Joy on the Job

New Year's Message Re: Happiness at Work

2008-01-03T16:13:00.000-08:00

On behalf of many employees, managers, and entrepreneurs you led us to through your referrals last year, I send a great big "Thank You!" I hope you feel as good as we do about your contributions as we disseminated information about tried and true strategies that create greater happiness at work. You are part of a rapidly growing group of people across the world who know -- without question -- that we all deserve joy on the job.

As we approach the "Winter Blues and Blahs" season, use the following tips to say “No thank you” to unnecessary stress.

When you’re surrounded by stressed-out people, breathe deeply into your abdomen. This will help you regain balance and harmony. You'll also connect with the source of your inner strength. Emphasize exhalations. Emit the sound "ahhhh," even if you do so very softly.

If you feel disappointed about an event at work, hold the intention of proving to yourself that every so-called unfavorable event is a new opportunity to grow and prosper. This will help you discover the perfection hidden in every imperfection.

Truly detach your thoughts from work during your off-time. You'll return to work with a new level of productivity and enthusiasm.

Boost your immunity with a healthy breakfast, high-protein (instead of sugary) snacks, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise. Studies consistently emphasize the importance of healthy relationships, including at work, and hugs. If you aren't receiving hugs from other people, hug yourself, at least occasionally. Also consider getting a professional massage. Massage therapy produces feel-good endorphins as well as other lasting benefits that enhance your health.

Enjoy a long winter’s nap when you can. Sleep will also recharge you and boost your immunity.

Walk outside periodically to take advantage of the mood-enhancing benefits of natural light. If your office is dark, a minimum investment in full-spectrum light bulbs can produce remarkable results.

Thank you again for your referrals. Please continue to send notes and post comments about what’s working for you as you create more joy on the job. Tell me how I can be helpful. You've honored me with your trust and I've appreciated the opportunity to be of assistance.

I wish you a very special new year filled with fun and fulfillment, at home and at work. Claim the joy you deserve! Your example will inspire others to also live a life rich in joy, meaning and insights. One by one, two by two, we will light a new path to peace around the world. We are not here by accident. Enjoy the amazing journey of your life!

For more articles, podcasts, and other resources, visit http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com While you're there, sign up for the only Ezine that's focused on happiness at work, the "Joy on the Job Ezine."

(c) 2007 Doris Helge, Ph.D., award-winning author of "Joy on the Job."

You can reprint the above article as long as it remains intact and credit is given to Doris Helge, Ph.D., author, "Joy on the Job," joyonthejobbook.com and "Transforming Pain Into Power." Dr. Helge is The Joy on the Job Coach, award-winning speaker, and corporate trainer. She is 100% dedicated to empower individuals and businesses to create fun at work, enjoyable relationships, and clarity, so we can all achieve our dreams.

JOY ON THE JOB: Shift Negatives to Positives

2007-04-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

You deserve joy on the job. You also deserve happiness in all areas of your life. Do you know how to quickly transform a negative experience into a bridge that will lead you to the life you prefer? The trick is to use painful experiences as tools instead of feeling victimized.

You can prove to yourself that you have tremendous personal power to create happiness at work.

Once you understand how to discover value in the negative side of life, any energy you might have used to judge circumstances or blame other people is immediately available to you, so you gain rich new insights.

When I coach clients, I teach them how to use multisensory techniques which make the process of positive change even faster. The books, "Joy on the Job" and "Transforming Pain Into Power," (now published in four foreign languages) fully describe these processes.

Begin by holding the intention to discover the value in a negative experience. Then you will perceive clues that people who judge negative experiences as "off-track" miss. Those individuals are operating in a blame or victim mode, but you can avoid that trap and progress toward your next step in life very rapidly.

I also show businesses how to do this. This empowers them to quickly leave "failures" behind and transform mistakes into successes.

Here are a couple of examples.

If you're downsized at work or a colleague double crosses you, it's normal to feel angry. Most people have trouble shifting from feeling like a victim into their best next step. Some people just need to take advantage of an opportunity to stand up for themselves so a similar painful situation won't reoccur later. Other people find profound value when they gather the courage to transition into the career of their dreams. The person who acknowledges their negative feelings and sets the intention to learn from a painful circumstance instead of judging it moves very quickly into a scenario that is so rewarding they become grateful the "negative experience" occurred.

An example in a company would be a multisensory exercise I teach in which employees and managers recognize and celebrate every single failure they can recall. This fun activity leads them straight to their next success.

Create a productive work life packed with meaning, fun, and fulfillment. Discover how at joyonthejobbook.com
and sign up for the only ezine focused on happiness at work at joyonthejob.info

© 2007

You can reprint the above article as long as it remains intact and credit is given to Doris Helge, Ph.D., author, "Joy on the Job," joyonthejobbook.com and "Transforming Pain Into Power." Dr. Helge is The Joy on the Job Coach and corporate trainer. She is 100% dedicated to empower individuals and businesses to create fun at work, enjoyable relationships, and clarity, so we can all achieve our dreams.

