October 2004

Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat" Will Help You Get Your Point Across! (Yes you can, here is the Plan)

I was recently coaching an engineer who wanted to improve his speaking skills. After videotaping him, we discussed his strong points and then his areas of improvement. Then we got to the area of vocal variety. Vocal variety is the quality of your speech that hold your audience. It is the combination of pitch changes, pauses, inflection, rhythm, and loudness in your voice that adds "color" to any conversation or speech. I suggested he try Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat." At that point he looked at me like I had a third eye. I then explained how "The Cat in the Hat" could help anyone improve his or her speaking skills, especially vocal variety, and have fun doing it.

Can you remember being read "The Cat in the Hat" by your parents? What held your attention? What made you want to hear "The Cat in the Hat" again and again? "The Cat in the Hat" is set up so that you must use vocal variety to read the story. It's the vocal variety that held your attention.

Here's how Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat" can help you hold your audience's attention:

1. Buy the Book
   My favorite Dr. Seuss books for this type of exercise are "The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham." You can go to any used bookstore and get a gently used copy of the book at a substantial discount. You can also go to www.half.com and get the book at more than 50% off the price.

2. Read with Passion
   Read to your children, nephews, cousins, etc. While reading aloud, exaggerate your pitch, tone, and pauses. The children will enjoy it as you will become used to the sound of your voice. Children are the best barometers to let you know if you are doing it correctly. The children will have a look on their faces that show they are hanging on every word you are saying. Continue to experiment with different ways to read "The Cat in the Hat" while recording yourself on audiotape. The more fun you have, the more everyone involved will benefit from this exercise.

3. Apply It Right Away (That's the Way!)
   Immediately apply your newly acquired vocal variety skills in any speaking situation whether it's in a meeting, with co-workers, speaking in front of a group, or one-on-one with another person. It may feel a little strange in the beginning. However, remember the more you use your new skills, the more comfortable you will be.

So go out, get a Dr. Seuss book, and improve your vocal variety. You will have more people hanging on every word, you will be more persuasive, and your speaking abilities will be more colorful and entertaining. So do it today (It will pay!).

Click on the "comment" link below and share your thoughts with us.

Want to learn more about presentation skills? Our How to Give Powerful Presentations (without Knocking Knees and Sweaty Palms) program can help you present with confidence.

How to Set Boundaries and Say No

We are constantly bombarded daily with requests for our time. While helping others can be very rewarding, at the same time we can feel distraught about constantly obligating ourselves to others while not fulfilling our own needs. We can feel distressed about constant commitments to do things we simply don’t have the time, energy or desire to do.

At times, we may immediately feel the urge to say no, but instead lose our courage, and concede yet again. The question is why? Is it because:

• You fear you won’t be liked or feel a strong need to please everyone

• You have to always keep the calendar full so you feel needed and important

• You undervalue the need for down time and forget simply not wanting to do anything is a legitimate reason to say no

• You would rather not deal with the consequences of saying no and all the feelings that come with it.

Setting boundaries and saying no is taking personal responsibility for your well-being. This requires you to clearly speak up, and specifically ask for what you want. Your decision to say no to requests from family, friends, and co-workers doesn’t have to be filled with feelings of uneasiness and guilt. It fact, it’s important you remember the decision to say no is strictly a personal choice – yours!

Whether at work, with family, or friends, you can say no with diplomacy, tact, and respect. Here some ways you can embrace your personal power and assert your right to say no.

Be sure you have all the facts
Before making a commitment, be sure you have a complete understanding of exactly what’s being asked of you. You may feel confused because you just don’t have enough information to make a decision. You have the right to ask as many questions as necessary.

Ask yourself "Is this a unreasonable request?"
When someone makes a request, he or she is usually tuned into "WIIFM" (What’s In It For Me). People are not necessarily concerned with whether or not a request is in your best interest. If you feel hesitant, trapped or otherwise uncomfortable – go with your gut and say no. These uneasy feelings probably indicate saying yes isn’t best.

Take Your Time
There is no law that says you have to immediately obligate yourself to someone when asked. Take your time before you make a final decision. Simply say "I need time to think about this. I’ll get back to you."

