Dear SafetyXChange Members:

When we leave a job, we don't always depart on the best of terms. Unfortunately, those relationships from the old company still matter even after we've moved on to the next opportunity. Like it or not, the former boss is a part of our employment record. He or she is also a potential reference. Let's talk about this ticklish situation.

Question: What Should I Do About the Old Boss Reference Dilemma?

A couple of months ago, I received the following question from an ExecuNet client.

I worked for a small Internet startup for the last 6 years and was a key person. I left rather abruptly after not being able to resolve differences with the person in charge. Unfortunately, it was one of those situations where giving adequate notice was just not an option. I actually gave them a deadline of more than a month to fix things or I would be leaving. But then things got a little nasty so I walked. Needless to say they are not real happy with me, although they have been cordial and careful to not burn any bridges just yet. I have a feeling they still think they can get me back, but when they start getting calls for references all bets might be off.

Do you have any suggestions on how to deal with this situation?

Answer: Two Issues to Address

I asked one of our ExecuNet "coaches," Louise Kursmark, a job-search expert and president of Best Impression Career Services, Inc., to tackle this one. Louise noted that there are two issues involved:

1. What Will the Reference Say About Me?

Louise recommends that you have someone pose as a potential employer and check the reference. Do this right away so that you know what's being said and there's no chance a negative reference will prevent you from being offered a job.

If what the reference says is false or slanderous, you need to take action. But, Louise says that she's not sure what you can do if the reference is negative but honest.

In any event, you will need to be 100% certain that all of your other references are exceptional. It would also be a good idea for you to find someone at your prior company who will say something great about you. This person should know the inside story and support what you have said about the company and the experience. Maybe this could be someone who also left, or a director/advisor who supported you.

Which leads to the next issue. . .

2. What Will You Say About the Reference and Your Experience?

You will probably have lots of positive things to say about your six years there, so it's the "why did you leave" question that will require the most preparation. Louise says that you need to prepare a truthful response that does not reveal confidential information, puts you in the best possible light and does not slam the people/organization you left behind. Master the art of gracefully saying something that is innocuous or positive-sounding but lets listeners know that the company made a mistake in not listening to your strategy or your concerns.

Conclusion

As a parting note, I suggest that all of you in this position continue the process of reference-checking periodically, especially as the situation evolves. You need to monitor if references who appear to be on your side change their tune as their relationship with you changes (they realize you're not coming back, they slide downhill, etc.).

Wishing you career success,

Lauryn Franzoni
ExecuNet
www.execunet.com

SUPER BOWL SECURITY

Not all of the guards at Sunday's game will be on the offensive line

Details of Sunday's Security Arrangements

By Glenn Demby

Super Bowl Sunday has become America's unofficial secular holy day. It's not just about a football game. It's about pageantry, elaborate commercials and friends elbowing each other for access to guacamole and clam dip.

This year's Super Bowl will be held in Dolphin Stadium in Miami, a building with a seating capacity of 70,000. But there'll be a heckuva lot more people than that at the game. That includes more than 3,000 security officials.

Understandably, the authorities in charge of security refuse to reveal the exact numbers or deployment details. But here are some of the things we do know about the Super Bowl security arrangements:

• Security preparations have been two years in the making;
• The security plan is more than six inches thick;
• The NFL security budget is $6 million (which, of course, doesn't include the security budget of host, Miami-Dade County);
• Remember the movie Black Sunday where terrorists hi-jacked the Goodyear Blimp at the Super Bowl. Forget it. No blimps or other flying objects (except for pre-approved military, law enforcement and medical aircraft) will be allowed within 10 miles of the stadium.
• Air Force F-16 fighter jets and Blackhawk helicopters will enforce the no-fly-zone. The fighters will intercept high speed or altitude intruders and the choppers will police the lower altitudes;
• Fans will be subject to strict security restrictions (see below for the details).

SUPER BOWL SECURITY

Colts' fans and their counterparts from Chicago will have to be on their best behavior Sunday

Stadium Rules for Fans

The following stadium rules are reprinted from the NFL's official Super Bowl website:

Safety and security of all fans is still at the forefront in preparation for Super Bowl XLI.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS CANNOT BE BROUGHT INTO DOLPHIN STADIUM:

Weapons, Knives and Explosives
Fireworks
Camcorders
Laser Lights and Pointers
Strollers
Inflatables (Beach Balls, etc.)
Throwing Objects (Footballs, etc.)
Poles or Sticks
Banners
Animals (Except Service Animals)
Noisemakers and Horns
Food and Beverages
Containers of any type:

* Coolers (of any size)
* Bottles
* Cans, Hairspray
* Camera and Binocular Cases/Tripods
* Mace / Pepper Spray
Large Bags including:
* Backpacks
* Duffel and Grocery Bags
* Luggage
Umbrellas
Laptop Computers
Additional Information

Size Requirements -- All permissible items carried by spectators must measure no more then 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches.

Cameras and Binoculars -- Small cameras and binoculars will be allowed. Camera cases and binocular cases of any size are prohibited. No spectator cameras with lenses over six inches (6") long will be permitted. Again, camcorders will be prohibited.

Electronic devices -- Spectators are strongly urged not to bring electronic devices of any sort into the Stadium. Any electronic device will be thoroughly inspected causing delays of the individual spectator, as well as other patrons. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, cellular telephones, pagers, miniature televisions and radios, and personal digital assistants (PDA's).

Prohibited items and items determined to be not appropriate for entry into the Stadium will be the responsibility of the ticket holder and cannot be accepted or checked by the NFL, Dolphin Stadium or the Miami-Dade Police Department. We urge spectators to secure these items in vehicles or hotel rooms.

The cooperation, patience and understanding of spectators is greatly appreciated by the National Football League, Dolphin Stadium and the Miami-Dade Police Department. The cooperation of all spectators will greatly aid in the level of security provided to all in attendance at these events.

Security screening on gameday begins at 11:00 a.m. (at the NFLX experience entrance only) and 2:00 p.m. at all other entrances. Please come early to avoid delays and to expedite the entrance of all spectators.

SUPER BOWL PREDICTION

Devon Hester of the Bears will be Super Bowl MVP

By Glenn Demby

Bears 33
Colts 24

Devon Hester, the Chicago defensive back who returns kicks and punts will score at least one touchdown and be named the game's MVP.

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