tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64961144222367218342024-03-14T05:46:01.872-02:30Company OMA blog about raising the consciousness of organizations.GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-26745542744839349662015-11-02T13:01:00.002-03:302015-11-02T13:01:27.619-03:30How to Become a Mindful Leader<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever read Robin Sharma's book, <a href="http://theleaderwhohadnotitle.com/" target="_blank">"The Leader Who Had No Title"</a>? It demonstrates that everyone is a leader and can change the world they live and work in with their own leadership. I loved the book because I have always said the same thing. We are all leaders. <br />
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I think Mindful Leadership is similar to that. It's about leading your self first. You cannot inspire or influence others without doing that. "Be the change you wish to see in the world," Mahatma Gandhi said. And once you get the hang of leading yourself, you begin to be able to relate to others better because mindfulness is the foundation for emotional intelligence. You begin to experience the ripple effect. Your shifts will impact others. You will inspire... and influence. And that is leadership.<br />
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In most mindful leadership training, you don't learn traditional leadership theories and models. The learning can be very different for each participant. You are given tools, practices, and thoughts to reflect on so that you can be on your own personal leadership journey. Mindful leadership training can help you become a more compassionate person - hence a more compassionate leader. It is an excellent way to augment other leadership training and skills, but it is not the same.<br />
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In my programs, some participants spend the full program learning how to calm their chattering mind in order to find focus, while others learn how to respond to anger differently... others learn how to cultivate space to be more creative, and others learn how to be patient. Some have learned how to relate to their colleagues in a way that nurtures respect, openness, compassion, and creative problem solving. Some have reduced stress and simplified their lives. Some have noticed positive changes in their work habits. And others know they've shifted, feel more content, work with more ease, and can't quite explain what has happened. It is not a one size fits all approach, either. Each session facilitated, each person coached, requires a different approach and brings a different outcome. It is very much YOUR own program. I give you tools and coaching. You create whatever you need or want to create.<br />
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I think I love helping people be mindful leaders because I am on my journey to be the best mindful leader I can be. When I led a team of people in the workplace, I did not know what mindfulness was exactly, but I definitely tried my best to lead with compassion, and I know it made a difference. My team was engaged, committed, creative, and supportive of each other and demonstrated superb customer service. Other team leaders tried to emulate what we had because we were definitely successful. There are a variety of reasons for that, of course, but I believe one important contributing factor was that we cultivated a team of mindful leaders.<br />
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Being the change you wish to see sounds so easy. But we get caught up in old habitual patterns of beliefs and behaviours. Fear gets in our way. Resistance to change occurs. We may have all this intellectual knowledge that being a mindful person and leader is a good thing... but we fall off the path. Many times, that results in self-hatred or fear - whether it is conscious or not. And we spiral back down towards self-defeating behaviours... which are not exactly inspirational to others.<br />
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That is why mindful leadership is a practice... and not necessarily a smooth one. It really helps to have a supportive group that is also practicing. Being able to share your successes and failures on this path without judgment can give you the grounding you need to keep it up, face the fears that arise, and help you be accountable for the shifts you wish to make.<br />
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If you would like to improve your mindful leadership abilities, organize a group of people that also want the same... it can be 2 people or 10 people - size doesn't matter. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1513532708967942/" target="_blank">Get educated on what mindful leadership is all about</a>. Practice. Begin by <a href="http://companyom.podbean.com/e/3-minute-meditation/" target="_blank">meditating</a> a few times to notice any shifts when you calm your mind. Discuss your experiences. Support each other. And laugh. Be kind to yourself and others. Taking on a mindfulness practice (which is what mindful leadership is all about) uncovers truths about ourselves that sometimes we don't like. Learning compassion is essential for our wellness - which is critical for excellence in leadership.<br />
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Start here... BE MINDFUL.<br />
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<i>For more information about Tina's next Mindful Leadership Workshop, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1513532708967942/" target="_blank">Facebook event page</a> or email her at <a href="mailto:tina@pomroy.ca">tina@pomroy.ca</a>. If you are interested in Mindful Leadership workshop, program, or coaching for you or your team, connect with Tina at <a href="mailto:tina@pomroy.ca">tina@pomroy.ca</a>. </i></div>
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-70914350386271538232015-10-07T10:46:00.001-02:302015-10-07T10:46:20.916-02:30How to Overcome Feeling Unsupported In Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently, I have been invited to and included in several groups which have the purpose to support each other in the group. A few years ago, when I began my business, I searched for supportive groups like these. I joined them. And I felt completely UNsupported.<br />
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Three years in my business and I am finally feeling supported. But it has nothing to do with others supporting me.<br />
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Before I became an entrepreneur, I was used to being part of a team... being part of an organization. I discussed ideas and possible solutions to challenges with my colleagues. As a solopreneur, one has oneself. As an entrepreneur with a team, there is still hesitation to be fully transparent with the team. As a result, many times, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs feel very a.l.o.n.e. Yet we often want to just talk things out... exchange ideas... work with others to do something bigger and better.<br />
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So we reach out to groups and sometimes partners to help us feel included and not so alone.<br />
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I continued to feel unsupported even though I put effort into reaching out. People who I wanted to support me, and whom I thought wanted to support me, supported others... partnered with others... became friends with others. I felt left out. Excluded. Alone. At times, I thought there was something wrong with me. My mindfulness practice helped me, and I can honestly say, I'm more resilient now than ever!<br />
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Then one day, during meditation I'm sure, something clicked. I teach mindfulness and leadership, but let me tell you, I still need my own coach and practice:) These people probably did support me. I mean, what was I expecting from them anyway? Oh... well... I wanted friends. I wanted fun. I wanted colleagues. But, that is probably not what they were seeking. I had expectations. And, of course, when you have expectations, you will be disappointed.<br />
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So I began shifting my mind every time I felt unsupported. Instead of getting all wound up about why they wouldn't support me... I started focusing on what I truly wanted and I stoked my own fire. My own vision. When a partnership did not work, it was probably because the other person was not aligned with what I truly wanted. I had to come to terms with the fact that my business partners and supporters are not necessarily my friends. It does not mean I'm not friends with lots of people I do business with... but in order to have true business support, I need to follow my business vision. And I need to let go of those that do not support me. That also does not mean not be friends with those that do not support my business. That means, do not involve myself with the idea that they do not support me. Carry on. Do my business. Mind my own business. Just like my business tagline says... <i>mind your business</i>.<br />
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True, not everyone supports my business vision. One lady told me there were too many other people doing what I want to do so why bother. This was someone from an organization that helps business owners. At first, I did feel deflated. And if it was a year ago, I would have decided to not pursue what I wanted. Within a few days of that meeting, though, I had a second person in a few months ask me if I'm going to hold a retreat. <br />
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I've been dreaming of holding retreats as part of my business for about 20 years. I found the fire in my belly that entrepreneurs absolutely need in order to survive.... and I began planning my retreat. And it's happening November 20-22, 2015! I have people signing up for it. I have people interested in attending another one.<br />
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I finally feel supported. But, I am supporting myself. I am revisiting what fuels my inner fire both personally and in business. It may sound woo-woo to some... but it is what success is built from. It is how we build resilience.<br />
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In order to truly feel supported, I began doing what I love to do again. For me, that included activities like running, hula hooping, dancing, paying attention to friendships, playing music, being in nature. We often create busy lives and stop filling our tanks with fuel... when the fire goes out, so does our aliveness. Of course we will feel unsupported in business if we feel unsupported in life. <br />
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And guess what? As I live my own life... as I fuel my own fire... as I focus on what is important to me... I am gaining friendships and support in ways I was not before. Your fuel may be different than mine. It IS different. And that's why I created this upcoming retreat, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1074709052573647/" target="_blank">"Unleash Your Creative Spirit"</a>. It is a retreat to find that fire in your belly... so that you can be alive in life and work.<br />
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The answer to finding support is to stop seeking it. Do what brings you joy. Of course I still have to do paperwork that I don't like. But the end result brings me joy. My vision stays in my mind. A dimming fire is a sign I'm going off track. Sometimes I simply need to meditate. Sometimes I need to revisit the big picture and make different plans. Sometimes I need a kick in the you-know-what from my coach. But the support is always initiated from me.<br />
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The whole world is actually supporting me. But without me supporting me, it doesn't matter... I won't feel it. Entrepreneurs and solopreneurs need to self-support so they can feel the support from the world. Do what YOU need. Mind your business...<br />
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<i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1074709052573647/" target="_blank">Click here for information about my retreat "Unleash Your Creative Spirit".</a></b></i></div>
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-56437579808619474422015-04-20T15:30:00.000-02:302015-04-20T15:30:15.059-02:30Tired of Talking: Leadership Means Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been talking about Human Resources Management and Leadership for as long as I have had a career. It all began in the late 1990s, when I was a Junior Business Consultant full of 'piss and vinegar'. <br />
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Back then, I wanted to change my workplace. I had a great leader who believed in me and encouraged my enthusiasm. We spoke about what Human Resources was really about (I called it Human Relations) and he gave me opportunities to be involved with organizations that were in the midst of change and better leadership (I worked with a business consulting organization). He allowed me to design and implement new HR programs in our workplace. I thought I knew a lot - I didn't really:) I learned a lot. But the one thing that has not changed since is my idea about what environment is required for successful business.<br />
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From there, I pursued a variety of HR and leadership activities and roles. I advocated for more people centered HR programming. I know... sounds crazy that we'd need more people centred activities for an activity that is all. about. people. But, as you know, HR in a traditional sense is about processes and policies. In the early 2000s, we were talking about the looming labour shortage. By 2010, the shortage was here and growing. Across Canada and the U.S. all the talk was about how low employee engagement was and how difficult it was to attract and retain talent.<br />
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Has it changed? Not really. It is still all the talk.<br />
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I was on a mission to expand the mindset of business and HR leaders and prove that caring and authenticity... transparency and compassion... were where it was at for leadership. I led a successful program that brought all of these ideas into helping businesses transform their businesses by changing the face of HR Management. When I left that role, I continued to talk and advocate for business success coming from authentic leadership.<br />
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Over the years, I have met others doing the same. And in recent years, a lot of people are talking about this stuff. Which is excellent. I love it. <br />
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But here's the catch. Leadership hasn't really changed. I have worked with some great entrepreneurs who have the mindset and take the actions necessary to lead this way. But, I have also worked with or spoken with organizations that do not walk the talk. They want it. They say they want it. But they are stuck. Or afraid. Or unsure. <br />
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Because of this, and probably my own sense of unsureness and fear, I have cautiously talked about the absolute need for leaders to show their human side and be completely authentic if they want to see true success... if they want to have engaged employees... if they want creativity and cohesion in their workplaces. I have been tentative about sharing what I know to be true. <br />
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Mindful leadership is about being confident. Knowing when you are wrong... and being open to change... but being confident about what you know to be true.<br />
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I got tired of talking and have seriously practiced my own mindful leadership skills. I'm tired of leaders talking. If you want an engaged, creative, solution oriented, productive, effective workforce... you. must. be. that. kind. of. leader. And to be that kind of leader... you must be self aware first.<br />
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Period.<br />
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Until our leaders 'get' that, we will continue to have engagement, retention, and attraction problems. The 2014 Gallup Workplace Survey states that "There are low levels of highly engaged workers, and close to a quarter of employees are disengaged. More than ever, it is essential for companies to understand the factors that drive sustainable engagement." Previous surveys reported similar 'revelations'.<br />
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When will our leaders get tired of talking and begin walking?<br />
<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-35730337004188038722015-04-14T10:12:00.000-02:302015-04-14T10:12:41.843-02:30Why Presence and Compassion are Critical for Business Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Your business would not exist without your customers. You need sales. Even if you are a non-profit or a charity, you need funding and you are serving someone.<div>
