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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 theatre and movie dates with my husband. our intentions have been good, but we didn't follow up. NOW, we are!

Create more Celebrating the Human Spirit segments for radio.

Commit to seeing at least two special friends each month.

Plan our September trip to Italy.

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.

Check out http://www.whaleriderthemovie.com.

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!

P.S. You'll find a constant update on my web site of books I recommend, PLUS books that have been read and recommended by web site visitors.

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 —eat. Don't read.

Boundaried 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 wellbeing.

Welcome To The McDargh Clan

Mission Regional Imaging
Texas Pharmaceutical Association
Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
American Water Works Association
Southwest Healthcare System

Pass Along The Newsletter—FREE

A couple of clients posed this question to me: "Eileen, how can we get your newsletter in the hands of our employees and management team?"

Great question! Here's the answer. You can send out an e-mail blast, asking if they'd like to receive a BRIEF, practical yet fun e-newsletter four times a year. If they say yes, just have them go to http://www.eileenmcdargh.com and viola! Thanks for asking!

Subscription Management:

You can now manage your subscription to The Energizer on the web! Just e-mail us at eileen@eileenmcdargh.com and let us know what you need. All new subscriptions are by e-mail only.

MISSION STATEMENT

McDargh Enterprises—Energizing the Human Spirit since 1980

Our mission is to transform the life of work and the work of your life.

We work with and speak for organizations that want people to create meaningful relationships with all their stakeholders and to develop a resilient leadership capacity for living a life of balance, engagement, productivity, and meaning in a changing world. We value laughter, life-long learning, and leadership through service.

Archived Newsletters

Testimonials

"First of all, I want to thank you for being willing to pitch in at every turn doing whatever was needed to make every moment the best it could be. I know there were times when it must have seemed like there were a dozen people directing things, all trying to accomplish the same things for the success of the whole. You took this in stride, found ways to make critical contributions, and kept all of us in sink—all at the same time. I am very appreciative of your flexibility, your perseverance and your persistence. It worked!!

I know you were taking all this in and forming your own conclusions about the event and its impact. Both Sue and I look forward to your thoughts and ideas.

Again, thanks for your commitment and involvement. It would not have been nearly the success it was without you being there when we needed you."

- RSMI