I’m CUCKOO for…

17 May

Growing up…I was never one to sit down and watch cartoons. But, when I think back over my life there was one character who really stood out. He was memorable and funny! His name was Sonny. You’ve seen him…the mascot from the Cocoa Puffs cereal commercial. He has the famous catchphrase “I’m CUCKOO for cocoa puffs.”

I love his enthusiasm. Think about how fast he moves over the chocolate cereal. I then started to realize that we all have something that quickly moves us into action. Something that we are super excited about. Something that we are CUCKOO for. At work. At home. A task. A project. An activity.

What can you declare that you are plain old CUCKOO for today? Declare it! Write It! And tell me about it!

If you have funny and inspirational message…I’d love to share it. Write fromtv2odblogger@gmail.com. Thanks and have a wonderful weekened!

Control

15 May

The dictionary defines “control” as exercising restraint and to hold back. RE-READ THE DEFINITION AND TAKE NOTE. 

GRAB YOUR CELLULAR DEVICE and locate Janet Jackson’s 1986 smash hit ”Control” and GET READY TO DANCE. 

In what’s noted as one of her biggest hits…Jackson was defiant as she told her coming of age story. By that time, she’d endured some challenges. And had really found her own voice. Ms. Jackson was proud to tell the world she was indeed the h-p-i-c-o-h-l. The head person in charge of her life.

Still dancing? PUT THE PLAYER ON PAUSE FOR A FEW MOMENTS AND KEEP READING! You can take control of your circumstances. Circumstances that feel like weighty problems. Problems that look like reality television drama. Drama that’s intoxicating. DO A WOO-SAH!

It takes a great deal of control to succeed in the workplace. Therefore, I’ve developed a formula for workplace control. WRITE THIS DOWN. Cool. Optimistic. Nurturing. Tell. Responsibility. Obliging. Lead. 

C-Cool tempered folks are folks we need more of in the workplace. This requires a little finesse as it relates to working under pressure, managing our emotions, and not having meltdowns.

O-Optimistic is a trait that’s best suited when we get negative news. As an example, you didn’t get the promotion. It doesn’t mean that all is lost and the world is over. Maybe, its time to look for opportunities somewhere else.

N-Nurturing is a self technique you can practice away from the job. You should make it your mission to enhance your skill set by attending professional sessions. Don’t expect your manager to do everything for you. Develop new skills outside of work and illustrate that work to your boss.

T-Tell your leaders and other hiring managers what you’re good at. Think of yourself as your very own public relations guru. Find opportunities to wedge your foot in the door at executive’s offices. Show and tell them what you can do to make their department or company better.

R-Responsibility is essentially being accountable for your actions. Your decision making. How you prioritize and complete tasks. The manner in which you communicate with your co-workers and external organizational stakeholders.

O-Obliging is the sincere and hearty response you give to an intern who needs assistance. You should always be willing to take the time and provide expertise to folks in the workplace. Try to use some positive humor with this.

L-Lead person is who should aim to be on various tasks. The brain behinds the idea. The researcher with in-depth knowledge on on projects. The go to person who can fix the problem. The lead is often the person who gets promoted.

NOW SING AND DO YOUR HAPPY DANCE! I know you have one! As Janet would say… “NOW YOU’RE IN CONTROL!”

Snap Out Of It: Get Your Happy Back In The Workplace

13 May

Have you been on an extended snooze fest at your job? Lethargic. Restless. Just BORED OUT OF YOUR MIND. Dealing with the same daily routine. The same old mundane tasks. The same old dry humor from your boss. The same eccentric co-worker who manages to get on your last nerve. You’re just tired. And bored. Bored to tears!

We’ve all endured such challenging seasons in the workplace. Boredom. Low motivation. Slumping productivity. Guess what? You CAN change your forecast. With a little work, you can change your perception of things and how you operate on the job. Here are four easy tips to get your happy back on the job.

1. Find a song you love and make it your work anthem. Listen to an inspirational/motivational song all day long if you have to. On the way to work. At your computer. On your lunch break. Music is very therapeutic. And does wonders for your mental, energy and creativity. Trust me! I know.

2. Create a list of things that will make you more vibrant and thrive in the workplace. No one knows you better than you. Determine what brings you joy and fulfillment in the workplace. Identify challenging opportunities and projects that will amplify you on the job and enhance your skill set.

3. Take a photo of yourself for the next 30 days and write inspirational messages on them.  Seeing is indeed believing. Make an effort to smile on each photo every single day and create a motivational theme like “I’m in love with my job” or ”I like my organization” and assess how each day went. You will be surprised at how much your outlook will change by viewing yourself and your situation in this manner. Post them on a bulletin board or social media site!