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When I go to a coffee shop and receive a smile, a friendly comment, an awareness that I'm a regular, or a smilie face on my coffee cup, I tell people. I return to that coffee shop because I enjoy the experience. I become a repeat and cheerleader customer.</div>
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When I call a service company and the customer service representative is cheerful, listens to my issues, takes time to explain things I may not understand, and has a few light comments - even if it's about the weather - I am more willing to accept their processes and work together to find a solution.</div>
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However, when I go to a coffee shop and the barista does not smile and they are too busy to look at me or notice that I'm smiling at them, I'm inclined to not return to so often, and I'm certainly not talking about the exceptional service I received.</div>
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When I call a service company and the customer service representative is impatient, self-righteous, inattentive to my issues, unpleasant, or even rude, I'm more inclined to feel resistance building and not want to cooperate with protocol or required procedures. </div>
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We all know this stuff. When we are the customer, we want exceptional service and we know it makes sense for business and everyone involved.</div>
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Why then, do we receive so much poor service? </div>
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Difficulties, challenges, and changes occur all the time in business. Employees are affected. When the culture of the business is to just do business, employees will just do their job. In fact, when there is no attention given to them as human beings, some employees will do less than their job. When the culture of the business is to give attention to concerns, be patient when learning needs to occur, have compassion for personal and professional challenges, celebrate individual successes, and be truly interested in each employee - authentically - your employees will be more present and compassionate with your customers.</div>
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And then your customers will return. And talk about their positive experience with others - sending more customers your way. </div>
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Additionally, when you and your employees are present and compassionate, misunderstandings and resistance can decrease, increasing efficiencies.</div>
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Give your employees your attention. Be present with them. Take time to sit and listen. Ask questions. Make it part of your regular routine. Don't do anything else while you are talking with them. Be compassionate to their concerns. Find your human side and bring it. Allow your employees to be compassionate to each other's concerns. Watch what happens when your culture becomes more human. </div>
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Being more human and personal at work actually can improve business. Your employees follow your lead. Be more present and compassionate with them, and they will be more present and compassionate with each other and your customers.</div>
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GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-33250069175776465412015-04-08T10:17:00.001-02:302015-04-08T10:17:56.599-02:30Why Saying No Is Important for Your Career or Business<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Business leaders - whether they are team leaders, project managers, c-suite executives, or entrepreneurs - have a lot on their plate. They often need to bring work home. It is expected that they work late, arrive early, and answer their phone and emails on the weekend. It is expected that they will say yes to every request from their seniors or clients or colleagues.<br />
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This behaviour has known to help a leader build their career. It demonstrates their commitment and work ethic. It tells current and future bosses they are willing to put in the hours and they are dedicated to the organization. It is necessary to move forward in one's career.<br />
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Really?<br />
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We know that you hit a wall after so many hours of work and then your productivity declines. We know that work-life 'balance' is important. We know that overworking on a continuous basis is unhealthy and can lead to all kinds of health problems. We know that workaholic tendencies lead to higher levels of stress and being on autopilot, which leads to errors in judgement, mistakes, and reacting (sometimes in anger or frustration) rather than responding with thought.<br />
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We also know that breaks are important for clearing our mind and being innovative and creative. We know that in order to effectively problem solve, we need a calm mind. We know that time away from work, no matter how much we love our work, is good for our health, our souls, and our organizations. We are more productive when we take time off and take regular breaks from work.<br />
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So why do so many people work so many hours?<br />
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When I have this discussion with business leaders, they mostly tell me that they have too much work to do. They enjoy the work they do. They like working with their colleagues. They often like the organization they work with and the industry they work in. But there is just so much work to be done and they have a responsibility. It is part of their job. They desire a positive performance 'review' (more on that later). If they do not get the work done, they will be held responsible... could lose out on a work opportunity... could taint their reputation... could be fired.<br />
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Phew! That's a lot of fear going on. It's exhausting.<br />
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Add to all that - they do desire to take more breaks, to have weekends free to do the things they enjoy with the people they love, to not have so much work to do, to have the mind space to problem solve creatively, and to be more productive. But they do not see how they can do that and also have the career path they desire.<br />
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So they choose the career or business.<br />
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Sometimes they tell themselves, "This is temporary." "I will have all that I desire once I reach a certain goal." "I feel fine. I love the work. I am not unbalanced. When I feel unbalanced, I will stop working so much." But that time often doesn't come. The work piles on more and more and the leader's 'free time' becomes less and less.<br />
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So what can a business leader do?<br />
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Awareness is the first step. Taking stock of how you are working and living and realizing that you work too much (if that is the case) is the first step. Realizing the real reason for saying yes to so much will help to say no in the future - because we often say yes in order to try to control what other people think of us. Trying to control what others think of us will never make us happy or content or successful. It is a waste of your time and energy.<br />
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Once you are aware that you are working too much to have the life you want, ask yourself these questions:<br />
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<li>Do I want to change? </li>
<li>Why do I want to change?</li>
<li>What do I not want and what do I want?</li>
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Once you have all of that done (coaching helps move through this process:), it is time to start saying no. Say no to your bosses. Say no to your colleagues. Say no to potential partnerships. Say no to employees (yes, they put the work on you too when you do not use a leadership approach to inspire, influence, and teach). Say no to committees. Say no to boards. Say no to that extra piece of work.<br />
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<b>BUT.... only if it makes sense for you. Realizing what you do not want as well as what you do want is important in order to know if saying no makes sense for you. </b>What you want and do not want includes the entire 'wheel of life'... so it includes things like finances, social/leisure activities, family, career/vocation, physical health, mental wellness, emotional well-being, spirituality, and physical environment.<br />
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There are times to say yes. Those times include when the request is aligned with the team/organizational vision and goals; aligned with your vision and goals; will impact something important; will use your strengths and provide an opportunity to demonstrate them; and will build relationships that align with the work and life you want. <br />
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Do not say yes to please others or because you are afraid of what they will think of you if you say no. That results in being overworked, stressed, and not only unproductive, but it could lead to errors and deteriorating relationships. It can lead to dissatisfaction and discontentment. It could lead to disengagement. If you are a leader, this will NOT result in progressing your career or business.<br />
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It is OK to work hard and even work extra hours. But if is not aligned with what you want holistically in your life and career or business, it will drain you and could lead to wellness issues or a decline in passion.<br />
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Know when to say no. Then, when you say no, you will do so with mindfulness and intention. It will not be a knee jerk reaction that may cause the person making the request to see you in a negative light. Rather, that person making the request will probably admire your integrity and leadership - and may be inspired to do the same.<br />
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Now, <i>that's </i>a way to progress your business and career.<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-11465886561964312932015-03-25T10:36:00.000-02:302015-03-25T10:36:30.683-02:30Why Entrepreneurs Need a Coach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhEJBAM_p_XXU8yMgnTHir8tiw79zvK9X-T0gL8s-g3JC1qz8qHUVuhUWLCY_-ib5Z4NxMtx068AIWibNxpvBO4QLbwde_sTH0KvbFQKOSMcv_YnZdLkbzLVnwq4PcZkLQST7ZsvfvixT/s1600/excited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhEJBAM_p_XXU8yMgnTHir8tiw79zvK9X-T0gL8s-g3JC1qz8qHUVuhUWLCY_-ib5Z4NxMtx068AIWibNxpvBO4QLbwde_sTH0KvbFQKOSMcv_YnZdLkbzLVnwq4PcZkLQST7ZsvfvixT/s1600/excited.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></div>
Let's face it, entrepreneurs can be wild about their dreams. <br />
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Yes, indeed, we will go to great lengths to not only dream, but make them come true. Add to that the fact that we have idea after idea after idea, which makes our daily 'routine' almost impossible to stick to. The result can be, at a minimum, lack of focus and spinning our wheels. Or it could lead to burnout or throwing in the towel before the towel needs to be thrown.<br />
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Our passion drives our success. But it can also drive our failure. Our failures drive our success. But they can also wear us down.<br />
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It's a vicious cycle. Entrepreneurs can get very excited about a new project, and that can catapult it to growth and success. However, without poise, focus, and consistent effort, that same project can fail.<br />
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I have been there. I am a Coach and I have been there. I'm a natural entrepreneur, and my ideas whirl. all. the. time. It takes a lot of work to be focused. It takes a lot of mental coaching to be consistent and stick with something.<br />
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Not only do we need to be focused and consistent, but we get beaten down a lot, and we need a way to rise to the top anyway. This is one of the most important things my coaches have done for me.<br />
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I have had several coaches in my business, all of which have helped me out. But the best coach I've had was my Executive Coach who held the space for me, allowed me to say what I had to say, and then helped me rise to the top (the 'top' is whatever the top is for you at that time). She and I have had some time apart from our coaching, and that is why I can say this with confidence. I have not had her coaching in some time, and I need her back. My business needs her back. And, so, she is coming back:)<br />
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My point is, though, that entrepreneurs need a coach as much as they need financial or marketing guidance. <br />
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We have days when we feel unsupported. A coach gives support. We have days when we have crazy (aka not feasible) ideas. A coach pushes us to massage the idea to make it feasible - or release it and stay focused. We have days when we are afraid - afraid to speak our truth, afraid to take the next step, afraid of success. A coach listens with non-judgement and helps identify and face those fears. We have days when things feel like they will fall apart. A coach will allow you to sit in the chaos for a bit and then help you move through it so you can put the pieces back together and move forward. We have days when we feel alone. A coach gives you someone to talk to - she is on your team.<br />
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Yes, a coach will reel you in when you are scattered and hold you accountable when you are out of integrity and be a sounding board for your ideas. But most importantly, a coach helps you rise to the top. And let's face it, entrepreneurs can sometimes to be too wild about their dreams to do that alone.<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-19756332008703164932015-03-18T16:06:00.001-02:302015-03-18T16:06:42.893-02:30Thriving on Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHXHpd4M7k8xj7LOStP1psdTWb-a_84Zwrq8lReO4wHG1mm1Kd-Qg1QDVZPRH96yWQofOANeDxQMK1nCNXV25CFgjXok0B9OCfZU6I3go5ifZCH3FS-FlPyWRq8gl1BOHZiVA9LUrucHq/s1600/iStock_000022291197Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHXHpd4M7k8xj7LOStP1psdTWb-a_84Zwrq8lReO4wHG1mm1Kd-Qg1QDVZPRH96yWQofOANeDxQMK1nCNXV25CFgjXok0B9OCfZU6I3go5ifZCH3FS-FlPyWRq8gl1BOHZiVA9LUrucHq/s1600/iStock_000022291197Large.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
We are in times of change. We are always in times of change. Everything changes. Nothing is constant but change.<div>
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But we don't like change.</div>
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Not really true. We don't like being told to change. And we don't like things to change when we like or feel comfortable in the current situation. So when an organization needs to make a change (which happens a LOT), employees may be uncomfortable with the change, fear it for a variety of reasons, and, therefore, resist it. That resistance looks like disengagement, conflict, negativity, or sabotage. And it results in low productivity, performance issues, and stress. It may even lead to decreased sales, dissatisfied customers, or relationship issues with suppliers.</div>
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It is possible to be OK with change, though. In fact, you can even thrive on change. It takes some skill. And mindfulness helps.</div>
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First of all, mindful leadership means the top down directives, decisions, and program roll-outs are compassionate towards what the employees may feel during changing times. Organizational leaders communicate well and are considerate of the impact the changes have on employees. They do not walk away from the difficult discussions or decisions and are transparent about what is really going to change... or what is unknown.</div>
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Secondly, a mindful culture will allow employees to be calm in the midst of chaos and be accepting of changes. Additionally, because they are calm, they are more rational minded and can approach decisions and problems with a solution based attitude rather than a fear based one. </div>
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Mindfulness is not all about going to a meditation room and zoning out to get some Zen... in fact, that isn't it at all. It is about being able to be in the present moment without ignoring it, fighting it, or clinging to it. It is about being open to change, because change is all we can count on.</div>