Set goals
Setting your goals will make it easier to say no. Establishing priorities makes it easy to decide how much time you can devote to others without sacrificing your own needs. You will be more comfortable declining requests that conflict with your priorities.

Speak up - without excuses or apologies
When you have all the facts and decide say no, say no calmly and firmly. An assertive tone of voice, body language, and eye contact lets others know you are serious and definite in your decision.

Don’t be meek. Say no directly without excuses. Excuses make you appear as if you aren’t in control of your decisions. If you say "I’m sorry but…" this only weakens your stand. If you have decided saying yes is not in your best interest, no apology is necessary.

What if they won’t take no for an answer?
If someone won’t take no for an answer, repeat your position. Maintain your stand and don’t allow yourself to be manipulated or strong armed. No means no and you have the right to stand by your choice.

Feel good about your decision to say no
Feel calm, confident, and comfortable with your decision to say no. Be secure knowing it’s enough to say no simply because you just don’t want to.

Remember, learn how to say no is a win-win situation for everyone.

Click on the "comment" link below and share your thoughts with us.

To learn how to "Set Boundaries and Say No" go the following links:

• Fall into Success 2004 Empowerment Workshop Series

• How to Master Challenging People in Difficult Situations

• Assertive Communication Skills Workshop

Call us at 757-427-7032 or e-mail us at info@thesykesgrp.com.

Joy Fisher-Sykes is a professional speaker published in the areas of communication, time management, and teamwork. She works with business and government organizations who want to reach the next level of success and individuals who want to perform at their best. You can email her at jfsykes@thesykesgrp.com, call her at (757) 427-7032 or visit her Web site at www.thesykesgrp.com

Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish the following articles and newsletters in its entirety, electronically, or in print free of charge, as long as you include our full signature file at the end of each article for ezines, and my Web site address in hyperlink for other sites. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to info@thesykesgrp.com.

The Greatest Gift of All – The Gift of Empowerment

During the year, a variety of celebrations – birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions – call for a gift of some kind. We sometimes work ourselves into a frenzy trying to come up with the "perfect gift." The "perfect gift" is one that doesn’t wind up in the bottom of a drawer or a gift receipt because no one in his/her right mind would return it (after all it’s perfect.) Or have you ever received a gift and couldn’t wait for the return counter to open?

Why not invest in a gift that has staying power – the gift of empowerment. The gift of empowerment is a gift that keeps on giving, enabling one to enhance and further his or her personal development and achievement. An empowering gift is one that keeps on giving the whole year through and, if we’re lucky, beyond.

Here are three empowering gift ideas:

The Gift of Change 

• Enjoy cuisine of a culture other than your own. Learn about a culture other than your own. Learn the customs and the cuisine, or purchase a piece of clothing which can provide insight and an appreciation of others.

• Realize no one is perfect. Don’t beat yourself up about the past - remember the past doesn’t define your future – only you can do that. See and accept only positive people and thoughts in your life.

• Change someone’s life for the better; do a good deed. A good deed has multiple payoffs for everyone. You can make life a little easier or enable others to accomplish something they may not have been able to on their own. The size of a good deed is not of importance – only that you did something for someone else. The payoff for you – as the commercial says, "priceless."

The Gift of Knowledge
 

• Expand your knowledge with books. Seeking new information expands our mind and can develop our spirit. No time to read you say, books on tape (especially motivational tapes) are a great way to squeeze in learning during the vast amount of time we spend commuting, walking on the treadmill, or waiting at a doctor’s office.

• Take a class at an adult learning center or community college. This inexpensive option allows you to further your knowledge and increase your potential.

• Join Toastmasters! It’s not just for public speakers. This dynamic international organization empowers you to increase your communication and leadership skills in a supportive environment. This is a must for anyone who interacts with people – ever!

• Subscribe to a newspaper or magazine subscription such as a health, finance, or major newspaper. Why not better your well-being, develop your financial portfolio or learn more about current events that affect your life.

The Gift of Goal Setting 

• Set your first goal ((Click here for additional goal setting articles and learning tools) – you will make time for self. Even fifteen minutes alone, in the bathtub or shower, can provide you with the time you need to just think and find yourself. Finding yourself means determining what do you want and what you need. Who else knows you better and who else can give you what you need. Help someone else find time - barter or give the gift of time via babysitting or cooking a meal for another family (now they will have more time for themselves, too).

