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SMALL—FAST—and WRITTEN WHEN THE MOOD STRIKES.
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Update From Eileen
It doesn’t FEEL like summer along the Southern California Coast. Our thick blanket of cold, wet fog that is commonly called “June Gloom” began in May and, as of this writing (June 22), I think I’ve seen the sun maybe eight times. My twin brother in Boston reports a steady diet of rain and unseasonably cold temperatures. What a sequel to a frigid New England winter that has seemed to last forever.
Have you noticed that the state of the world and the economy seems to be stuck in the same “June Gloom”? Put the weather together with the world view and it SEEMS to make a case for wholesale dumping of anti-depressants into the drinking water!
I’m working on a better idea. I call it: “proactive sunshine.” Here’s how it works: decide what you can control and what brightens your mood. Then, like Nike proclaims: “Just do it!” Pollyanna?? Nope—it’s actually the results of research that continues under the auspices of Dr. Martin Seligman, author of Learned Optimism and his latest, Authentic Happiness.
Here are some of my action steps for this gloomy summer:
Begin theater and movie dates with my husband. Our intentions have been good, but we didn’t follow up. NOW, we are!
Commit to seeing at least two special friends each month.
Break my exercise routine and take “spin” classes.
Dig up my entire garden and start FRESH.
These activities might be ones that put you in a funk. But for me, they generate joy and light. What will you DO to craft proactive sunshine into this gloomy first part of summer? I invite you to e-mail me at eileen@eileenmcdargh.com and share. We’ll be teachers for each other.
Wishing you a bounty of sun—both real and self-induced.
Elevated Stress Levels Lead to “Presenteeism”
High levels of stress are leading to employee burnout, according to a survey released in April 2003 by a provider of employee-assistance programs.
“Employee stress levels have spiked due to the war, which was to be expected,” says Richard A. Chaifetz, Chairman and CEO of ComPsych. “What is surprising, however, is the level of near-burnout we found in survey responses. More than 62 percent of employees are concerned with simply ‘getting by’ and accomplishing only basic tasks, while 26 percent consider just being present at work the most important objective. This phenomena of ‘presenteeism’— being present at work when too distracted, tired or ill—can be triggered by high stress levels and can have a significant impact upon productivity and a company’s bottom line.”
According to the Business and Economic Roundtable on Mental Health, common causes of job-related stress are:
- Too much or too little to do.
- Lack of communication up or down the hierarchy.
- Feeling unappreciated.
- Inconsistent performance reviews—some employees receive salary increases with no review, while others get positive reviews and are laid off.
- Career and job ambiguity—unclear expectation and roles.
- Unclear company direction.
- Vicious office politics that breed mistrust.
- Too many interruptions.
If any one of these fit your work setting, chose the one that you have the MOST control over or feel most strongly about and then develop an action plan to begin countering this cause. Often, people do not speak up about what they are feeling, and management NEVER had the power to read minds. Conversation is essential.
A Must See Movie
This is a first for me. I never recommend movies. But Whale Rider is one of those exquisitely beautiful productions in both the story and the artistry. This new Zealand film tells of a young Maori girl who tries to win the acceptance of her grandfather and be faithful to an inner knowing that she is to lead her people.
Whale Rider offers powerful metaphors for diversity, change, grassroots leadership, human spirit and the power of community. You will find keen sensitivity to the Maori culture and be astounded at the unbelievable talent of 12-year-old Keisha Castle-Hughes in her first role.
Wacky Words for Wise Wordsmiths
Intaxication: Euphoria for getting a tax refund that lasts until you realize it was YOUR money to begin with and the government doesn’t pay interest!
Reintarnation: Coming back to life as a hillbilly.
Giraffiti: Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.
Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn’t get it.
Hipatitis: Terminal coolness.
Must Read Books
Random Thoughts and Mine Always Are: Conscious Detours to Create Power by Dr. Maryellen Lipinski, 2000, ISBN 0-97048-180-2.
I loved this book from the minute my friend, Mel, gave it to me. Maryellen has a refreshing take on life and uses humble, and sometimes intimate, stories to help you develop more clarity in your life and inspire your imagination. It might even move you to action. The goal of the book is simple. Read Random Thoughts and experience your own epiphanies.
Full Steam Ahead! by Ken Blanchard and Jesse Stoner, Berrett Koehler, 2003, ISBN 1-57675-244-5.
Years ago, I worked with Ken and met Jesse Stoner. They just get smarter and smarter! They have put their masterful minds together to create a book on the power of vision to create focus and results in your company and your life. Don’t let the small size fool you. I found myself pondering for days just one of the chapters. Vision and mission are so misunderstood in today’s business jargon. Read and get clarity… all the way around!
Funny Stuff to Ponder
Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist switch places.
Don’t play stupid with me—I’m better at it!
I believe five out of four people have trouble with fractions.
Energize Yourself with Boundaries
Those of you who have heard me speaking on Creating Life by Design and Not by Default know that setting boundaries is a critical skill toward reclaiming our lives.
There are spatial boundaries (such as a closed door) and time boundaries. If there are no boundaries, people and activities leap onto our plate and into our lives. Here are some ways to create TIME boundaries… the most scarce commodity on Planet Earth.
In the moment
- Take mini-breaks and just breathe. Then return to the work at hand.
- Go to meetings early so you can relax.
- Pause between tasks.
- Practice mindfulness. DO one thing at a time. If you are eating just eat. Don’t read.
- Boundary time
- Come early and create ritual at work. I get my desk ordered. Review the day.
- Set aside regular planning time.
- Don’t work during lunch (that is, IF you take lunch).
- Take a power nap. Ten minutes works wonders.
- Make an appointment for yourself. Put YOU on the calendar for whatever is important to your well-being.
Welcome To The McDargh Clan
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Overview and Contact Information
Is life leading you instead of you leading a life?
Is work working you instead of you doing the work?
You’re not alone! It’s the challenge of our times.
From business leaders to rank-and-file workers, the competitive 24/7 world of heart-stopping change has left many feeling in need of new tools to answer these questions:
- How do I engage more of my talent and that of the folks around me in meaningful work?
- Why is it that resiliency is a word I think of only with rubber bands?
- Why does it seem that we compete more with each other than the competition?
It’s tough when the rate and pace of work leaves you feeling disconnected, unheard, and certainly not aligned to produce results that matter in the long run.
Then there’s the issue of joy. Flat out joy. You don’t want “work” to become exclusive of play. Leave your spirit and heart at the door, and it’s hard to be creative and productive. You want to be connected with people who respect you and vice versa. You want to do good work— no, make that GREAT work– in the bargain. You want to spend your time in a place that lets your spirit soar and your talent shine. My joy is in helping individuals and organizations rediscover the joy of living and the joy of satisfying work.
If you want results that go well beyond the bottom line—contact us. Since 1980, we’ve been engaging the human spirits of individuals and organizations. Now—it’s your turn.
Call 949-496-8640 or send email eileen@eileenmcdargh.com
McDargh Communications
(949) 496-8640
Eileen@EileenMcDargh.com
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