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If your organization is going through changes, you can begin to alleviate the problems that go along with change by helping your employees express how they feel without judgement and begin meditation groups or other stress relieving activities. Training employees in mindfulness can help them cope with the changes and have a problem solving attitude. </div>
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You can also help your organization by giving your leaders mindful leadership skills and attitudes and having open, transparent conversations about what THEY are fearing too. Leaders do not purposefully try to hurt employees and make their lives difficult by changing things. Mindful leadership is about leading with heart. And when that happens, even if a huge downsizing is the change occurring, employees will respect the leaders and continue to be cheerleaders for the organization.</div>
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Difficult changes are inevitable in business. Resistance resulting from the changes is not.</div>
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GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-56693283410531704632015-02-25T10:36:00.000-03:302015-02-25T10:36:57.067-03:30How Leadership Creates Workplace Bullies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb71Y7L0pt4LCVUkcxaUB41gm2Z5Ax9HV0tNt2uvE2u8bIFnyOpf3On1lP7_WHsJ_YJ17_vbuFGVe64OTVjpuQsSewYYC4ur2_SPpLJbvlz1LAQGCvwi2yZOpV87kWkVIQjgflOSN_evk/s1600/pink-shirt1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb71Y7L0pt4LCVUkcxaUB41gm2Z5Ax9HV0tNt2uvE2u8bIFnyOpf3On1lP7_WHsJ_YJ17_vbuFGVe64OTVjpuQsSewYYC4ur2_SPpLJbvlz1LAQGCvwi2yZOpV87kWkVIQjgflOSN_evk/s1600/pink-shirt1.png" height="320" width="294" /></a></div>
Today is anti-bullying day. Often we think of kids bullying each other in school and in social media when we consider the impact of bullying. On this day, kids wear pink shirts to school to support the end of bullying. It is a wonderful method for building awareness, compassion, and respect amongst children.<br />
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However, bullying happens everywhere. At work. At home. In social settings. Everywhere.<br />
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The work bully may antagonize, yell, scream, criticize, and insult others - and I've worked with people like this. There is another kind of work bully that I've also had experience with, though; and they are much worse. <br />
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A bully that is more detrimental to an organization seems cooperative and works hard. People may admire them because they succeed in their work. They are good influencers and negotiators. Most times, they come across as good leaders because people listen to them. Introduce a situation that they do not like, though, and their bullying nature emerges. <br />
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Because this kind of bully is liked and admired, it is difficult to identify that they are bullying. It may seem they are simply being assertive, maybe a bit aggressive, but not quite bullying - at first. Those that are bullied by this person may feel they are to blame for any conflict. It may be difficult to even understand what is happening because the bully seems like a nice person, others like him, but the person bullied knows something is awry. <br />
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The person bullied may begin to shrink from working with the bully, may leave his/her job, or may refuse to be bullied and stand up to the bully. When that happens, the bully comes out in full force. He/she may lie and try to sabotage others' work, undermine authority, and do whatever he/she believes needs to be done to maintain his/her reputation - and that might mean tainting the reputation of others if necessary.<br />
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This kind of bully gets to a point where they CAN do these things without repercussions because of poor leadership. This kind of bully often IS in a leadership role. How does that happen? <br />
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In the case I witnessed, the bully was placed in a leadership position because she got results. She was technically good at her job. She brought in money. Her projects were successful. She was rewarded with compensation and responsibility... until she was in a leadership position. <br />
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The problem was that no one called her on 'how' she got results. Because she got results, nobody cared what happened in order for her to get them. The fact that complaints were made about her and others refused to work with her flew under the radar. Because she could be aggressive and had the inclination to destroy someone's career with her lies and innocent nature, most people did not speak out against her. Those that did, did not 'win' because her 'leader' saw results and wanted those results to stay.<br />
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In the end, this kind of bully gets rewarded for being a bully. And this is detrimental to an organization. This bully may bring in results; however, those she works with either leave or lay low and do not perform at their maximum potential. Productivity suffers. Attitude suffers. Culture suffers. Customer service suffers. Sales suffer. Retention suffers.<br />
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A mindful leader will not tolerate bullying in order to get results. A mindful leader would address the bullying head on and either help the person bullying deal with what is going on in his/her life (because that is what bullying is really about) or help them leave the company with dignity.<br />
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Bullying can be stopped in the workplace with compassion and courage. Mindful leaders will face the fear of being attacked by the bully and do it with compassion and respect for the bully - because he/she is human. And THAT is how bullying needs to be addressed for a win-win outcome.<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-80897215912144753492015-02-13T10:55:00.000-03:302015-02-13T12:11:56.146-03:30Love At Work: Connect to be more satisfied at work<h1 style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ847DiWueiIa4G0i-tKP0Qh_uEvVsOI_qCRfWYSTsHi2rHiJe8RLFNr_wLwsxQwzL5KJyBALd7sT4nEmbwROGWh0EGsA3xDMiyrT0GLR-dtp0PLorYuMPKFc_pfoeZaAe72Xv973fP8v/s1600/Compassionate+workplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZ847DiWueiIa4G0i-tKP0Qh_uEvVsOI_qCRfWYSTsHi2rHiJe8RLFNr_wLwsxQwzL5KJyBALd7sT4nEmbwROGWh0EGsA3xDMiyrT0GLR-dtp0PLorYuMPKFc_pfoeZaAe72Xv973fP8v/s1600/Compassionate+workplace.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></h1>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">In honor of Valentine's Day and what I have always called Love Month, I am holding a contest! Research has shown that the more mindful a supervisor, the lower his or her employees' emotional exhaustion and higher their job satisfaction. This is great! However, there was one caveat. When basic psychological needs, such as autonomy and connection with others, are not met, the employee can lose the benefits of having a mindful supervisor. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">So, I am giving you an opportunity to practice your mindfulness skills with your team and colleagues, but also to practice connecting with others. This is what love at work is about. It is not a romantic love or fluffy, hairy fairy stuff. It is being human, being compassionate, and connecting with people. And the outcome can be higher engagement, more creativity, improved productivity, higher retention, and generally happier employees. If nothing else, you have an opportunity to get to know the people you work with on a deeper level.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;"><b>The Contest:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Post on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PomroyConsulting" target="_blank">Facebook Page </a>that you have done something to connect with another person in your workplace each day of the contest, which begins today (Feb. 13th) and ends on Feb. 28th. Your name will be put into a draw as many times as you post. The prize is a 1-year subscription to Mindful Magazine and a free coaching session with me:) </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Suggestions for connecting:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Smile at someone at work whom you do not usually smile at.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Write a thank-you note to someone who has helped you at work.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Give your manager/boss/supervisor/mentor a compliment about his/her leadership.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Give an employee a compliment about his/her work.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Listen to someone who needs to be listened to. Give your 100% attention. Set everything aside for at least 5 minutes to just listen.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Identify three things you love about your work and share them with someone you work with. Ask them to share what they love about work with you.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Sit with someone for lunch whom you do not typically sit with. Ask them about their life.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Ask someone at work to walk with you at lunch.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Strike a committee to identify how you can shift your culture to be more compassionate.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Allow someone at work to be right - even if you think you are right and they are wrong. Tell them they are right.</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">What else can you think of? Share your ideas and the impact this has in your workplace on my Facebook page... and Share the love with others by sharing this blog or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PomroyConsulting" target="_blank">Facebook post</a>.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em;"><br /><3</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em;">Tina</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em;"><br /></span>GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-82944867376585940492015-01-28T14:09:00.000-03:302015-01-28T14:09:20.422-03:30Are you Entering the Burn-out Zone? Seven Ways an Entrepreneur can Deal with Stress and/or Burn-out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb0RVYbaQWmV7kQqsMySfYKOWLOU3q0fDryTRmRa6rAiJ2h1VnJoJ2R8WeOHHd7WPwZePU7zuC-_WAM4MlzRZT-E-pu-B5rQBv3dU0l2FjNUmsbgDDBq23TsVYz4I37iH1schhDKr7Arn/s1600/burnout.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb0RVYbaQWmV7kQqsMySfYKOWLOU3q0fDryTRmRa6rAiJ2h1VnJoJ2R8WeOHHd7WPwZePU7zuC-_WAM4MlzRZT-E-pu-B5rQBv3dU0l2FjNUmsbgDDBq23TsVYz4I37iH1schhDKr7Arn/s1600/burnout.jpeg" height="149" width="320" /></a></div>
Stress. It's a common word we use for many situations. "I'm so stressed out!" We are stressed about money. Stressed about work. Stressed about the kids. Stressed about relationships. Stressed about the weather. Stressed about the situation in the Middle East. Stressed about supper. Stressed about our schedule.....<br />
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Burnout is not as common. However, it is much more severe.<br />
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The difference between stress and burnout is seen in the following chart (<a href="http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/preventing-burnout.htm">http://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/preventing-burnout.htm</a>)<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="causes" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #3c5cae; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"></span>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="table" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-color: rgb(222, 227, 247); border-right-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(222, 227, 247); border-top-style: solid; border-width: 1px 1px 0px 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin: 0.1em 0px 1em; orphans: auto; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-shadow: none; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: auto; width: 672px; word-spacing: 0px;"><thead style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
<tr style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><td colspan="2" style="background: rgb(60, 92, 174); border-bottom-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-left-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px 1px; color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.01em; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 5px 5px 3px; text-align: center; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: top;"><strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stress vs. Burnout</strong></td></tr>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stress</strong></div>
</td><td class="subhead" style="background: rgb(190, 198, 229); border-bottom-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-left-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px 1px; color: #3c5cae; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.01em; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 4px 6px; text-align: center; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: top;" width="335"><div align="center" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Burnout</strong></div>
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Characterized by over-engagement</div>
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Characterized by disengagement</div>
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Emotions are overreactive</div>
</td><td class="odd" style="background: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-bottom-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-left-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px 1px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px 10px 3px 5px; text-align: left; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="335"><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px;">
Emotions are blunted</div>
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Produces urgency and hyperactivity</div>
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Produces helplessness and hopelessness</div>
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Loss of energy</div>
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Loss of motivation, ideals, and hope</div>
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Leads to anxiety disorders</div>
</td><td style="background: transparent; border-bottom-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-left-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px 1px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px 10px 3px 5px; text-align: left; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="335"><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px;">
Leads to detachment and depression</div>
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Primary damage is physical</div>
</td><td class="odd" style="background: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-bottom-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-color: rgb(198, 203, 219); border-left-style: solid; border-width: 0px 0px 1px 1px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 0.9em; line-height: 1.3em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 3px 10px 3px 5px; text-align: left; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: top;" valign="top" width="335"><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px;">
Primary damage is emotional</div>
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May kill you prematurely</div>
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May make life seem not worth living</div>
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Source: <em style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Stress and Burnout in Ministry</em></div>
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<br />
A few years ago, I was stressed... really stressed. I was working all hours in the night and up early to work again. My life revolved around my daughter (which, thankfully, I never lost sight of), my job, which I was extremely passionate about, and my sideline business, which was failing.<br />
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I had many of the symptoms of stress. Interestingly, I was calm on the outside most of the time, but I experienced heart palpitations, neck pain, and frequent headaches... and eventually, fatigue. Over-engagement was an understatement. I lost sight of what was truly important in my work. <br />
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I was a team leader. I was a good leader. But I began to lose sight of serving my customers and my team. My days began to be about managing my own stress. I had an amazing team who I could delegate to, but I lost my inspirational leadership abilities. <br />
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I was also a business owner. I am not sure I was very good at that at the time. However, I learned a lot. As I became more and more stressed, I became less and less interested in leading my staff and business. Eventually, the doors closed. The team members were laid off. And I was $100,000 in debt.<br />