• Commit to a healthful lifestyle. Diets are great for short term gain but often fail because they are so difficult to stick with. Improve your health with a subscription to a health magazine, buy or rent a video/DVD, join a gym or recreation center, or purchase a piece of gym equipment. Remember it can only work if you take action!

• Set financial goals – financial freedom is a worthwhile goal that can be achieved with knowledge, planning and commitment. Whenever you find yourself in a buying situation, ask yourself “Do I want this item or do I need this item?” I find this a big help when deciding to make a purchase and not be a slave to credit card payments. Also, pay by cash and not by credit card. Start now!

• De-clutter and organize. That mess can make you feel overwhelmed, confused, and stressed. Less truly is more. Commit to keeping only what brings you pleasure, love, or need. Organize your home and office to enable you to find what’s there. This in turn will save you time and money because you won’t be going out all the time to buy what you already have.

I encourage you to start today - share any or all of these gifts with yourself, family, friends, or colleagues. Remember, the greatest gift of all is the gift that keeps on giving – the gift is empowerment!

Click on the "comment" link below and share your thoughts with us.

Joy Fisher-Sykes is a professional speaker published in the areas of communication, time management, and teamwork. She works with business and government organizations who want to reach the next level of success and individuals who want to perform at their best. You can email her at jfsykes@thesykesgrp.com, call him at (757) 427-7032 or visit his Web site at www.thesykesgrp.com

Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish the following articles and newsletters in its entirety, electronically, or in print free of charge, as long as you include our full signature file at the end of each article for ezines, and my Web site address in hyperlink for other sites. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to info@thesykesgrp.com.

Ten Quick Tips for Outstanding Presentations

It's that time again...the monthly meeting. You break out in a cold sweat just thinking about it. Whether you present to your managers or your employees you are saying to yourself:

What if I mess up?
What if I repeat myself?
What if the audience doesn't like what I say?
What if I forget a part of my speech?
What if I look nervous?

It's okay! You're not the only one feeling this way. The Book of Lists states that the #1 fear is speaking in public. This fear is greater than the fear of death.

Well, I have the answers to your fears and can help you become an outstanding presenter. These 10 tips will help you become more confident making presentations that achieve results.

1. Start with an End in Mind
   Ask yourself, "Why am I speaking?" "What do I want the audience to do after listening to my speech?" This will help you focus on the message you want to share with your audience. It will help you focus on who is your audience, the key points, and what you want your audience to do after listening to you.

2. Keep It Simple
   Keep your presentation simple by learning to "speak to express instead of speaking to impress." What I mean by speaking to impress is when you see speakers using $5 words for $2 situations during speeches and they look uncomfortable doing it. Another example of this is when presenters overuse PowerPoint. Your audience will soon lose interest in what you are saying.
   
   Also keep it simple with the structure of your speech. An opening, body with tree major points, and a closing will help you connect with your audience. Just be sincere, concise, and simple in your presentation and you will always connect with your audience.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice
   Master your presentation by practicing. Here’s the secret to practicing…first read your speech to yourself 2-3 times. This allows you to work out the majority of the rough spots in your presentation before you start rehearsing.
   
   Then rehearse in front of a mirror or even better a video camera or tape player. Also try to rehearse in front of someone whose opinion you value.
   
   Then practice as close as possible to your speaking environment as possible. For example, if you will be speaking behind a lectern, practice with your notes on an ironing board.

4. Visualize Success
   Before going to sleep the night before a presentation I take time to visualize the success of the presentation. The key to making visualization work for you is involving as many senses (sound, touch, sight, smell, etc.) as possible in your visualization. Have you ever had a dream where it seemed so real you awoke in a cold sweat (You don’t need to tell me what the dream was)? It was because you used all your senses and that dream became so real to you that you needed to escape from it.
   
   Visualize yourself giving a successful presentation where you see yourself as a confident presenter, hear yourself handling questions, etc. Visualize successful presentations so that it becomes real.

5. Eat the Elephant
   I ask the timeless question, "How do you eat an elephant?" Piece by piece. The same answer applies to presenting to a group. How do you present to a group? Person to person. Break the group into individuals.
   
