We were there... what about you?

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No 1.  Appreciation

I listed the 7 aspects in an earlier blog entry and now I'll talk about the first of them, Appreciation.  Apparently it's one of the primary things a workers looks for in order to be happy at work.  Sounds simple, easy even.  All a manager needs to do is show a little appreciation.  How much does that cost I wonder???  Hmmm.  Not much.  In fact, NOTHING AT ALL. 

"What do you mean?" I hear you ask. 

Appreciation is as simple as a pat on the back.  Some feedback about a job well done or in recognition of working back or completing a difficult (or unpleasant) task.  Or even for just completing a task.   Like children the trick to feedback is not telling them everything they do wrong but catching them doing the right things and telling them that.  Try it for yourself.

I ran an interesting exercise in a workshop recently where participants had to give each other positive feedback.  Apparently we Australians are pretty uncomfortable both giving and recieving positive feedback.  Is it that uncommon that it makes us uncomfortable?  I know there's a culture pressure not to 'blow your own trumpet' and maybe it's even the 'tall poppy syndrome' in another guise.  Whatever the reason it's time to get over it.  I know some simple praise goes a long way to making me feel better about myself, my work and my contributions.  What about you? 

Here's the drill.  Pay it forward.  Go out there and give as much positive (genuine) feedback as you can.  You'll feel better for having done it and who know's, hopefully it will come full circle and someone will praise you. 

I'll start.  Thank you for having the courage and the curiosity to think about how you can make your work more meaningful and rewarding by visiting this blog.  You let me know that what I do has value.  Thanks. 

Are You Ready to Discover, Develop, and Live Your Passion?

1. ____ I feel less than completely satisfied with my life.
2. ____ I do not feel that I am doing my best or achieving the most I can.
3. ____ I do not feel excited about my day-to-day activities.
4. ____ I often feel stuck or unable to change my current situation.
5. ____ I am not sure what I want to do with my life.
6. ____ I don't remember or know what really excites me.
7. ____ I wish I had more time to do the things that make me happy.
8. ____ I often feel reluctant or uninspired when going about my daily routines.
9. ____ I would like to pursue new or unexplored interests.
10. ____ I am apathetic or uncertain about my future.

It's a fact.  You can't keep everyone happy. 

Ever noticed for example, individuals' responses to air conditioning temperature in a workplace?  One person will be too cold and another will be too hot.

It's a simple fact of life that we're all different.  So, whatever it is that you do, don't do it expecting to be able to keep everyone happy.  This is expecially true in workplaces.  While I believe that we should try to meet peoples various needs, sometimes the fit between the individual needs and the organisational needs, or the group needs for that matter, is never going to be ideal.  And to try and make it will compromise your objectives or capacity in other spaces. 

What to do about it?  Look for compromises wherever possible but don't tie yourself in knots trying to second guess everyone.  Honest, frank and open discussion of the issues is the best way to explore mutually beneficial outcomes.  Just make sure you do it in a respectful way is all.

Remember, your outcomes are often measured against your expectations.  What are your expectations and are they realistic.  This does not mean you can't go for it and aim high.  It's just that aiming high is not always synomonous with keeping everyone happy

40 tips to a better 2008!!

40 Tips for A Better Life In 2008



1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is

the ultimate anti-depressant.



2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.



3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.



4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today.'



5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.



6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.



7. Make time to practice meditation, and prayer.

They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.



8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.



9. Dream more while you are awake.



10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that

is manufactured in plants.



11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan

salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.



12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.



13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and

flowing energy into your life.



14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past,

negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your

energy in the positive present moment.



15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems

are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra

class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.



16. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a

college kid with a maxed out charge card.



17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away.



18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.



19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.



20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.



21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.



22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.



23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their

journey is all about.



24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.



25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years,

will this matter?'



26. Forgive everyone for everything.



27. What other people think of you is none of your business.



28. Remember time heals everything.



29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.



30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends

will. Stay in touch.



31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.



32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.



33. The best is yet to come.



34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.



35. Do the right thing!



36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)



37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I

am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.



38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.



39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.



40. Please ensure you share this with everyone you care aboue.  I just did.