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The following few years were an emotional roller coaster. I'd met the man of my dreams, sold my house to pay of debt, travelled to South East Asia for the experience of a lifetime, had a baby, and got married. I also had family illness, family conflict, difficulties re-entering the workforce, and increasing neck/back pain. Then I started a business doing what I love to do - helping people be holistically well and lead with inspiration. So life was overall good. But a bunch of negative emotions bubbled into some of my days until I eventually couldn't get off the couch.<br />
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I was not able to bring myself to be excited about my business. I often just lay down in the middle of the day and, really, had no emotions. I had a lot of knowledge about what was happening and why, but I couldn't seem to bring myself to move. I wasn't sad. I wasn't happy. I was nothing.<br />
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I hit the wall.<br />
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And my business suffered. I am over two years in business now, and sometimes it feels like I just started. But, like in my past business, I learned a lot. Following are some of the lessons I learned. Some of these have nothing to do with business... and they have everything to do with business.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you are feeling.</b> Pushing them away simply prolongs the suffering... and may make it worse. I pushed away anger, hurt, sadness, loss... because I knew I had to be happy and positive to attract happy and positive to my life. Well, folks, we are human, and we are not wired to be happy and positive all the time. We need to experience the whole range of emotions if we are to be alive and well. </li>
<li><b>That all said, become aware of the negative emotions and begin to shift them.</b> This takes time. If you feel sad... feel sad. Allow it to move through you. Then allow it to leave. Begin to find happier than sad. That may not be 'happy'... that might be 'not sad'... and that is OK. Identify what makes you feel happy and do it. Think it. Experience it. This begins a true shift in your brain and you will begin to feel happy again. I began to keep my toddler home from daycare some days and have Mommy and daughter time. Seeing the world through a child's eyes is one of the greatest forms of joy. I also began to walk. Outside. Every day I could. It brought lightness to me. Over time, I added more things to my happy list, and over time, I climbed out of the emotionless pit I'd fallen into.</li>
<li><b>Breathe. </b> Just sit and pay attention to your breath. This calms your mind and helps you see more clearly. We are often bombarded by our own thoughts. We create chaos and stress in our lives because it is in our minds. Calm your mind and calm your stress. Meditation and yoga provided true healing for me. And then I started my training to be a meditation instructor AND a yoga teacher. Everything happens for a reason:) </li>
<li><b>Be with people who are truly kind and compassionate. </b> There are many positive people and groups out there. These may not be the best groups for you to be with when you feel burnt out - although they may. I needed REAL. Going to a group in which everyone was happy and positive made me feel awful - because I wanted to feel that but I couldn't. I also did not feel good going to a group that was like a support group, where everyone shared their problems and cried with each other (you may need that, though). I needed real people who were indeed happy, but they were non-judgmental. They listened. They did not try to fix me. They did not have a need to flaunt their own happy or their own emotional distress. They were truly kind. You will know them when you meet them because they make you feel good - not bad. Now that I've left the burn-out zone, I can be with all the other people and groups without the emotions affecting me. I needed attention and I needed kindness. I needed a reprieve. I needed real. I needed to be able to say what was truly on my mind without fear of it affecting my business... because, afterall, I was in the business of mindfulness, leadership, and wellness, yet I was not being much of a leader and I was unwell. </li>
<li><b>Be kind to you.</b> So this piece of advice was given to me by a friend. She just said these words and they resonated with me. I was pushing my emotions down. I was trying so hard to be what people expected of me - a great wife, a great mom, a smart business owner, a compassionate coach, a loving daughter/sister/friend. But I struggled with all those roles because I wasn't listening to myself. If I didn't feel happy and positive, I beat myself up because I knew better. I needed some time to heal. I was burnt out and it had been going on for years! I finally needed to just rest. Now, don't get me wrong, I still fed my children:) But if I couldn't cook the healthiest meal, I didn't beat myself up about it. If I didn't complete my tasks for the day, I didn't beat myself up about it. If I felt bad... I didn't feel bad about feeling bad. This was where I needed to begin.</li>
<li><b>Investigate what is really going on.</b> You can do this through contemplation during meditation, journaling, or simply thinking about it while walking or resting. For me, I experienced loss and hadn't dealt with it. I left my job, closed my business, and then couldn't find a job for a long time when I lived in Singapore. Upon my return to Newfoundland, I also did not have a job because I had a baby, but I searched for one even though I really wanted to be home with my baby. Part of my loss was a loss in identity, which resulted in a loss of self-esteem. I had been defining myself as a promising organizational leader. But I was no longer that. Once I recognized this, I could begin to shift it. I began to let go of this identity. I realized it was not WHO I was. I intellectually knew all of this... but experiencing it brings a deeper level of understanding. Once I got that, I could create my new vision and goals. I could get excited about this new chapter in my life and I could say good-bye to the old one.</li>
<li><b>Talk to another Entrepreneur or Business Leader or someone in your field or a Coach... who is non-judgmental.</b> I sought out fellow business owners ever since I first started my business. I joined groups. I met one-on-one. I networked. And I shared my challenges and successes. But I did not always feel supported or encouraged. In fact, I sometimes felt completely torn down. Of course, I know this is not my problem but theirs. However, as I entered the burn-out zone, this was detrimental to my confidence and courage as a business owner. Slowly, I began to remove myself from all business groups. In fact, I withdrew completely for a while. It may not sound smart from a business point of view, but would you speak with a group of investors without preparing your speech? I needed to prepare me. So I did. I took care of my mental state and was very selective about who I met with, who I took on as a client, what events I participated in. I continue to find my tribe - my group of fellow colleagues who are open, caring, non-competitive, and real.</li>
</ol>
<div>
As an Entrepreneur or Business Leader, we often feel alone. Stress is something we can handle with coping mechanisms if we are aware of and kind to ourselves. The symptoms of stress can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as exercise, sleep, relaxation, nutrition, nature, art, healthy rituals, and setting boundaries. Burn-out is much more difficult and business can suffer greatly when it comes along. It is emotional and mental exhaustion. It sometimes requires a complete change in career or job in order to deal with it. But, you CAN pull yourself out of it. Reach out for some help. Meditate. Train your brain. Find something good. Celebrate feeling better than yesterday - even if that is angry because yesterday, you may have felt nothing.</div>
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<3 </div>
GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-79499605189956370092014-12-17T13:48:00.001-03:302014-12-17T13:48:02.014-03:30Leading with Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMlfSRVBCY0r5hfVNYhOAvwHcEkGmnf29rMlx-PE2zuAl2dud606QYOH158h-0lMI_J7uogjrp51Ksq1MJTNvpfhJ0ZeGPCPWtVFm9Apxl7SvyU7lSFaCSkW7QUJQijyqdPo-aWvtt9Su/s1600/elf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMlfSRVBCY0r5hfVNYhOAvwHcEkGmnf29rMlx-PE2zuAl2dud606QYOH158h-0lMI_J7uogjrp51Ksq1MJTNvpfhJ0ZeGPCPWtVFm9Apxl7SvyU7lSFaCSkW7QUJQijyqdPo-aWvtt9Su/s1600/elf.jpg" /></a></div>
Christmas is a perfect time to practice leading with spirit. We talk about how we want the world to be... how we want our lives to be... how we want our employees and coworkers to be. The best way to do that is to be the way you want others to be.<br />
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Like Mahatma Gandhi said, <b>"Be the change you want to see in the world."</b> It's such a common quote, but how do we live it? <br />
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Like anything, start where you are. We have eight sleeps until Christmas. If you would like your workplace, employees, colleagues, leaders, suppliers, and any stakeholders to have spirit, start being the spirit. <br />
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I have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PomroyConsulting" target="_blank">Christmas Spirit Challenge</a> ongoing now on my Facebook page that you can take part in (and enter to win a meditation CD for your workplace). Make a list of things you can do to spread the Christmas spirit and commit to doing one thing (or more) every day from now until Christmas Day. Get your employees and coworkers involved. Post photos on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PomroyConsulting" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and enter to win! Be a Leader with Spirit.<br />
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Here are a few ideas to get you started:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Buy a coffee/tea/hot chocolate for a coworker.</li>
<li>Leave a note on an employee's/coworker's desk about how great a job they are doing (be specific).</li>
<li>Gather a group together to sing Christmas carols at a senior's home.</li>
<li>Give your employees the day off to volunteer.</li>
<li>Smile - at everyone.</li>
<li>Give a delivery person a card with a personal note.</li>
<li>Spend an afternoon with your team identifying ways you can help each other out with work or even personal 'stuff'.</li>
<li>Commit to really listening to someone - without any need to be right or respond. Just listen.</li>
</ul>
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Add to the list... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PomroyConsulting" target="_blank">share your ideas and post your photos</a>. Let's have some fun and find the true meaning of Christmas in the workplace. Be an elf!</div>
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"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." ~ Elf, from the movie <u>Elf</u></div>
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Merry Christmas... fa la la la laaaa la la la la... </div>
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<3</div>
GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-10610202327899552452014-11-26T16:02:00.001-03:302014-11-26T16:02:47.455-03:30Why Managing the Highs is Important for Entrepreneurs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWVJsxOTPPBmNAgMtnB3M8roKlY4Ic9sVXgyvuwUabRAz7-6B0nHikK4vlSWzO25m6Hzzf1D-12OnWGiSz502xsRtd-XjlIAays-X8Nu7VlwORtRIgp8zh-O0tPC9WQ_YIILNGD4YplQM/s1600/Snowy-Mountain-Tops-from-River-Base.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWVJsxOTPPBmNAgMtnB3M8roKlY4Ic9sVXgyvuwUabRAz7-6B0nHikK4vlSWzO25m6Hzzf1D-12OnWGiSz502xsRtd-XjlIAays-X8Nu7VlwORtRIgp8zh-O0tPC9WQ_YIILNGD4YplQM/s1600/Snowy-Mountain-Tops-from-River-Base.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
Last year I hit a low. I had many months of lows. I'd experienced burn-out three years earlier and over the next three years had two international moves, a marriage, a baby, sickness in the family, personal health issues, family relationship challenges, unemployment, and a new business. Needless to say, I didn't really have time to deal with burn-out. Then, last year, my business transitioned from HR consulting to mindful leadership and wellness, and what one would expect to be an exciting journey turned into some of the lowest moments of my life - but they contained some of the most valuable lessons.<br />
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My mind, body, and spirit just would not allow me to take any more and I literally crashed. Strangely, I was in a very happy place in life - life was truly wonderful in all the important ways. Yet, I was struggling with getting out of bed and managing my day to day roles as a mom, wife, and business owner. I beat myself up about not being in a 'happy place' when life was so good. Underneath it all, I was actually happy and grateful for such amazing love in my life. I just couldn't muster up the energy to behave that way consistently. I wanted so badly to have a 'productive' day. I saw other business owners passing me by as my business stalled. I observed others being happy and successful and wished I could be in that place. I decided I had to remove myself from social situations because they made me feel worse - and I stopped almost all professional networking and declined nearly all socials.<br />
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My personal wellness journey then began, and it was necessary for business success.<br />
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Thankfully, I have progressed to a wonderful place and have begun to network again. Business is increasing - you really do attract what you feel and what you can handle at that time. I have moments of floating on a high again, and I'm realizing just how important it is to manage your highs both in business and life.<br />
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Through these experiences, I learned two key things:<br />
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<b>1) It is critical to manage your highs if you want to be successful in business.</b><br />
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Yes, I said 'highs'. As my energy floated around a 1-2 out of 10, it felt like everyone around me was a 12. Interestingly, I began to observe how unmanaged some of these highs were and how distracted and absent some of these people were from the present. Their way of being was centred around their successes and even challenges - it was self-centred. I was honoured to be part of their journey and that they wanted to share their celebrations with me. However, when I needed to have their attention, they were focused on their own successes and achievements and their own evolving journey. <br />
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I wondered... "Was I like that when I was on a professional high in the past?" And I decided that, yes, I was. But I didn't want to be like it in the future. <br />
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I knew I had to help other entrepreneurs not be like it too - because we don't know what we don't know, and an entrepreneur can't get away with behaving on this level of self-importance and be successful on a long-term basis. An entrepreneur puts her/himself out there and needs to be able to accept her/his imperfections and actually feel grateful when others point them out so you can then improve on them. Perfection does not mean having no flaws. It means not being offended when someone points out yours.<br />
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Everyone has highs and lows in life and business. Imagine peaking in your business.... it's a celebratory time. But there will always be people around you that are on a low or struggling in some way. They may celebrate with you, but they may need something else from you. Imagine if those people were your employees or your customers or your suppliers? How do you think the relationship would evolve if they needed your attention and presence, yet you were on a high that took all of your energy to that place?<br />
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Now, how do you think the relationship would evolve if you were present with these people, regardless of where you are and what you are experiencing? When they need you, they have your attention.<br />
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Who becomes the loyal employee that recruits other great employees? Who becomes the cheerleader customer? Who is the supplier that works with you to meet deadlines rather than giving excuses for not meeting them? Yeah... it's the one who gets your attention.<br />
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And, remember, you <i>will </i>drop into a low again. The highs do not last forever. It is the ability to not cling onto the highs and accept the lows that brings true happiness in life and success in business.<br />
