Summarize the following:
Start by taking off any cushions you can to make the couch easier to paint. In addition, tape off any areas that you don't want covered in paint, such as wooden legs. Use painters tape to tape off these areas.  Keep in mind that you can also do things like pull off the couch skirt to give the couch a different look.  Repair any major cracks with glue made for leather or a patch. Other people have had luck using E6000 glue. You will need to sand any repair you make so it is smooth for painting. One way to help keep the paint supple and smooth is to create thin layers, particularly if you're using a paint you made yourself. The thin layers will help keep the paint from cracking, as well. Of course, that means more work overall, but the end result will be better. Don't gob large amounts of the paint on the couch at a time. Create very thin, quick-drying layers. It will take a number of layers to get your couch covered with paint, so be patient. Start with three layers, but you may need as many as six layers to get the couch covered, along with a bit of touch up. Let the sofa dry completely between coats. The paint should be dry to the touch and not have any shiny spots. As you paint the couch, alternate the way you are painting. That is, on one coat, make your strokes go in one direction. On the next coat, make your strokes go perpendicular to the first layer. This process creates a smoother, stronger surface. Some people find a circular motion works better. Test your pattern in an inconspicuous place first before applying it to the whole couch. Once you have the paint on how you'd like, just leave it alone. Let it set for at least two days before you try anything else on it. In fact, do not touch it or move the leather around. Just let it be so the paint has a chance to cure. Some paints can leave the top feeling rough, particularly if they're not made for leather. To alleviate this problem, sand down the paint once it has set. Start with rougher sandpaper and work down to finer paper. Use your hand to decide when the paint is the right texture. Wipe or vacuum any dust that collects as you sand. In some cases, a finish can be helpful. For most leather paints, a finish is necessary. Choose from high gloss, semi-gloss, or matte, depending on the look you want for your couch. Apply a layer of the gloss at the end of the project. Some people find that using wax over a homemade paint can add durability and shine. However, it's not absolutely necessary.

summary: Prepare the couch for painting. Layer thin coats. Use three or four layers. Alternate directions. Let it cure. Sand the paint if needed. Try a finish.


Summarize the following:
A stressful home life, medical problems, or personal issues could be making them feel frustrated or sad. Check in periodically with your employees. Ask them thoughtful, open-ended questions about their lives to see what may be causing their negativity.  It’s good to ask these questions in a casual setting, such as by the coffee machine or in the lunch room. For example, you might ask, “How is your family doing?” or “How have you been doing recently?” If the employee does not want to talk about their personal life, do not push the issue. Just say, “I understand.” You might talk to them about less personal subjects, such as television, sports, or weather. If you acknowledge your employee's accomplishments, they will have more pride in their work. Let them know that you are proud of their work. This will help reinforce positive behaviors in the workplace.  For example, if Marla recently completed a big project, you can say, “Great job on this project! You did really well getting this out to us quickly.” Be specific with your feedback. For example, you might say, "You saved us so much money this quarter after finding that error in the books. We really appreciate having you here." In many cases, people may feel as though their work is worthless. To give your employees a sense of purpose, remind them of how important their work is to their coworkers, team, and company.  For example, you might say, “Thank you for completing these reports. I know they’re tedious, but they help everyone get the information they need more quickly.” You can also say something like, "We would not have been able to complete this project without you." Even if you think the change will be a positive one, asking your employees about their opinions helps them feel as though they have a say in their workplace. Consider implementing their feedback if possible.  Open-ended questions are best, as they will help you get more honest feedback. For example, you might say, “We’re thinking of making some changes to the breakroom. What would you like to see there?” For decisions that come from higher up, give your employees plenty of warning if possible. You might say, “Senior management is thinking of extending work hours during the holiday season. What concerns might you have about this?” Never dismiss their problem, even if it comes from a very negative employee. Occasionally, take the chance to repeat what they are saying back to them. This will reinforce that you hear and understand their frustrations.  For example, you might say, “What I am hearing is that you are upset that IT ignores your broken computer. Is that correct?” Seriously consider all suggestions. Instead of saying, “no, we can’t do that,” you might say, “Let me think about it and get back to you” or “yes, we might be able to do that.” Ignoring problems does not make them go away, and it can worsen negativity in the office. Your employees will feel better about their work if they think that their concerns are taken seriously.
summary: Ask your employees about their life outside of work. Praise the employee when they do a good job. Tell employees how they contribute to the success of the company. Solicit feedback from your employees before making changes. Listen actively to your employees when they discuss a problem.