New Joy on the Job Ezine Available

2007-01-31T22:32:00.000-08:00

Your winter "Joy on the Job Ezine" is ready for you. This exciting issue includes many happiness at work strategies requested by readers:

1. Secrets of joy on the job

2. Tips for developing a signature style so your unique talents will be recognized and rewarded

3. How to combat seasonal affective syndrome (SAD) and other winter blues and blahs

4. Tips for boosting your immune system so you can prevent winter workplace viruses

5. Knowing when to stay home from work if you're ill

6. Information concerning the Transitions Academy for women making career changes

7. More proven strategies for claiming your fair share of happiness at work

To download your new "Joy on the Job Ezine," please go to http://www.joyonthejob.info/ezine.htm

and click on "Just Released: January/February Joy on the Job Ezine."

We love constructive feedback. Please let us know what you would like included in the next issue.

Also, please forward the "Joy on the Job Ezine" to others who can benefit. We ALL deserve joy on the job.

© 2007. Doris Helge, Ph.D. is author of "Joy on the Job" and other books. "Joy on the Job" contains over 400 secrets of happiness at work discovered during over ten years of research, including interviews with over 650 entrepreneurs, employees, and managers at 21 different organizations. Visit http://www.joyonthejob.info and sign up for the only ezine concerned with happiness at work.

HAPPINESS AT WORK NOW by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

2007-01-14T20:21:00.000-08:00

Joy on the job does not only exist in fairy tales. Happiness at work is a reality in many work sites. New moms at Deloitte and Touche are thrilled with up to a five-year sabbatical to raise their children. Skills training ensures they are prepared and happy at work when they return. Nike employees are so excited about their training programs that many tattoo the company logo on their bodies. Joy on the job is also common at Quad/Graphics. Most changes stem from employee suggestions. Management recognizes that employees are the true innovators.

Good news! You don't have to work at Happy Time, Inc. to receive the training and benefits you need in order to thrive in a career track that ensures you are happy and fulfilled at work.

Interviews with over 650 employees, managers, and entrepreneurs at 21 companies and other organizations produced profound pointers.

Here are just a few examples that prove your power to create a work life packed with productivity, passion, and joy on the job. When you know how to identify and communicate your unmet needs, you can easily construct a healthy coaching and constructive feedback system on your own. A complimentary key is to identify and emphasize your strengths. (Most of us spend far too much time trying to correct, rather than manage, our weaknesses).

Another very effective tool is developing a "signature style" that will ensure that managers, clients, and coworkers become aware of your skills and talents and reward you lavishly when you contribute to the organization. You can also consider yourself the CEO of your own firm . . . and, as any effective organization does, make sure that the staff in your organization (you) receive the best possible training. Discover how joy on the job emerges when you use the internet, mentoring, new kinds of networking, trade association meetings, and other self-initiated education to create more happiness at work.

You may also choose to mentor others. This will invariably create additional skills and broaden your knowledge base. You will soon become more aware of your passion and life purpose. More joy on the job will spontaneously emerge.

Who says you have to work at one of Fortune Magazine's "Top 100 Companies" in order to be rewarded with the recognition and training you deserve?

Joy on the Job shares over 400 secrets of happiness at work. Each strategy was discovered during a decade of research and then validated during a series of "Joy on the Job Seminars."

Dr. Doris Helge is author of Joy on the Job, Transforming Pain Into Power, and other books. Some have been printed in multiple foreign languages. Dr. Helge’s clients call her “The Joy on the Job Coach” because she helps them add sizzle to an average work day. Evaluations of the techniques she teaches indicate significant boosts in productivity, enthusiasm, teamwork, and employee retention.

Order your copy of Joy on the Job at
http://www.joyonthejobbook.com You can download a sample chapter and sign up for the only Ezine focused on happiness at work, “Joy on the Job,” at
http://www.joyonthejob.info

This entry was posted on Monday, January 15th, 2007 at 4:10 am and is filed under Uncategorized, feedback, coaching, career development, flow, difficult people, strengths, joy on the job, happiness at work, employee satisfaction, employee retention, joy at work, happy at work, employee morale, work satisfaction, flexible schedules, career coaching. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. Edit this entry.

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RE-TRAIN YOUR BRAIN FOR A BETTER LIFE by Morry Zelcovitch

2007-01-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

The purpose of this article is to introduce you to the world of brainwave entrainment (BWE) and its incredible benefits and effects. Much of what is currently written about brainwave entrainment (especially on the internet) is just plain wrong and after personally analyzing much of what is out there it became apparent to me that there was a need for people to know the truth and not the marketing hype. Its truly amazing how so many so called experts out there tell us things as if they new what they were talking about. This articles intension is to give people a clear look at BWE and its value to us all.

“Entrainment” is a term borrowed from physics which simply means the tendency for two vibrating bodies to lock into phase so that they vibrate in harmony. For example, one tuning fork when struck and placed next to another tuning fork will cause the second one to vibrate at the same frequency.