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Being an entrepreneur can be exhausting. You are leader. You are confidante. You are representative in your industry. You are sales person. You are connector. You are problem solver. You are 'financer'. You assume the risk and give away authority. Not to mention, and more importantly, you are partner/spouse, child, parent, and friend. Your presence is required - all the time. <br />
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The only way to not burn-out is to manage it all - the lows AND the highs.<br />
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<b>2) The answer is here. Now.</b><br />
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It is common knowledge that we must manage our lows. I use mindfulness strategies to help clients manage them and build focus, awareness, and whole wellness. However, it is not as common to manage the highs. We are encouraged to celebrate the highs. The poised leader manages his or her highs while celebrating them. The poised leader does not even need the so-called highs in order to feel successful.<br />
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The answer for not burning out from the extremes is being in the present moment. Regardless of where you are in business, when you are sitting across from an employee discussing a challenge or success they are having, making that the most important thing in your life right now (because it is the only thing at that moment) is how you prevent the crash. You manage it all by managing the only thing you can - the moment.<br />
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<i>This doesn't mean you don't celebrate and share your successes with others.</i><br />
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When you are on your next high, enjoy that moment. Enjoy it for everything it is. And then move into the next moment. When the high is over - the good news has been told, the contract has been awarded, the financing has come through - it no longer exists. Wishing the feeling could last forever or chasing the next high will not make you happy or any more successful. The great high experienced is no more successful than the next moment when you are taking out the trash. <br />
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And that is the answer. Everything... every moment... is where success lies... when you don't cling to an experience as being more or less successful or important than the previous one and you don't chase after another experience in order to feel more successful. <br />
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Simple. But not easy.<br />
<3<br />
<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-44410719747676363622014-11-12T17:07:00.000-03:302014-11-12T17:07:58.404-03:30Why the Law of Attraction is Important for Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I watched 'The Secret' when it first came out in 2006 and read the book as soon as it was released. Ironically, the video I watched was a burned copy of the original. Someone gave it to me before I knew what it was about. Once I watched it, I was worried that the fact I watched a free, burned copy of the video meant I was going to attract people and situations to my life that did not value me, used me, or some other negative consequences would come my way. <br />
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Because the law of attraction is all about attracting into your life what you put out, right?<br />
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Well, over the years I have learned so much more about this stuff. I'm not an expert on this topic, but, I know it can help entrepreneurs and business leaders.<br />
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There is a phenomenal amount of research being done on our thoughts and the impact of our thoughts on our beliefs and actions. We know that positive thoughts attract positive beliefs and positive behaviours. We also know that when we behave in certain ways, we attract similar people and situations to our lives. <br />
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All that seems true to date, and much of it is scientifically proven.<br />
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However, what is not yet known is how to control the original thought that enters our minds. I have not read any research to date that states we can control this. The Dalai Lama himself believes it is impossible to stop a thought or emotion from arising. But what the Dalai Lama and other experts know is that we can control what we do with that thought or emotion once it arises.<br />
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So, let's get it straight. You are not going to fail in business when you have a fear or negative thought about success.<br />
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One of the ways I have learned to deal with negativity or stress is to not feel bad about feeling bad. That simply leads to more stress. Many mindful leaders know about law of attraction, so they feel bad about feeling bad... because then they believe they will attract failure and negativity... and this simply exacerbates the negative feelings. We are human and will feel bad sometimes. We will have negative thoughts and emotions. Period.<br />
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Being mindful and attracting the business and life you want does not mean you are free from negative thought and emotion. However, to be successful in business, the law of attraction can be very useful.<br />
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I help my clients to shift perspective into more positive, healthier, and more motivational mindsets. It's not because I think their thoughts alone are going to change their businesses to be more successful. And it's not because I believe the shifts will make them an overnight success. It is because of what happens after the shifting occurs.<br />
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Here are three ways the law of attraction can help entrepreneurs and business leaders:<br />
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<b>1. Perception</b><div>
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If you look at any successful entrepreneur or leader, you will see that their perception of things is positive, solution-oriented, and one of possibility. Even when a disaster happens, they see it as a learning experience or they springboard off of it for a greater success. Their perception allows them to see opportunities for success more clearly. They will have just as many (or more) failures. They will feel bad about them. But they will perceive them differently, which will make them behave differently. And THAT is what makes them successful.<br />
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<b>2. Choice</b><br />
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When we think about failure or something negative, we are naturally inclined to seek out situations to prove what we think. However, when we think about success, we seek out situations that may bring success. We choose differently. Whatever it is, we are motivated to prove ourselves right. So as an entrepreneur or business leader, if we think a project or venture will fail, we will naturally seek out proof that it will fail... and it probably will. So thinking of success will motivate us to choose differently - to seek out proof that it will succeed. It doesn't mean it always will, but because you are choosing actions and making decisions to prove success, it increases the chances.<br />
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<b>3. Awareness </b><br />
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Have you ever thought about finding a parking spot in an area where it's near impossible, and there was one there - right in front of the building you were going to? Some call this the law of attraction and feel that because they thought of it, it appeared. That, to me, is magic. What I think is more likely is the fact that you thought of it, therefore it was in your awareness, and when one was available, you noticed it. You also noticed that it was near the building you were going to. When something is put into our mind, we begin to notice it more and more. For an entrepreneur or business leader, this can be very useful. There are an unlimited number of opportunities that are just waiting to be discovered and created. When an entrepreneur/leader thinks about opportunities and possibilities, they begin to appear. It is not that they weren't there before... it is more about noticing them. If you are not allowing positive, creative, possibility thoughts into your mind, these opportunities will go unnoticed. Or if you are ruminating on thoughts about there not being any opportunities, well, there won't be any opportunities.<br />
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Of course, it is all up to you. That is what is so great about all of this stuff... it is completely your choice. <br />
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GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-68837431402048062112014-10-18T10:59:00.002-02:302014-10-20T10:26:25.040-02:30More Multi-tasking, Less Productivity<br />
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Have you ever written or seen a job description with the following words:<br />
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<i>"Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to multi-task." ??</i></div>
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If you have ever looked for a job or promoted a job opening, you have very likely seen something like this. I have even written it myself... it was many years ago. These statements are problematic for two reasons.<br />
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1) Aren't all work environments 'fast-paced'?<br />
2) Multi-tasking is actually impossible, so when asking someone to multi-task, aren't you really asking them to make more mistakes, be more stressed, and get less done?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvzMKi-228uNhsc9xJt8T0jPXALtEEuSO6JDhazVsNBEIWQVl4hyYWZNoG0Yhka_DhkIjRZM9T4KXqxXC8L4KwGEV7HQ8eRo9FtotYuHLwssD9dBKkDX7rXcnxF-fEFywzElsHn3m6gpe/s1600/multi-task.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvzMKi-228uNhsc9xJt8T0jPXALtEEuSO6JDhazVsNBEIWQVl4hyYWZNoG0Yhka_DhkIjRZM9T4KXqxXC8L4KwGEV7HQ8eRo9FtotYuHLwssD9dBKkDX7rXcnxF-fEFywzElsHn3m6gpe/s1600/multi-task.jpg" height="103" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Fast-pasted work environment</b><br />
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Fast-paced, hectic, busy, flat-out, crazy, chaotic, messy... the list goes on. I have not seen a work environment that couldn't be described with one of these words. Telling a candidate they must be able to work in that kind of environment sets the stage for stress before they even begin working.<br />
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It is true that if the culture is fast and hectic, the person working in it must be able to work in it. However, slowing down is actually the best way to handle a fast pace. So what if we began using words like, "must be able to slow down in order to effectively manage the work day," or "it is an asset to be able to address stressful situations in a calm manner?"<br />
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Because, really... if your employees do not have the ability to calm down in a fast-paced situation, they won't be effective at their jobs.<br />
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<b>Multi-tasking</b><br />
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Our brains can't multi-task. Our brains are actually switching from one task to another, not focusing on more than one task at a time. This leads to lack of attention, errors, and increasing stress on the individual. Some researchers say that productivity is reduced by about 40% when trying to multi-task! <br />
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Distractions in society and workplaces are producing a loss of the ability to pay attention. And it's costing our organizations time and money and talent.<br />
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So what if we changed the idea of "must be able to multi-task" to "must be able to focus?" And what if organizations implemented training programs to help their employees and managers and leaders build their focusing skills? <br />
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Mindfulness training helps people calm down and get focus. The only two purposes of mindful meditation are in fact concentration and awareness... or attention and meta-attention (awareness of paying attention). All of the other benefits are spin-off outcomes (and they are all pretty awesome!).<br />
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<b>Get Started</b><br />
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Here are few simple tips to begin growing mindfulness amongst your employees without having to hire an outside facilitator (yes, like me:):<br />
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<ol>
<li>Get educated and educate your team on the detrimental effects of always rushing and multi-tasking. Join groups on social media (join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PomroyConsulting" target="_blank">Pomroy Harmony & Wellness</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GoingOmmm" target="_blank">Going Om</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/siyli" target="_blank">Search Inside Yourself</a> or search for others) for free resources and information.</li>
<li>Give your team the autonomy to create pauses throughout their day to simply sit for a few minutes and do nothing or meditate or go outside for a breath of fresh air or do a few yoga stretches.</li>
<li>Tell your team to create a reminder for themselves to stop and breathe every hour. This is a mindful breath and a simple deep breath in and then out calms the mind and helps bring the person to the present moment. The breath in activates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight, flight, or freeze responses, and the breath out activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for physiological responses when relaxing and calming. So try to breathe in for 4 counts and out for 8 counts, and the net effect is relaxation and calm.</li>
</ol>
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Try it on. There is no evidence that this stuff is not good for you... and there is lots of evidence that it is good for you. So why not?</div>
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Let me know how it goes..... </div>
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<3</div>
GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-89964993700188977362014-09-18T15:15:00.000-02:302014-09-18T15:15:19.048-02:30Walk Your Dog, Not Work Like a Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Earlier today while on my nature walk, I passed a former colleague who's been retired for three years. We had a lovely little catch-up and one of the topics we chatted about was that he still enjoys being actively involved in projects, but he wants to do only the work he enjoys and, more importantly, he wants to spend time with his loved ones, live the life he wants, and walk his dog... because you never know when your day is up. His friend recently passed away. He had just retired and was only 62 years old. He led a healthy life, had worked like a dog his whole life, and was just about to begin enjoying his cottage. <br />
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<b>And I said... that's why I do what I do. </b><br />
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I want people to enjoy their work. I want businesses to succeed, and I get a huge sense of satisfaction when I see an entrepreneur flourish in business or when a team leader truly inspires his or her team. But, underlying all of that, I want people to be well and live life now and not wait for retirement to enjoy life and live their dream. When entrepreneurs flourish and team leaders inspire, it trickles into the PEOPLE contributing, being engaged, and being well. Because business is not a successful business without contributing, engaged, and well people. Period.<br />
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Work is simply a part of living life. Almost everyone needs to do it to pay the bills. However, it does not <i>have</i> to be meaningless, mundane, or stressful. And it does not have to eat up the other areas of your life.<br />
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<b>Work can be one of the greatest contributions you give when the workplace has a culture designed to cultivate that and the individual has the mindset to live the dream now.</b><br />
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A workplace culture that nourishes mindfulness, mindful leadership, and individual growth and development can make even the most mundane task feel meaningful. It can also make the present moment be the dream that you are living. That is not to say you don't have other dreams and goals... but you can be living your 'now dream' when you live and work on purpose.<br />