4. Ask some of your co-workers out on a date. A fun and productive “professional” date that this. Spend quality time with your peers and find out what excites them over lunch. It doesn’t have to be super expensive. You just want to communicate and build healthy relationships with your co-workers. You could help each other cope in the workplace. You spend more time with your co-workers than your own personal family. So, its important that you know these folks.

 

What The Workplace Needs Is…

18 Apr

Have you ever walked into a business environment and immediately felt chill bumps? Numb? Not because the room temperature was 20 degrees…but the atmosphere was cold and depressing. Instantly you noticed employees walking around like zombies…having little to no cohesion. That’s the energy in the environment…energy that pollutes the air. This type of pollution can have damaging consequences on employees and organizations.

An OD practitioner, I wanted to explore energy and organizational culture from a positive perspective. And really discover all the wonderful benefits of positive energy in organizations. I designed and facilitated a transformative session called Infectious Culture: Spreading Positive Energy in Organizations for a group of OD and HR professionals. The session was created utilizing the Appreciative Inquiry Methodology…an innovative change method developed by David Cooperrider. In essence, the AI method celebrates the best of what’s good in the organization. In this case, we lauded the positive energy that existed within ourselves and our organizations.

We began the session by doing what folks say happens in the workplace all the time. We put our emotions on our sleeves. Knowing that emotions dictate our actions we assessed how those feelings look and impact work climates. The initial question.

“If you could wear emotions on your sleeve what would they be?” 

I saw the curiosity on their faces. Deep introspection as they mulled over the questions. The classroom was filled with a wide array of emotions as they shared thoughts with the group. One participant wore enthusiasm. Another wore the spirit of hope. One professional wrapped herself in hope. Then I heard that four letter word…emotions and energy we all yearn for in some aspects of our lives. L-O-V-E!

I LOVE YOU BOSS! Scratch that! Love isn’t spoken in the workplace. Love is manifested through our actions. Its the empathy that we show our co-worker going through a difficult time in their life. Love is the support we give to an inexperienced employee enduring growing pains. Love is unwavering loyalty that we have for our organizational leaders. Love is putting our conflicting viewpoints aside and uniting for the good of the organization.

The workplace needs LOVE! It purifies organizational cultures. And transforms climates to healthy and vibrant work environments. Love paves the way for clearer communication, better attitudes, enhanced cooperation, and higher morale.

How do you show love in the workplace? Talk to me.

Start Spreading the News

16 Apr

I send you well wishes and prayers today!

Last week, I facilitated a transformational change session for an “Organizational Development Network” in Maryland. I dubbed the session Infectious Culture: Spreading Positive Energy in OrganizationsWhen planning the session, I endeavored to illustrate the benefits of promoting and sustaining a positive work environment. I also wanted to instruct OD and HR practitioners on how to conduct innovative and inspirational activities for organizations.

The session exceeded my expectations. The participants really caught that vibrant infectious spirit. You could feel the energy in the room. As a facilitator, I was delighted to witness the change unfold before my eyes. I guided the participants along the process as they assessed positive energy, organizational culture, and administered positive treatments to organizations. The group produced amazing recommendations.

Exhilarated best describes how I walked out of the session. I’m still floating on cloud nine! I felt compelled to spread more of that infectious energy to you. This week, I will publish a series of blogs inspired from the session. I hope that you will join me and tap into your positive energy. Start spreading the news about this much needed discussion on positive energy in the workplace. Spread the news in your cubicles and offices! Tell a co-worker. Tell your boss. Catch the spirit! It’s infectious!

You Made It…So Celebrate!

30 Nov

The work week is over! When you walk out the door…be sure to leave workplace matters in the workplace. The things that did or didn’t happen…leave them behind. Its over. So, don’t allow such matters to spoil your weekend. Commit to doing whatever brings you joy! You made it…so celebrate! And be intentional about it!

Got inspiration? You could be featured in the next kicker! Send an email to fromtv2odblogger@gmail.com.

Lady Luck! What Tha?

29 Nov

And the winner is…

A few lucky folks in Arizona and Missouri. Those folks have millions of reasons to celebrate…after winning the record 580 million dollar powerball! Meanwhile, you are still scratching your head over those six numbers. 5-16-22-23-29-06. And secretly sulking because you had to go back to work today. Isn’t that the first thing you would have done? Quit your job…tell your boss good riddance!

Losing the powerball isn’t the worst thing in the world. If you have a job in this troubled economy…then friend you are a winner. Right now…there are millions of people feverishly looking for work. Those seeking work are playing the lottery each day. And they are hoping to win BIG with a job! 

Just think…you already hit the jackpot!

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