs to do what makes her comfortable. The process is different for everyone, and personal preference and comfort play a huge role. Whil e your intentions of telling your pregnant coworker what she should opt for during the birthing process might be good, they are probably unwanted.11. Should you be eating/drinking that?Pregnant women are fully aware of what they can and cant eat during their pregnancy. They dont need you offering opinions about their diets. Besides, its still their bodies and their choice. You might not approve, but its not your place to say anything.12. Are you going to have more babies?Maybe you should let her worry about having the one shes carrying first If she chooses to have more children down the road, thats between her and her partner. You have no say in what they decide.13. Isnt it amazing to be pregnant?While pregnancy can be a magical time for a woman, it can also be filled with worry and other complications. Every woman experiences pregnancy differently, and its possible your coworker has had a difficult pregnancy. Since you dont know what shes going through, its best not to assume shes having an amazing time.You shouldnt be afraid to talk to your coworker during her pregnancy and ask her how shes feeling, but keep in mind some of the things you say or the questions you ask could be upsetting. If you wouldnt want someone asking you the same questions, dont ask your pregnant coworker.