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Whether you are a team leader, a front-line worker, or an entrepreneur, don't wait for retirement to live your life. Work is part of your life and can be used to cultivate your dreams and nurture your wellness. Begin to shift your perspective from work is so much work to work can be the way you fulfill your dreams and aspirations.<br />
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<3<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-21275428221201075072014-09-05T11:56:00.001-02:302014-09-05T11:56:36.395-02:30Make Mondays Fabulous - Find Harmony & Happy at Work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever heard people talk about employees at their workplaces are happy, engaged, calm, collaborative, productive, creative... and wonder if it's true? Really? Are people at work really that happy and healthy? Is that even possible in <i>your</i> work environment? Sometimes I hear my clients and colleagues working in industries such as oil and gas say it might be possible for <i>that</i> company, but not theirs.<br />
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The belief much of society has is that work must be stressful and chaotic. Managers must be authoritative in order to make employees do what they need to do to get the job done. Helping employees be happy and fulfilled is not the company's or manager's responsibility - do it on your own time. Deadlines and budgets are more important than ensuring an employee is feeling OK. Time is money. Business is money. This business is tough and if you can't handle that, leave. And we have an EAP anyway, so what's the big deal? We <i>are</i> helping our employees be happy and healthy.<br />
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<b>However, we often hear employees say, "TGIF!" Every week. And their unhappiness is not helping business.</b><br />
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I believe it is absolutely possible to have a harmonious and happy workplace in any industry or workplace. I also believe work in any industry can be messy and workplaces are dysfunctional. What I don't believe is that an employee must decide whether they want to tough it out every day, slogging through the daily pressures of messy work and potentially cranky customers or colleagues, or leave and take a 'less stressful' job in order to have a good and successful life.<br />
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<b>Why must anyone choose between work and happy??</b><br />
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This, to me, is like telling a woman she must choose between work and family. Of course you can have both! And being happy at work is not only possible, it is what will create a more effective workplace and more fulfilling life.<br />
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<b>Note: Happy does not mean always elated, laughing, and smiling. Happy means fulfilled, content, and at peace, which results in engaged, collaborative, and confident.</b><br />
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<i>So the question remains... HOW can such a messy, stressful, dysfunctional workplace create a happy, healthy atmosphere and culture?</i><br />
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The process for culture change is looonnnnggggg. Leadership needs to be hugely committed. Every decision needs to be aligned with the culture you are seeking. There will be ups and downs. Transition of culture will often mean transition of staff. However, there is no better way to change your environment than by changing yourself. When you begin to 'be the change you want to see in the world,' others begin to change around you. When they begin to change, others change around them. It's the ripple effect.<br />
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There is no quick fix for making an unhealthy or toxic culture healthy and productive. However, you can quickly begin to change how you respond to your work. I challenge you to begin by taking the words 'I am stressed' out of your vocabulary. Instead, you can say, 'I am dealing with a stressful situation, and I allow myself to be in it without feeling anxious/ stressed/ overwhelmed/ angry/ agitated/ <i>insert negative emotion here.'</i> Instead of reacting with feeling stressed, take a moment to breathe. Go for a walk (walking to the bathroom helps). Yes, count to 10. <br />
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These things all work by inducing a calming effect and are a great place to begin. However, to truly make a change, you must understand what the trigger is and why it triggered you in the first place. Otherwise, you will continue to be triggered and will have to do a lot of counting.<br />
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<b>This is where mindfulness can help. Reflecting on the situation and identifying a more helpful and positive response will help change how you will respond the next time.</b><br />
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For true organizational culture change, I recommend going through a program of assessment, clarity, development, creation, and transformation. The <a href="http://pomroy.ca/programs/#165" target="_blank">Create Your Culture</a> program does that. However, no matter what role you have in your organization, you can begin with you.<br />
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Make Mondays Fabulous.<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-79590679218477772732014-08-13T11:49:00.000-02:302014-08-13T11:49:12.149-02:30Got (hate) Mail? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTAcU0V_PJ7uji3bKdo7RIOGUJN0b7a3O5kqoTdonBA76VkbgnpH1rz6VtFlf74-QhSf9kgjKp9HghfTCtfj2kT08bCO_d4XwA-vlGYPwl5_F_gEWxBlGgGkcrI3DO1wpg_X93kvqnqQ2/s1600/hatemail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuTAcU0V_PJ7uji3bKdo7RIOGUJN0b7a3O5kqoTdonBA76VkbgnpH1rz6VtFlf74-QhSf9kgjKp9HghfTCtfj2kT08bCO_d4XwA-vlGYPwl5_F_gEWxBlGgGkcrI3DO1wpg_X93kvqnqQ2/s1600/hatemail.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
Recently, I received hate mail. Someone was very upset about something I wrote. The message threw shame, disappointment, judgement, and anger my way. My ego would like to defend my point of view, explain my situation, and justify my position. My soul is injured.<br />
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<b>And I would like to thank that person who sent me the message.</b><br />
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I was more than hurt after reading the message she had for me. The person who sent me the message did not perceive what I wrote the way it was intended. And that is what happens in day to day life and work over and over and over. It results in misunderstandings, conflict, lost relationships, and lost opportunities. It results in hurt, sadness, self-destruction, and unrest.<br />
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<b>However, ignoring the others' perspective results in a lost opportunity to raise your self-awareness and emotional intelligence.</b><br />
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Have you ever received hate mail? Or have you ever sent it? This is no different than schoolyard bullying. In any bullying situation, the bullying has to end with love and compassion. <br />
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This type of bullying has become so easy with email and social media. I have seen it many times in the workplace. Emails or messages are sent in anger and upset. Typically, it is not sent with the intention to harm. But, what ensues is conflict, chaos, and other people getting involved and taking sides. Gossip, tension, and an unwillingness to work together results. <br />
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<b>It can ruin an organizational culture. Just one email.</b><br />
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In work and life, we automatically go to the need to win in the situation. We must be right. We defend our behaviours and feel a sense of accomplishment when we 'win' a misunderstanding or conflict. It brings a false sense of power and falsely raises our confidence. Indeed, underneath it all, we are simply feeding our need to be understood and loved. A true mindful leader does not need to win, rather is more interested in serving others. That may mean the other person 'wins', and if that is what is good for the greater good, that is the road the mindful leader takes.<br />
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<b>When it becomes evident that anger is being thrown around, solutions are ignored, and people are simply defending their behaviours - right or wrong, good or bad - the only way out is to stop it in its tracks. </b><br />
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Here are a few things I learned from this experience that you may find useful in a similar situation:<br />
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<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: blue;">When you write, consider how the reader will perceive your words.</span></b> I did do this in my situation, however, I evidently missed a possible reaction. This is risk management... there is still always a risk that someone will be upset by something you write. You CAN ask yourself why you are writing about this topic, particularly if it is a sensitive issue. If it is to harm anyone in any way, you may want to reconsider. This was definitely not my intention... but it did hurt someone. Next time I hope I will have a broader and wiser awareness. We make mistakes. We are human. The best way to deal with mistakes is to learn from them. That said, we also can't control how others react to things. Sometimes, your words may be helpful in many ways, yet still harm someone because they live in a negative world or are simply too hurt to see things differently. We do need to be mindful of our words, but if we speaking the truth with the intention to help or serve others, sometimes people will get hurt anyway. And sometimes that simply isn't your issue to deal with.</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">If/when you receive hate mail, physically remove yourself from the situation.</span></b> In my situation, I read the mail, told my husband about it, began to cry, and then left to be alone for a while. I also made a conscious effort to not re-read the message over and over. Hatred and negativity eats us up. We can fall into feeling completely unworthy. If we don't shed those thoughts, we can become less and less engaged in life and at work, not to mention get physically sick.</li>
</ul>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Allow the emotions you feel to pass</span></b>. All emotions pass through you and then end. As humans, we can experience every emotion from shame to love. It's when we don't allow the negative ones to come and pass that they stick around and wreak havoc on us. Shame is one of the darkest emotions one can feel. When you feel shame, do not allow it to sit inside you. It can lead to depression and self destruction. I had a lot of good cries for a few days following the mail I received. I allowed all the feelings of shame, anger, hurt, and sadness to move through me. I physically felt them in my heart, my throat, my belly, my head. And they have mostly passed now. When something hurts us to the core, it takes time for emotions to pass. Give yourself that time. If you need alone time, indulge in it, but don't remove yourself from life. Take some time each day for reflection and carry on with your day. Do the things you love to do. Be with the people you love to be with. Realize that the negative delivery of a message to you is not about you. No matter what mistakes you make or what incidents lead to the receipt of hate mail, you are still human and fully deserving of love and peace and greatness.</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Drum up some love</span></b>. Depending on the situation, this can be quite difficult. But we are all the same. We all essentially and simply want love. I did a loving-kindness meditation - several times. It helped me realize that the person who sent me the message was simply hurt and angry. Her perspective was not wrong - it was far from what I consciously intended, but it was her perspective nevertheless. Once I could see this, I could respond to her with love. I responded to her message and thanked her for sharing her perspective. How she receives that message is none of my business. We cannot control others - only our own responses and feelings. On the other hand, I also had to find love for myself. We beat ourselves up so easily. Finding self-love will allow us to send love out. In the workplace, this is not widely accepted - yet. However, it is a highly successful solution to reducing conflict and fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and creativity.</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Realize you do not have to be right. </span></b> What is 'right' anyway? Sometimes you are right. Sometimes you are not. We all believe we are right. Being right and proving it is not the definition of success. I wrote something. I can't change what I did. Was it right? Well, several people who read it thanked me. One person sent me hate mail. Was it right? I don't know that answer - and it doesn't matter. I'm OK with allowing the one(s) I angered to be right. That allows me to see another perspective. It also stops the negativity cycle.</li>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Delete it and move on.</span></b> If you are experiencing something that has been going on for a long time, this can take more than simply deleting an email. However, it is possible to kick negative thoughts from the past out of your head whenever they arise and remove sources of hatred or negativity from your life. After responding to this lady with as much love as I could muster at that time, I deleted the correspondence. I have had almost a week to let it dissolve, and no doubt if that message was still in my inbox, I would have read it again and the negative feelings would linger longer.</li>
</ul>
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<li><b><span style="color: blue;">Find gratitude.</span></b> Yes, gratitude for the hurt, the pain... and the lesson. When you open yourself to learning something from life, life opens up. Learn the lesson and be grateful to the person who taught it to you. It does not matter how they respond to your gratitude. You do not have to be best friends. You don't even have to say the words to them, you can be grateful silently - as long as it is authentic.</li>
</ul>
Hate mail is horrible. It pains me to think something I wrote could hurt someone so much that they would send me a hateful and hurtful message. However, it did. This happens every day in the workplace. And people are festering in their offices, feeling awful, rather than being fully engaged and contributing all that they have to offer.<br />
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It is with gratitude that I write this post. Indeed, I had a tough few hours, but I know people write and receive hate mail in the workplace and in their personal lives. We'd like to believe we would simply not write it. But in reality, it happens. Work suffers and energy/time/life is wasted. People are hurting. People get hurt. The only way to deal with it is to stop the cycle with love.<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-55592711319025814352014-07-07T11:04:00.000-02:302014-07-07T11:04:18.691-02:30Leadership is About You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is leadership anyway? A position? A title? Leading an organization or team or community? Is it the senior executives or c-suite? Does it entail having followers?<br />
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Peter Drucker says a leader has followers. Robin Sharma says a leader has no title.<br />
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And what about how to be a leader? Do you need to be authoritative? Aggressive? Decisive? Is leadership about ensuring your team of people are performing and providing incentives, rewards, or even discipline? Must a leader be in command? In charge? <br />
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Some say leaders are visionary or they empower and influence others. <br />
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Any of these definitions can be right. And there are more to add. The common thread is the leader him or herself. <br />
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<b>Leadership is about the person.</b><br />
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A great leader - whether they are visionary, empowering, influential, decisive, or commanding - leads him or herself. Leadership style is something else.<br />
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<i>The first step in any kind of leadership is knowing yourself. </i>Self awareness is essential for excellence in leadership. <br />
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<i>The next step is leading yourself to be the best you can be.</i> That means investigating your own thoughts and feelings. A leader can not have focus, clarity, passion, and compassion (essentials for excellence in leadership) without knowing who they are. How can you be clear with others when you don't know what you are feeling or why you are feeling a certain way? Purposefully deciding to be the best you can be means making decisions that are in your best interest for your wellness and for others' wellness. It involves compassion and empathy.<br />
