No Dress Rehearsal!

Maybe our workplaces have been in “dress rehearsal” mode for the past couple of years…think about it! The run of a very successful show came to an end (with the recession) and the preparation for a new show (the upturn) now brings change and a “new normal” - new scripts, new roles, a change in directors/producers, renewed focus on advanced ticket sales, realigning budgets, and, above all, working the new and existing cast members very hard – all in anticipation of another opening night and successful run!
Will the cast’s “top performers” stay if they are not led and directed effectively? Asked to play too many roles without the proper training or sufficient number of supporting cast members? Will patrons (customers) continue to buy tickets and refer others if the box office delivers poor service or is closed most of the time due to budget cuts? I think not!
We’re hearing more about the early stages and signs of an economic recovery. One sign of better economic times is when more people start finding jobs. Another is when they feel confident enough to quit their current job - yes, I said quit!
Take a look at some recent findings!
• According to numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the quits rate — defined as the percentage of people who have voluntarily left their jobs — has crept steadily upward in private industry over the past year. In April 2010, nearly 2.1 million people voluntarily left their jobs, up dramatically from just the prior month, when 1.5 million quit.
• Recent data from the Kenexa Research Institute's WorkTrends database, an annual survey of approximately 11,000 workers, the global rating of leadership effectiveness is 51 percent. Indian and Brazilian workers reported the highest ratings (69 percent and 59 percent, respectively) followed by workers in the United States (54 percent).
• Another survey published in the May edition of the Harvard Business Review, about 25 percent of companies’ top employees said they plan to leave their current job with a year. The survey questioned 20,000 workers who were identified as “high potential” by their employers.

Think about your answers to the following questions…
 Can your organization afford to loose you or even one of their top 25% now that we’ve come through the worst?
 How have survivor syndrome (doing more with less) and the lack of positive, effective leaders/managers affected performance, results, and growth – personally and organization-wide?
 How has the pull back of training dollars for essential skill-building, leadership and professional development programs affected long-term, sustainable growth – employee attraction and retention at all levels, market share, and bottom-line results?
 Have we cut back too far? Have we been and continuing to be “penny-wise and pound-foolish?”

The Bottom-Line: Leaders and managers, listen up! You have the power to create a workplace environment that will attract top talent, drive engagement and boost retention. There is a direct link to improved results, higher bottom-line performance, earnings per share and total shareholder return. It’s proven!
Ever looking at the bright side, I see good news in all of this! It’s time to turn up the dimmer switch once again! The “new normal” brings opportunities for all organizations at all levels – it’s time to rebalance and reprioritize – Now! This is “no dress rehearsal!”

• Employees - the #1 asset of any organization - have realized their potential, are willing to invest in themselves and work hard; they will expect more from their employers regarding professional development and career opportunities.
• Managers/Leaders – All Employers will hopefully realize they need to invest in the future of their organizations by reallocating budget dollars for leadership and professional development programs and motivational conferences – for all levels of employees.
• People Looking for New Jobs have worked very hard at getting ready for the upturn! They have re-invested in themselves - created a re-freshed life/career plan; re-built core and technical skills, and more…As others choose to move on, let’s open the doors and windows of new opportunity to these “employees-in-waiting.”

The road to results is through our employees! Having the right people in the right jobs at the right time…This is no dress rehearsal! The show must go on…Now!
Need help? Let’s talk “P2P!”

A Positive Workplace Means Business! It Just Makes Cent$!®

The Master Switch

Last month, I discussed the real issues and warning signs that arise from circuit overload - burnout and meltdown – like poor morale, disengagement, disloyalty, and poor productivity in the workplace.
This month’s focus will be on some of the “how to’s” that will help to stabilize the Master Switch (YOU), build healthy circuits and bring more positive energy to your (personal and work) life!
First and foremost, we need to be aware of the changes in our own attitude and behavior and then practice self-management. If we are people managers, before we can help our employees, we need to be in “power surge” mode ourselves!
Here are five basic attitude and circuit stabilizers that I find very helpful! Hope they help you to “reconnect” and turn up your dimmer switch a few notches! Rather than internalize negative toxic feelings or thoughts…

1. Write it Out! Research shows that expressive writing improves the immune system and mood. It reduces blood pressure, pain, and survivor syndrome/post-traumatic symptoms. Try to write in a private journal (hard copy or online) for about fifteen minutes a day.
2. Talk it Out! Talking to a trusted friend or colleague (or professional counselor) is a great way to regain your perspective and diminish the “power drain” feeling.
3. Time it Out! Step away from your work station and take time to refresh your spirit. Go for a walk or find a quiet place to sit quietly or meditate – even if just for a short while.
4. Exercise it Out! Get your heart rate up with some fast walking or other form of exercise. Even just 10 minutes will give you a rejuvenating “power surge!”
5. Ask it Out! Ask yourself, “What is bothering me?” Wait for an answer to appear in your mind. Then ask, “But, what is really bothering me?” Keep on repeating this question, and in the end you will get to the heart of the issue. We rebound a lot quicker if we face what is really troubling us.
Remember…Now more than ever, we need to stay “connected” in a positive way, and I don’t mean “T2T” - always using technology! Focusing on the ever-important “P2P” (people-to-people) relationships – will build trust, understanding, and loyalty – all of which lead to happier people/employees, a more productive work (and home) environment, and a healthier bottom line.
Next month’s focus will be on some critical “how to’s” for managers. What we can do to avert employee burnout, reconnect spirits, build healthy circuits and bring more positive energy to our workplaces!
Remember...A Positive Workplace Means Business! It Just Makes Cent$!®

Are Your Circuits Overloaded?