   "How do I present to a large group?" is one of the biggest questions people have when giving presentations. Get personal. Whenever possible, I will make sure I arrive early to the room I'm presenting in and plant myself by the entrance. I will then greet as many people as possible that walk through the door. I will shake their hands and let them know I am glad they came. Here's a tip for guaranteeing a positive audience:
   • As you greet, look for pleasant, upbeat people. Then say something like, "I'm especially glad you made it today. As a matter of fact there's a sit in the front row with your name on it. Please enjoy!"
     
     The audience member will usually chuckle and you started the personalization process. Also this allows you to stack all the friendly audience members in the front rows. It's always nice to see friendly faces in the front row.
   
   Remember, when giving a presentation, it's not about your needs or concerns. It's about the audience's needs or concerns. Make it personal and eat the elephant!

6. Nail Your Opening
   It's the first words your audience hears. Know your opening like the back of your hand. Know exactly what you are going to say. Once you get started and gain some momentum you will start to gain confidence for the rest of your speech.
   
   It helps to pause for 3-5 seconds before you are about to start your presentation so that can focus on what you are about to say.

7. Nail Your Ending
   It's the last words your audience hears and reminder about you. You can have a great opening and body and have a bad ending and your audience your always remember how you ended.
   
   Ask your audience to take action, think about an idea, etc. so that they understand why they are there.

8. Backup if You Forget
   If you forget what you are about to say or lose your place in the presentation do the following:
   • Stop speaking. Take two steps backward. Then take a deep breath. Collect your thoughts. Smile. Take two steps forward and proceed with your presentation.
   • Go back and repeat the last sentence. That will help trigger what comes next in your presentation.
   • If you really go blank, ask an audience member what was the last sentence you said. Also, if they have handouts of your speech, you can ask the audience what is the next subject we will discuss. You will be surprised how many people will volunteer this information to help you. This will give you time to collect your thoughts, involve the audience, and go forward with your presentation.
   Note: If you forget a piece of information, collect yourself, and then go forward. Never say, "I'm sorry." Unless the audience has a copy of every single word of your speech they will never know you forgot something.

9. Realize Nervousness is the Tool of Great Presenters
   Believe it or not, all presenters, whether professional or occasional, are nervous when presenting. The difference is the best presenters use nervousness to their advantage by turning nervousness into positive energy. Here are some tips to control nervousness:
   • Whenever possible walk from the back of the room to burn some of the nervous energy.
   • Slow your breathing
   • Stretch

10. Get Excited
    Get excited so that the audience is excited about hearing your presentation.
    
    Some of the ways you can become excited is:
    • Remember what you say is important and can make a difference for your audience.
    • Every opportunity to present is a chance for you to succeed.
    • Every time you speak you become better than the last time.
    • Presenting will expose me to countless opportunities I wouldn’t have by not presenting.

So the next time you have the opportunity to present apply the above techniques. You will have fun while presenting on a whole new level.

Podium or Lectern?

Is he speaking at a podium or a lectern? How many times, especially during this election season, have you heard the following:

Well the answer to the above question is...lectern.

Podium is one of the most misused words in the media and most anywhere else. Time and time again I speak at conferences and the lectern is always called the podium. You saw the debates and since again the newscasters referred to the lectern as a podium.

Now, I too once was one of those people. I thought the lectern was called a podium until a good friend of my, Judy Paschall, explained that I was incorrect.

I since learned that podium, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is "a small platform on which a person may stand to be seen by an audience." Its origin comes from the Greek word podion, which means ‘little foot’. The Cambridge Dictionary states that podium is "a raised area on which a person stands to speak to a large number of people, to conduct music, or to receive a prize in a sports competition."

A lectern, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is "a tall stand with a sloping top from which a speaker can read while standing up." It comes from the Medieval Latin lctrnum, from Late Latin lctrum, from Latin lctus, past participle of legere, which means to read.

So let's take a look at what this gentleman is doing. He is doing the following:

I am sure this bit of knowledge will make a difference in your life. Now you know more than Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, Larry King, and all the other media personalities combined.

Click on the "comment" link below and share your thoughts with us.