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<b>Self-investigation is key for excellent leadership. </b> And my definition of leadership has nothing to do with followers. It is leading your life. Leading your self. Leading what you do. Leading who you are. This translates to leading your family, community, organization, team, or project. <br />
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You get to know yourself by getting quiet. Slowing down. Investigating. Exploring. Being open to what comes up and being with it - no matter what it is. <br />
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<b>Every individual in an organization needs to be a leader for organizational success. </b><br />
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If you want leaders in your organization, give them the space to know themselves. Allow them to develop their emotional intelligence, which includes intrapersonal and interpersonal skills. Sure, give them the tools and knowledge to coach and manage well. Put them through a leadership development program. But if you are not willing to support their self-awareness and emotional intelligence growth, much of the leadership development will be lost. Self-awareness is the foundation for good leadership.<br />
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<b>The greatest leaders lead themselves, and people follow not because the leader makes them follow... but because the followers want to follow. </b><br />
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Leaders may indeed have followers. But influence comes from the leader's ability to be compassionate and be authentically concerned for the followers' well-being. This ability comes from practice and a continual curiosity into who they are. The key to learning this is to slow down, become aware of the mind-body-spirit connection, and learn how to respond versus react. It is not fluff... it is leadership.<br />
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<i><b>Lead yourself. The rest will follow.</b></i><br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-86527698662579670042014-07-02T14:11:00.000-02:302014-10-03T09:59:35.959-02:30Shifting a Negative Workplace<h1 style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">I have had so many clients talk about negative or toxic workplaces, that it's actually a little shocking to know that so many work environments are toxic - even though many of us know how that impacts business AND our health. Changing negativity can come from a complete culture shift in the organization... or it can begin with individuals. </span></h3>
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<em style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">What is a negative workplace? </em><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.7999992370605px;">Negativity can include (this is not an exhaustive list!):</span><br />
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<li>complaining</li>
<li>resistance to change (or to anything, really)</li>
<li>gossip</li>
<li>criticism in the absence of the authentic desire to help</li>
<li>yelling </li>
<li>punishment</li>
<li>blame or judgement</li>
<li>self-righteousness</li>
<li>anger</li>
<li>clinging to past or current ideas and not willing to move forward</li>
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<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">When people are negative, it prevents a business from operating at its maximum potential.</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> Afterall, a business or organization is simply made up of a bunch of people, so the way the people act will define how the workplace performs. Negativity will come from many sources... beliefs and stories of each individual, jealously, lack of confidence, feelings of lacking control or not being included.... and many of these lead to good old stress... and believe it or not, being stressed is a choice.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Of course, it is accepted, and even encouraged, in our society to be 'stressed'. So, it becomes perfectly acceptable for stress to be common in the workplace. Changing that needs to come from you. </span><strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> But awareness is needed first.</strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">There are a ton of things you can do if you are a business owner, team leader, or HR Professional to begin to shift a negative environment or culture (including doing my <i>Create Your Culture Program</i>). It can take years to accomplish a culture shift. However, you can do something that can have a more immediate impact. Negativity stems from each individual - in fact, it stems from each person's thoughts. Using mindfulness and meditation (a tool to improve mindfulness) can help shift a negative word, action, or thought into a positive one. Imagine the workplace when people begin doing this for themselves!</span><br />
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<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">So now that you know this... or maybe you already knew this... what now? </strong><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b><em style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Start from the beginning. Begin a mindful meditation group in the workplace (there are many types of meditation - I'm talking about mindful meditation). </em></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Novices often get the most value when they are guided. You can find many guided meditations online, or, of course, you can check out one of my programs: Introduction to Mindful Meditation or Zen@Work. Mindfulness is completely individual and experiential. I can talk about it for hours or days and you will not know it until you practice it. However, guidance and community helps to build new habits and learn what to do.</span><br />
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<em style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">It is best if this group is voluntary. Forcing someone to do a mindfulness program or to meditate is simply not mindful and unless the person WANTS to do it, it likely won't work and could result in even higher negativity.</span></b></em><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">People who are practicing begin to see shifts in their attitudes, language, and behaviours and others want some of what they have. Negativity begins to shift because each person becomes aware of their own negative thoughts, words, and actions and, typically, begins to shift their responses. Often with mindfulness comes a raised emotional intelligence. And THAT is what will change negativity to positivity.</span><br />
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<em style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Clients sometimes ask me how they will measure the success of a workplace mindfulness program. Well, the answer is quite simple. Ask. </span></b></em><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Of course, you can measure productivity or absenteeism or customer complaints (with time and a high level of participation, these key performance indicators are known to improve), but the real measurement is in each individual. Evaluate how the practice has impacted them. What shifted? How do they now respond to a potentially stressful situation? Do they experience more moments of presence and calm? What about their level of happiness? If you think these things don't matter to business, think again. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Remember, your business operates because of the people in it. When the people are positive, confident, courageous, and contributing, your business will be able to respond to opportunities and challenges with greater ease.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.6em;">Tina Pomroy is a Mindful Leadership and Wellness Coach. Connect with her at <a href="mailto:tina@pomroy.ca">tina@pomroy.ca</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PomroyConsulting" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://ca.linkedin.com/in/tinapomroy/" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/Company_Om" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</span></div>
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GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-15814204575904161222014-06-13T13:31:00.000-02:302014-06-13T13:31:28.923-02:30Do you Work for Money?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1KBBsIyUBu-i7Z9wUv57H56iOB-MWzwaM53tgQSupLO13eaAgtEr92qAKxfpdxC-aWyoxqEUhyJnt2B8_Nl307coJQbsJK5KE7A4YnV8xbvLx78jCkO54G6yW7Tv5_xZ9X3L6L5SpAZ3/s1600/Work-For-MONEY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1KBBsIyUBu-i7Z9wUv57H56iOB-MWzwaM53tgQSupLO13eaAgtEr92qAKxfpdxC-aWyoxqEUhyJnt2B8_Nl307coJQbsJK5KE7A4YnV8xbvLx78jCkO54G6yW7Tv5_xZ9X3L6L5SpAZ3/s1600/Work-For-MONEY.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></div>
Who works because they have to in order to pay the bills? Well... almost everyone! Of course we work for money. Why else would we work?<br />
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Here's the thing, though. Wanting to make money, more money, lots of money.... is not right or wrong. It is simply a desire or goal you have. Being mindful about that means not attaching to it as being something that is necessary to make you feel happy or successful or complete. <br />
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What if we took money out of the equation when we decide where to work or what job to take or what business to start or why we stay in a job? It's a no-brainer that money is necessary to live and MORE money is a nice thing to have. Some people place a higher importance on it than others - and that's completely cool. But are you happy? Are you fulfilled? Do you use money as your indicator for how successful you are? After the excitement of the money wears off (because it always does), are you working at something you feel passionate about? Do you feel like you are contributing to something? Are you healthy and well? Do you spend time doing things and being with the people you love? <br />
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You don't have to cure a terminal illness or create the solution to poverty to feel you are contributing. One of our basic human needs is to feel we are contributing to something. You can serve an ice cream cone on a boardwalk and smile to the customers, and you could be contributing to someone's well-being.<br />
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Being mindful doesn't mean living on the streets. A mindful leader also has to work to pay the bills. Being mindful means being aware, being in the moment, making conscious choices, and not attaching to the outcomes. So a mindful leader may want to make money, and may even place it high on his or her list of goals - or not... but it's not what makes them happy or unhappy. A mindful leader does not stress less just because they make more money. Stresses are always there whether a collector is calling your house or your yacht just sunk.<br />
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What does your dream workplace/job/business look like? Almost everyone will have 'make enough money to live the life I want' in the description. But what else? How are you contributing in your job or business? What is REALLY important to you and how can that be incorporated into your workday and/or business?<br />
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So go ahead and work for money! AND create meaning in your work. If there's no meaning and you feel stressed or unwell a lot of the time, what is your money really worth?<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-26319446958280375172014-05-22T14:51:00.001-02:302014-05-22T14:51:48.200-02:30Are you Disciplined Enough for a Meditation Practice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been having a rough few months with my eating habits. Funnily, I just developed and tested a Mind Fitness Program that helps groups make more mindful choices in their wellness! And although I have believed in choice for many years, I realized I had turned to trying to be disciplined over the last few months... and kept making unhealthy choices.<br />
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Many people that are trying to eat healthier or lose weight often use the phrase, "I should be more disciplined." Well, I disagree. Your discipline muscle will get tired after a while and you will give in to your cravings and old habits... UNLESS you create new habits that are meaningful for you. <br />
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You make choices in life. You choose how to behave. You choose what to think. You choose to eat that chocolate bar... or not. Being mindful means being aware of your choices... being aware of the impact they have... and not judging... yourself or others.</div>
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Practicing mindfulness is no different from eating healthy. Your formal practice is very important for growing your mindfulness muscle, yet every single client I have had finds it difficult to meditate daily. So do I some days! So what is the problem? And what is the solution?</div>
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Part of the problem is that you haven't found the reason that is meaningful for you to take on a mindfulness and meditation practice. Is it to be healthier? Is it so you can stop missing out on the moments in your life? Is it so you can share it with others? Is it so you can reduce stress? Is it so you can be a better leader? A calmer parent? It doesn't matter what the reason is, you just have to have one.</div>
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Part of the problem is also that you may not truly see yourself as that kind of person. So you try to change yourself by being disciplined. But your discipline muscle depletes its energy and you are back to old habits because you have not truly chosen to be that kind of person.</div>
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What can you do? Make a choice. Choose to be a mindful person. Choose to be that person that meditates each day. Choose a lifestyle that works for behaving mindfully. Choose how you design your weekly schedule and incorporate formal practice into it. Choose to build a mindful team at work. Choose to choose meditation. And accept that whatever is... is. Whatever you chose, you chose. You can choose something different now... or tomorrow... or next month. It's your choice! And the outcomes from your choices are yours too.</div>
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Indeed, making the choices is not always easy - especially if you are not surrounded by like-minded people. But guess what? Every time you practice making the choice to be mindful, you have improved your mindfulness! That's how it works. Before you know it, you will believe wholeheartedly that you ARE that kind of person... the kind that meditates... or the kind that eats healthy... or the kind that rides a bike to work... or the kind that remains calm in a stressful situation.... or the kind that lives life to the fullest.... You are whatever you choose. </div>
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So what's your choice? </div>
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GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-12639703347121070722014-05-02T13:53:00.000-02:302014-05-02T13:53:11.278-02:30Dance Through the Laundry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmIY_95JNnELy6d8fmCXvJ7j7h6gK64BLLb2x88AolBir1prFZmHKz-cmNOyGBUEXrNrMRO10YRrxbmeSGYzeqGJANL1OWTHA52XduiF8koLHLwkHBbjXETWgRC-9HyC0GeP-Qu3hM8rC/s1600/P1000898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmIY_95JNnELy6d8fmCXvJ7j7h6gK64BLLb2x88AolBir1prFZmHKz-cmNOyGBUEXrNrMRO10YRrxbmeSGYzeqGJANL1OWTHA52XduiF8koLHLwkHBbjXETWgRC-9HyC0GeP-Qu3hM8rC/s1600/P1000898.JPG" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
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I work from
home. Sometimes on Fridays I take an
hour or two out of my workday to do house/personal stuff…. Run errands, fix the broken
screen, tidy the toys, clean the dishes… or do laundry.</div>
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I don’t
really enjoy laundry. I stick it in the
washer and dryer no problem, but I end up with mounds of clean clothes and
towels at the end of the week, and I’m not too fussy about folding it all. So I blast the music and dance while I
fold. It can be one of the most
enjoyable times in my day, and I’m totally pumped to get more work done afterwards (I just finished folding five loads and am finally getting to the blog!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have been
a dancer my entire life, although I haven’t always taken classes. I have been known to incorporate dance into
my workshops and team meetings. Yeah, I’m
one of those people. But, really…
everyone is always more energized afterwards.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So I thought….
