March 2007

Motivation, PBS, a Big Thumb, and Clifford the Big Red Dog

Joy and I were recently invited to tape a Public Broadcast Service (PBS) television segment about interesting people making a different in society. Well, to say the least, we were honored, excited, and motivated about the opportunity.

We drove up to the television studio, I opened the back door to the retrieve my bag and bam; I closed the car door on my thumb (See my thumb to the left). Joy eyes exploded with fear as she covered her mouth to keep from screaming. I calmly opened the car door and reassured Joy that the thumb was not broken and all I needed was some ice to control the swelling. You see, I was motivated and wasn't going to let a big thumb get in the way of an opportunity.

By the time we arrived at the television studio, which was unusually hot, my thumb was throbbing with pain and I was dizzy from the heat. I forgot about the pain and the dizziness once they said we were able to tape the segment. As they say, "The show must go on."

The taping was a success and I couldn't wait to put the ice back on my thumb. Joy asked the our contact when the segment would show. She mentioned that the segment would show in late April after "Clifford the Big Red Dog." At that time, I didn't know who "Clifford the Big Red Dog" was, but Joy quickly let me know that everyone knows Clifford and what cave was I living in not to know of Clifford.

We will keep you posted when the video when it is available. I need to go now to take care of the big thumb.

Happy Smile Rejuvenation Day!

I just finished facilitating an exciting employee motivation program with a group of supervisors and managers. During one of the exercises, the group agreed that as supervisors and managers, they needed to set the tone for a motivated workplace. They discussed one way to set the tone is to have a pleasing smile when interacting with their employees.

How many of you have felt motivated to work first thing in the morning and you see your supervisor or manager walk into the office looking like the picture to the left. Are you still motivated? Are you distracted from producing your best work? Are you wondering, "What's going to happen next?"

Wouldn't you rather walk in an environment that looks like the picture to the right? Remember, as supervisors, managers, and leaders, we set the tone for the work environment. If you want a motivated work environment, it starts at the top.

So rejuvenate your smile and set the tone for the day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! - Eight Secrets to Creating Your Luck Everyday

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day is associated with having luck as in "the luck of the Irish." Well, you don't have to wait until St. Patrick's day to create your own luck. Everyday has a pot of gold waiting for you. The following are eight secrets to creating your own luck and receiving your pot of gold everyday:

• Expect the best and prepare for the worst

• Develop a pleasing personality

• Seek knowledge and understanding

• Take action and make things happen

• Develop your goals and move toward them and others will help you

• Appreciate every blessing and challenge

• Create balance in your life

• Look at every setback as a learning experience

Apply these secrets in your life and you too will achieve success and everyday find your pot of gold!

Appreciate to Motivate Your Employees!

Today is Employee Appreciation Day!

Take time today to show your employees how much you appreciate their efforts. It could be as simple as saying "thank you." The following resource will give you the techniques to appreciating your employees so that they become more motivated and become more productive:

Appreciate to Motivate