Ed Sykes is a professional speaker published in the areas of leadership, change management, customer service and teamwork. He works with business and government organizations who want to reach the next level of success and individuals who want to perform at their best. You can email him at esykes@thesykesgrp.com, call him at (757) 427-7032 or visit his Web site at www.thesykesgrp.com.

Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish the following articles and newsletters in its entirety, electronically, or in print free of charge, as long as you include our full signature file at the end of each article for ezines, and my Web site address in hyperlink for other sites. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to info@thesykesgrp.com.

Ten Techniques for Motivating Others through Chaos

The work environment has changed. Change has become the norm. Also the truth level of employees has decreased. This can lead to increased dissatisfaction and decreased productivity.

Here are ten techniques for motivating your employees to succeed during chaos:

1. Take Care of the Little Things
   Doing the little things well will show that your respect your employees. Making sure you are on time for meetings, saying “good morning” and “thank-you,” and returning phone calls and e-mails in a timely manner goes a long way to showing your employees that you care during chaotic times.

2. Be an Active Listener
   Recent research stated that the average supervisor or manager only invests two hours per year applying “pure listening” skills. Pure listening is when you are listening to your employee you are not:

• Multitasking
• Ordering your lunch
• Watching people walk by your office.
• Answering telephone calls
• Setting up appointments

To be a pure listener you must be an active listener. Good managers do more than pay attention. They genuinely care about people and never talk down to them. They ask their employees about their goals and dreams, their past achievement, their concerns and challenges during this chaotic time. They listen with their hearts and minds. They respect the employee’s thoughts and opinions. They realize that the employees sometimes have the best answer for achieving more through chaos.

3. Walk Your Talk
   If you expect your employees to arrive early, then you arrive early. If you expect your employees to keep their promises, you keep your promises. If you want your employees to keep to high standards, you keep to high standards. Your employees are watching you even when you don’t think they are watching you. So set the tone. Once you walk through the doors of your organization make sure you are positive and upbeat if you expect your employees to be positive and upbeat.

4. Let People Know They Make a Difference
   At the top of many lists of what motivates employees, more than money, is knowing that they make a difference at work. One of the most powerful methods of letting your employees know they make is difference is…praise (Go to article Appreciate to Motivate to learn how). The praise should relate to how the employee helps achieve the overall mission of the organization.

5. Communicate Clearly
   Communicate so that others understand what you want to achieve. Adapt your communication to the audience you are speaking. Constantly communicate your vision and goals so that there are no misunderstandings. The clearer the vision, the clearer the communication, the clearer the opportunity for success.

6. Help Employees Succeed
   People go to work to succeed, not fail. It is your job to understand your employee’s strengths and weaknesses so that you can put them in the best position to succeed. If, for example, you find out that an employee is lacking in a certain skill set to succeed during a change then provide the coaching and training to make them and your organization successful. The best managers minimize or eliminate their employees weaknesses and while building on their strengths. Remove any and all barriers to success.

7. Focus Your Team on the Goal
   Focus your employees on the end result, the overall team goal. Once you successful communicate this your team will band together to defeat any obstacles that get in the way.

8. Create High Standards
   High-performance organizations set high standards for their people. Employees want to know what is expected of them, how their performance is measured, and what rewards they can expect when they exceed the standard. Make sure the standards are consistently applied to each employee. Make sure each employee understands how the standards are measured so that they know how to reach it. As each plateau is reached, set new goals.

9. Help Your Employees Compete and Win
   Develop goals that help all your employees excel. Make your goals inclusive not exclusive. This means that everybody is working together and wins together. Have your employees complete against the goal, not each other.

10. Reward Outstanding Achievement
    Find ways to recognize your achievers in a public way. The more you reward employees for excellent achievement, the more you receive more of the same behavior. Make sure you are consistent with the way you contribute rewards to your employees. Very important, make use you communicate exactly why the employee is being rewarded. And last, reward as soon as possible to the action.

Some of the ways you can show recognition are:

• Idea board
• Initiative Board
• Star Spotlight
• Certificates
• Gift cards
• Say thank-you
• Lunch

Apply these techniques and you will achieve your goals during the most challenging of times.