Why not incorporate dance breaks into your work day? It really doesn’t matter where you are or
what you do. You just have to get a song
on your phone these days and start moving.
People smile and laugh, release endorphins, get the blood flowing, and
tend to get focused on the moment. Yes…
get focused on the moment…. Get mindful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I worked
with a client who had laughing breaks in their workplace daily – love that idea
too! Why not dance? Imagine the lady holding the road sign
dancing while you passed? Imagine the
customer service clerk having a little shake while he answered the phone? Imagine getting your team together for a
little boogie mid-day to remember to laugh, dance, and enjoy this moment? <o:p></o:p></div>
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The rewards go beyond having fun, being healthy, or ramping up your energy. Getting back to the moment through movement can also lessen stress and improve creativity. The next time you or your team are stuck on a decision or conflict is rising... dance through the laundry.</div>
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Dance on!</div>
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GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-43330443899125386782014-04-08T13:20:00.000-02:302014-04-08T13:20:54.069-02:30The Entrepreneur's Response To: 'How's Business?'I attended a conference last week for <a href="http://nlowe.cloverpad.org/" target="_blank">The Newfoundland and Labrador Organization for Women Entrepreneurs</a>. It was a wonderful opportunity to network with other business owners and listen to some fabulous speakers share their insights on business topics. And it was an opportunity to practice answering the question, 'How's business?'<br />
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Have you ever wondered if your answer to that question was helping or hindering you?<br />
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I recently realized I do not like that question and my answer often made me feel icky - so it was hindering me. In my mindfulness practice, I am learning to manage the highs and lows in life and business. One of the mindful leadership traits I practice is poise - and, let's be honest, I'm still practicing! When someone asks the question, 'How's business?' I've struggled with the answer. <br />
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At times business is fabulous and I want to scream from the mountaintops that I'm making it! Some big contract just came through... my week is full of clients... I exceeded a goal... etc. And then at times business is slow, I'm marketing and developing and making connections - or sometimes not. Maybe I didn't win a contract or maybe my week has no revenue generating activities. At those times I'd like to tell the person asking me the question how tough everything is.<br />
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But I don't do that either. Anymore.<br />
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Entrepreneurs, especially those in their first few years of business, often have extreme highs and lows. The excitement of securing a large contract in an industry you've been targeting for a year is as thrilling as not having any revenue generating activity on the books for a week (or two or three) is devastating. To be able to go home at night and live happily means being able to manage the extremes.<br />
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Most entrepreneurs consciously choose this path. We enter it knowing the struggles and chaos facing us. We know 80% of businesses fail in the first two years - and many of us have already been one of those statistics. We know we likely won't have a regular salary for a year or two or three. And we know we are passionate and want to lead the way with a concept or service or product and not follow someone else's idea. It's part of who we are. But it doesn't mean we know how to manage it all.<br />
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Entrepreneurs often feel alone. They do not want to let others know they are struggling in business in fear of losing potential clients, contracts, or employees. They feel responsible for their employees' lives. They feel responsible for ensuring enough money comes into the family to put food on the table. When something fails in business, they take it on as a personal failure. Entrepreneurs feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. <br />
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When an entrepreneur can bring mindful leadership into their business and work, they can alleviate the weight. Of course, meditation as a daily practice will help anyone feel less stressed and more energetic. However, it's the minor adjustments of the mind throughout the day that will make a powerful impact on how an entrepreneur feels about business. <br />
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According to Jon Kabat-Zinn, acceptance is one of the attitudinal factors for mindfulness. As an entrepreneur, accepting that a low in business gives you an opportunity to take care of something will allow you to see the low in a different light. For me, I see the slow times in business as an opportunity to tweak, develop, and take care of me on a personal level. It has taken some time to accept these slow times as, not only needed, but enjoyable. For other businesses, the slow times can present an opportunity to implement a new process, evaluate customer service, or build team cohesiveness. Interestingly, when diving into these development activities, sales often rise as a result.<br />
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Another attitudinal factor for mindfulness is letting go. Entrepreneurs want to be 'successful'. We want our businesses to thrive. We are either passionate about what we offer or are passionate about business itself - or both. When we are succeeding in business, we want to hold on to it.... we want it to last forever.... we want to continue to grow and thrive and have fabulous work cultures. But it never works that way. Things change. The environment changes. People change. Demands change. And business must go through these changes in order to thrive again. When entrepreneurs can let go of the need to hold onto the pleasure from the high times, it is easier to flow into transition times or low times. And this takes poise. A mindful leader will be able to celebrate successes without needing them for validation for personal success and be mindful that today's success does not guarantee tomorrow's. A mindful leader and entrepreneur will be as happy and content with the success as with the failure because he/she will let go of the pleasant or unpleasant feelings and know that all that really matters is this moment, and this moment is truly beautiful. <br />
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All of this takes practice - a lot of practice. It does not mean we don't work hard to succeed or have a thriving business. It means we can accept where we are, take action, and not cling to business success as a factor for happiness. It means entrepreneurs can stop feeling the weight of the world and start loving the moments. It's OK. And it will make business even better.<br />
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So when people now ask, "How's business?" I'm practicing the response, "I love it." That is the truth. And I'm just like any entrepreneur who is learning to manage the highs and lows that come with being a passionate entrepreneur.<br />
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Namaste<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-55328710843356949022013-11-25T16:38:00.000-03:302013-11-25T16:42:30.070-03:30Using Mindfulness to Get Your Priorities StraightEver feel like you are in one place but you really need to be in another? You have that 'to-do' list that as you cross one thing off, two more things are added and it keeps growing? And you can't get it off your mind? You wish you could be in two places at once.<br />
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Mindfulness teaches us to be present and to be where we are. It teaches us to leave the past and future thoughts and get the most out of what you are doing at the present moment. And that's one way of dealing with the problem of not being able to focus in the present moment.<br />
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However, when you really are not getting your priorities addressed, you are probably in the wrong place. Being mindful will also help you know when you are in the wrong place and get to the right place.<br />
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I don't claim to be perfectly mindful. Nor do I claim to be 100% dedicated to my meditation practice. But because of my practice and knowledge, I know when I need to step back and get re-aligned. When I'm not being fully present, I usually realize it pretty quickly and get mindfully present. I highly recommend it for an amazing life and business with amazing results. Lately, though, I've been losing sight of my priorities. And the universe has a funny way of showing us when things are out of whack!<br />
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A lot of external demands are getting my attention lately. One of those is my 2 1/2 year old waking almost every night again for about a month, hence, I'm working on less sleep and much less deep sleep - which is what we require for our cognitive function to be at its best. That one can't really be controlled - except that I need to get to bed earlier (which is a blog in itself!). <br />
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However, I also have had other demands that I've been giving my attention to - others wanting to meet, the feeling that I must be networking all the time, responding to emails as soon as possible, the ever lengthening list of newsletters I <i>must</i> read, taking care of my family, being there for my friends in need - you know that list. Well, yeah, my list is looking like this lately. And if I wasn't going to do something about it, the universe was.<br />
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Last night, I had an awful dream and woke with a feeling that I couldn't shake. I had a 9:00 full-day networking event scheduled, I had to pack for a trip I'm leaving for tomorrow, and I have at least four items on my list that I must get done before I leave. I managed to get my daughter to daycare (my hubby is traveling for work) and arrive just a few minutes into the 9:00 session. I sat through the first session trying desperately to pay attention but my mind wandered to my 'to-do' list. Knowing I have full control of my thoughts, I began to practice accepting that I have a lot to do and I'm here now so be here.<br />
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I managed to get through the morning, but I was almost forcing my pitch to potential clients. I certainly was not in the right head space. Then, I found out that I was on the list for pitching my business one on one to potential clients for the afternoon. Last week, my printer broke, and I did not get my brochures printed for this event - however, I was OK with that because I didn't think I was on that list! I took a moment to think about what would happen if I pitched my business without feeling prepared. And I decided to give up my coveted seat for the afternoon session to someone on the wait-list. I was feeling guilty while driving home, my mind was in the clouds, and I was stopped by a police officer for speeding! Yes! I got a ticket!<br />
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I really need to be in the office right now. I need to take care of business. I need to focus. I need to clear off my desk. Although all of the things demanding my attention are important, my priorities lie at taking care of other things, including taking care of my sleep!<br />
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Being mindful is not woo-woo and fluff. In fact, it's as practical as it gets. When you are mindful, you inquire about your feelings and thoughts. When mind wandering started for me this morning (and recent weeks), I questioned what was going on for me to be unable to focus. Lack of sleep was the first answer, of course. But I continued to dig and got to the real answers - for me it is literally to spend time in the office getting things done and stop feeling guilty about not networking enough.. When you have the real answers, you can find the solutions that really work, rather than the band-aid ones.<br />
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If your list is growing and you really feel you are in the wrong place, try closing your eyes, pay attention to the feeling and sound of your breath, and question - what do you really need to be doing in order to enable yourself to feel present in your life? What is the ONE thing you can do that will make a big difference to your focus and productivity? Then do that. Scratch off all the things that aren't real priorities and get your priorities straight. And while you're at it, spend a little time meditating - because that will help you feel better in all ways.<br />
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<i>Tina Pomroy uses mindfulness as a tool for managers, leaders, and business owners to be highly productive, lead high performing teams, and experience peace and happiness at work and in life.</i></div>
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6496114422236721834.post-20107810355024510952013-11-18T14:19:00.000-03:302013-11-18T14:19:36.291-03:30Hire HigherSo many people have asked me how to hire the right people that will stay. There are many solutions for attraction and retention challenges, and the right one for you depends on your culture and current practices. However, finding the right person will depend on being the right environment.<br />
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I recently heard about a young woman interviewed at a photography studio. She is a smart, enthusiastic young lady with a strong work ethic who gets enjoyment out of serving customers with excellence. When she was called to be interviewed that same day, she cancelled an appointment in order to prepare for the interview. She was excited to potentially have her first job as a photographer - she'd already taken courses, had fun with the camera, given all of her friends and family the gift of photography, and was ready for a paid photography experience.<br />
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The young woman was seated in the customer area when she arrived... and that's where she stayed for an hour. The interviewer joined her for a few minutes to give her forms to complete and left her again. When the interviewer returned, she asked about hours of availability, and then, "Do you want the job?" The young lady said yes. The interviewer then proceeded to tell her about all of the awful job applicants she had received and the problems they have with recruitment and retention. Customers were in ear shot and the other employees carried on with each other having fun.... but in an unprofessional manner. All of this was noted by the young woman being interviewed.<br />
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The young woman accepted the job... with a caveat she didn't share with the interviewer. She was accepting the position to gain experience, and then she would leave. She had no intention of working in such an unprofessional environment for a long period of time. She valued excellence in customer service and wanted to work in an environment that also valued that kind of excellence.<br />
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This is not the first time I've heard a story like this.<br />
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If you want to hire 'higher'.... give your current management and employees the skills required to perform higher. Create a professional workplace that people with the right skills will want to work in... and stay working in. If you want to hire a person with excellence in specific skills or attitudes, make sure your workplace IS that first. <br />
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Excellence in management and leadership is the first requirement to hire higher. Finding and keeping the right person for the job is about first having an environment that person wants to work in.<br />
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Start cultivating excellence among your current team, and the right people will begin to show up... and will be more likely to stay.<br />
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<br />GoingOmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09733056142467745082noreply@blogger.com0