Did you know that we are exposed to almost 16 thousand bits of information each day? This includes messages from other people, the computer, television, radio, and from what we read, study, or even pass by on our way to work, school, errands, etc. Zap! Yikes! Many of these messages we have little to no control over, but, collectively, they can contribute to big time burnout or meltdown…circuit overload!

We all know the cost to family life and organizations can be staggering!
Many of today’s organizations have workplace wellness programs and are beginning to tune in and better understand how “survivor syndrome” is affecting their cultures and bottom line results. The issues that arise from circuit overload - burnout, overload, and meltdown – like poor morale, disengagement, disloyalty, poor productivity – are real and can be managed! First and foremost, we need to be aware of the changes in our own attitude and behavior and then practice self-management. If we are people managers, before we can help our employees, we need to be in “power surge” mode ourselves.

So, turn up your dimmer switch! Do you know the warning signs of burnout, overload and meltdown?
 Feeling moody – a prevailing sadness and gloomy feeling.
 Decision making is difficult – seems impossible to make big life changes; even small decisions are harder than ever to make.
 Irritable is your middle name – low-grade anger and resentment or stress makes you prone to snapping and sniping at others over petty things.
 Relax – not! Your body feels tense, and as much as you try, you can’t seem to relax. Going to sleep is difficult and you probably wake up and worry in the wee hours.
 On-going colds or other maladies – Your body is run-down and you tend to pick up colds or other infections like a magnet.
 Low power or no power – no matter how much you rest, you feel exhausted, depleted, and energy-sapped.
 Eating habits change – overeating or loss of appetite – either is a sign of trouble.

If you or your employee(s) are experiencing even just two or three of these warning signs, getting back on track is possible with some positive action that builds healthy circuits. If more than three are apparent, please seek assistance…sooner than later…before the circuits blow!

Now more than ever, managers and employees need to stay “connected” in a positive way, and I don’t mean “T2T” - always using technology! Focusing on the ever-important “P2P” (people-to-people) relationships – will build trust, understanding, and loyalty – all of which lead to happier people/employees, a more productive work (and home) environment, and a healthier bottom line.

What are you doing to build and stabilize healthy circuits and bring more positive energy to your life and to your workplace?

Light-en Up!

Happy Spring everyone! It’s so good to finally see the daylight well into the evening hours! It’s time again to shed our winter gear and Light-en Up and Power–Up in attitude and spirit.

There is still much uncertainty out there as we turn the corner of this recession. We don’t have much control over what’s happening in the economy or job market, so remember – we can’t rule the world, but we can control our piece of it! Amid all the doom and gloom, uncertainty is the enemy of the heart. We have the power to not just survive, but thrive…in spite of it all! Even though we all get thrown off track now and again, imbalance can lead to change and empowerment -- with the right attitude, power source and light guiding us!

Are you experiencing a time of black out, brown out, or period of low power? Increase your wattage by (re)focusing your energy and on your personal journey… and no one elses. It’s important to make decisions and choices that are right for you, to set boundaries, and walk thru fear to courage. Generosity is a wonderful thing, but not when it comes to our personal power!

In the world of “P2P” (people-to-people) let’s not forget – the #1 Relationship to get right is with YOURSELF, first and foremost.

So, keep your power -- over our attitudes, thoughts, and behavior – and get ready for the upturn… It’s coming!

Power-Up and Light-en Up! Let your light shine – at home, at work and wherever you go! Be the wonderful, authentic you…The only you that will ever exist! Watch what happens!

OK, all together now, here’s a quick power surge for you… Sing it or hum it with me, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine...”

Barry Eva's "A Book and A Chat" Blog Radio Show

I had the great pleasure to be the guest author on Barry Eva's (Storyheart) blog radio show, "A Book and A Chat," last night. Barry and I met last fall while manning the CAPA booth at the Big E. We had a great conversation that day and picked it right up again last night. He's a terrific author, radio personality, and, most importantly, great human being!

Thanks, Barry, it was great fun! Here's the link to Barry's site. http://abookandachat.blogspot.com/

The chat can also be found on my website, www.posimpact.net - Have a listen! Enjoy!

Happy New Year! Are You Bouncing Back?

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s hard to believe that we’re beginning our fourth year of Positive Impact! As I’ve traveled around doing my thing these past few years, so many people have asked me how I stay so upbeat and positive! Everyone goes through tough times, and I’m no exception. We’ve all had our share, especially these past couple of years. How we navigate them and “bounce back” is critical to surviving and thriving… personally and professionally.

To help you to stay on track or to “bounce back” this year, I’m happy to launch a new format for my newsletters this year that will include some of my personal navigation tips – words of wisdom, reflections, affirmations, articles and practical advice – that have helped me to focus on the positive and continue moving forward over the years.

Check out my website, www.posimpact.net, for the January edition, "Bouncing Back..."

Here’s to 2010 and new beginnings! Enjoy!