Want to learn how to motive others to achieve more? Our Team Building, Leadership, Change Management, or Assertive Communication workshops can help you achieve more. Also read our articles on motivation skills, etc. Call us at 757-427-7032 or e-mail us at info@thesykesgrp.com.

Click on the "comment" link below and share your thoughts with us.

Ed Sykes is a professional speaker published in the areas of leadership, change management, customer service and teamwork. He works with business and government organizations who want to reach the next level of success and individuals who want to perform at their best. You can email him at esykes@thesykesgrp.com, call him at (757) 427-7032 or visit his Web site at www.thesykesgrp.com.

Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish the following articles and newsletters in its entirety, electronically, or in print free of charge, as long as you include our full signature file at the end of each article for ezines, and my Web site address in hyperlink for other sites. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to info@thesykesgrp.com.

Leave Your “Buts" Behind for World Class Customer Service

How many times have you heard something similar to this in a customer service situation?

Customer: “Why don’t you just do it this way and it will take care of the situation."

Customer Service Person: “I understand what you are saying but we can to do it this way."

Then the situation magically goes downhill from there and it is difficult to win back the customer.

The customer service person used the one word that has a powerful negative effect when dealing with customers. The one word, if you can imagine, brings out the horns on the customer’s forehead, turns his face red, tightens his teeth, and clinches his hands…the word is but.

This is because but is an exclusive word. The use of but negates everything that was said previously by the customer. The customer then feels alienated and disrespected. It says to the customer, “You discounted or ignored everything I just said and you are going on with your agenda. Well, you don’t respect me, so I won’t respect your solution."

Replace the use of but with this powerful, positive word that will make the customer feel like he is are a part of the solution, put a smile on his face, and change the mood to the positive…the word is and. And is an inclusive word. If you think about it, and in math equals the function of addition. The use of and says to your customer, “I value what you just said, and we will take that into consideration as I share my solution with you.”

 

Remember, 90% of satisfying the customer is making the customer feel like you are listening to them. The use of and says to the customer I am listening to your input.

 

Lets apply this to the above scenario:

 

Customer: “Why don’t you just do it this way, and it will take care of the situation.”

 

Customer Service Person: “I understand what you are saying, and we can to do it this way.”

 

As you can see it is a more positive response to the customer’s feedback. Instead of the customer being on the opposite side of your solution, by using the word and you create a bridge for the customer to cross to consider your solutions. Bottom line, your customer is more likely to quickly accept your solutions.

So, if possible, record yourself in a conversation so that you can see where you are using >but. Then work at substituting and in place of but. It may feel a little awkward at first. However, the more you use and the smoother it will sound and you will see immediate results. The benefits are less stress for you, positive customer service situations, and happier customers. Remember, leave your "buts" behind and you, too, will provide great customer service.

Click on the "comment" link below and share your thoughts with us.

Want to learn how to provide outstanding customer service? Go to our website at www.thesykesgrp.com for more information. Call us at 757-427-7032 or e-mail us at info@thesykesgrp.com.

Ed Sykes is a professional speaker published in the areas of leadership, change management, customer service and teamwork. He works with business and government organizations who want to reach the next level of success and individuals who want to perform at their best. You can email him at esykes@thesykesgrp.com, call him at (757) 427-7032 or visit his Web site at www.thesykesgrp.com.

Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish the following articles and newsletters in its entirety, electronically, or in print free of charge, as long as you include our full signature file at the end of each article for ezines, and my Web site address in hyperlink for other sites. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to info@thesykesgrp.com.

Three Secrets to Setting Yourself Stress Free

Stress in our personal and professional lives is ever changing and constantly on the rise. Everyday we’re expected to do more and more with less and less - less resources, less energy and less time. In order to master the ability to manage stress, it’s important to first remove one of the biggest obstacles that stands between chaos and calm - SELF. Often we are one of the biggest contributors to the calamity and chaos we experience in our lives. Stress management is the recognition that life is all about the choices we make. Starting today, choose to take control and follow these simple tips to help you lead a stress-less lifestyle.

1. Choose To Be Short on Complaints, Long on Praise
   Far too often, we are quick as a whip to complain when we feel we have been wronged, yet we are not as quick to lavish praise. Complaining about every little thing is very stressful and draining. Instead of complaining, why not contribute. Starting today, make a point to praise those who have had a positive impact on your life – from the cashier who didn’t pack your bread on the bottom of the bag, to the mechanic who didn’t scare you into an unnecessary repair, to the neighbor who is willing to baby sit on ten minutes notice. Doing so will not only make you feel good, but will make a difference in a positive way and make someone else feel great.

2. Choose To Love The Skin You’re In
   Actress Jamie Lee Curtis, known for her acting talents and physical beauty, recently took a bold step many of us would shutter at the thought of – she posed for a magazine minus make-up in a crop top and shorts. She posed for all the world to see the “real” beauty she is – a confident women who doesn’t define herself by other people’s standards.

   Chasing after beauty defined by others (media, family, friends, spouse, co-workers and others) is detrimental to your peace of mind. Be bold and love the skin you’re in right now – crooked nose, warts, corns, receding hairline, wrinkles, sags, bulges and all. Appreciate your natural beauty and love yourself just the way you are.

3. Choose To Pass On Perfection
   Think of how many things don’t get done because someone is waiting for the perfect time, place and circumstance. Working with perfection as your standard is both a mental and physical drain. Lose the need to get everything done “perfect.” Know that it’s far better to accomplish a task at 85% perfection than to procrastinate and wait for 100% perfection.

Remember that a stress-less life is all about choice – what are you going to choose today?

Click on the following link to see our other articles on stress: Articles

Joy Fisher-Sykes is a professional speaker published in the areas of communication, time management, and teamwork. She works with business and government organizations who want to reach the next level of success and individuals who want to perform at their best. You can email her at jfsykes@thesykesgrp.com, call him at (757) 427-7032 or visit his Web site at www.thesykesgrp.com

Publishing Guidelines: You are welcome to publish the following articles and newsletters in its entirety, electronically, or in print free of charge, as long as you include our full signature file at the end of each article for ezines, and my Web site address in hyperlink for other sites. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to info@thesykesgrp.com.

Christopher "Superman" Reeve Fought a Good Fight and Never Gave Up

October 10th, Christopher Reeve passed away from a heart attack. We all lost a true "superman."

He fought a good fight and never gave up. He never gave up on his fight to someday again regain the use of limbs. He never gave up on his fight to someday walk. He never gave up on his fight to raise funds for paralyzed people like him. He never gave up his positive attitude.

You noticed I didn't use "paralyzed victim" because he wasn't, in his eyes a victim. In one of his interviews he said, "When I see someone stand up and stretch they arms I hope they don't take that for granted."

How many of us run into little road blocks and want to give up? Then when we take a look at what Christopher Reeve and others like him go through each day it puts balance back in our lives and we realize "it not that bad."

Thank you Christopher Reeve, a true Superman, for fighting a good fight and never giving up. You made a difference.

Customer Service Week News - Great Job Bank of America!

Recently I walked into my Bank of America branch and received my usual upbeat and personal greeting. The teller asked. "How can I serve you today Mr. Sykes?" I then told her about the transaction I wanted to perform and then she said, "It would be my pleasure to serve you today!" Then when she finished completing my transaction she then asked is there anything else, waited for my answer, then said "It was my pleasure to serve you today Mr. Sykes, have a great day!"

Wow! When was the last time you received service like that. I am usually pleased with the level of service that Bank of America gives me. That's why I bank there. The branch manager, Mr. Amos D. Brunson IV, has taken his staff to a higher level. He instituted a "happy praise" contest. As staff members are heard saying happy phrases such as "It would be my pleasure to serve you today," "I'll be happy to do that for you," "thank you for allowing me to help you today," etc., a gold star goes up on a bulletin board that can be seen by customers and employees. His employees receive instant recognition for raising the level of service.

As I stayed and watched, the employees were also having fun thinking of new "happy phrases" to use with their customers. Mr. Brunson also rewarded them in accordance to the number of gold stars they receive.

Great Job to all, and especially Mr. Brunson, for being proactive at taking customer service to another level.

Share your stories of Wow! customer service with us.

Celebrate Customer Service Week

Happy Customer Service Week! October 4-8 is Customer Service. How are you making your customers feel special? What situations have you experienced when you received Marvelous! customer service? Let us know.