What if this same phenomenon could be repeated in training the brain to lock into the vibrations of an outside stimulus? Many scientific studies have shown that this is in fact possible. For centuries people have been using outside rhythmic stimulus in the form of drumbeats, chants and singing to induce various feelings.

When the brain is stimulated with pulsed sounds (neuro-electrical activity via the nerves originating from the ears), the overall activity of the brain will respond to and align with these pulses. By selecting the desired rate, the brain via the frequency following response (entrainment) can be naturally induced towards the selected brainwave state.

The applications for this technology are unlimited. Stimulation in the theta range appears to be a beneficial approach to accelerated learning. Research also indicates that using BWE in the alpha brainwave range may result in benefits similarly found with Zen or Transcendental Meditation. These benefits extend throughout the body including improved breathing patterns and higher physical energy levels, not to mention an improved outlook, better performance in both sports and career, improved relationships and increased workplace satisfaction. Recently, many studies have shown that the use of guided imagery while in altered states of consciousness can be a very effective stimulant in psycho immunology, corporate performance and sports enhancement.

One of the most valuable benefits of regular use of BWE is that we are able to experience and recognize the various states of consciousness. With practice we can learn how to re-create these states.

With each pulsed tone, the brain produces an electrical response. The effects one experiences are the creations of the brains reaction to the “tones”, what neurologists call the “cortical evoked response” (the electrical response of the top most cortical layer of the brain). The brain is a mass of neurons, each taking part in storing, retrieving and transmitting electro-chemical impulses - information, colors, images, sounds, smells and tastes. Given the lives most of us lead, we are exposed to incredible amounts of information, daily. With BWE, different areas of the brain are stimulated, allowing for the awakening and subsequent release of various stored material. In a sense quietening the mind for clearer thought and process.

Deep relaxation is another major benefit resulting from the brains cortical frequency following response. By selecting the desired rate, the brain via the frequency following response will tend to mimic the rate it is exposed to and thus enter that brainwave state. This helps to explain why this technology can produce benefits commonly found with meditation.

Our brains produce “sweeping” electrical charges. These charges create rhythms known as brainwave patterns. You can see them with an electroencephalograph (EEG). EEG’s record and measure large amounts of neurons firing in unison. Brainwave patterns are commonly grouped into four different categories: Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Each of these brainwave patterns are associated with various states of mind.

Beta waves are quick waves of 13 to 30 times per second (Hz). Beta brainwave patterns are generated naturally when we are awake and alert.

Alpha waves exist between 8 and 12 Hz. Alpha waves usually occur during rest (e.g. when the eyes are closed), intellectual relaxation, deep relaxation, meditation or when quietening the mind. Alpha waves are the desired results of experienced meditators.

Theta waves exist between 4 and 7 Hz. This is commonly referred to as the dream or “twilight” state. Theta is associated with learning, memory, REM sleep and dreaming.

Memory development is enhanced while in this state. When in a theta brainwave state, memory is improved (especially long term memory), and access to unconscious material, reveries, free association, insights and creative ideas is increased.

The delta brainwave pattern usually occurs when we are asleep. As we fall asleep the dominant natural brainwave becomes delta. Delta waves are the slowest waves ranging from .5 to 3 Hz.

All brainwave states serve important mental functions. With today’s lifestyle, returning to a peaceful, mind/body way of being is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve and maintain for any period of time. This causes disease in the mind/body, which is why it is paramount for us to “relearn” or “retrain” ourselves to get back to these healthful and rejuvenating states.

Experimentation and research on the effects and applications of Brainwave Entrainment are ongoing in universities and with health professionals and educators.

Some benefits BWE may bring include help with…

• Concentration
• Creativity
• Memory
• Relaxation
• Motivation
• Deeper self awareness
• Promoting long-term mental and emotional growth
• Clarity
• Stress
• Pain
• ADD/ADHD
• Learning
• Energy and vitality
• Inspiration
• Intuition and personal insight
• Focus and attention
• Problem-solving
• And much, much more…

Quantum Mind Power, "The Morry Method" with TMM, uses a proprietary protocol developed for presenting various stimuli to the brain and mind. The end result of this method is much "softer" on the brain/body system and offers a more natural incorporation of the "brain beats" (with their associated benefits) as well as any presented information (i.e. meditations, hypnosis, affirmations, etc.)

The Tones/Beats…

The main entrainment frequencies are presented in a professionally mastered environment which does not allow for errors. Each time you hear a click or pop on a recording it is actually interfering with the entrainment process.

You need at least 6 full minutes at any desired frequency to allow the brain to entrain to it (This is called the frequency following response). Any unwanted sounds that occur during presentation of the main tone actually get in the way of the entrainment process.

This holds true for all background "noises" or "soundscapes" or "music" that others may place in their recordings. It's like listening to a person speak… When there is only one person talking you have no problem understanding, or at least hearing them…

As you add (people talking) to the equation, it becomes harder and harder to understand what the original person is saying. It's the same thing with brainwave entrainment… Too many frequencies equal more signals getting in the way of, and disrupting the brainwave entrainment process.

The Background…

Our background is a relative of "pink noise", its actually a combination of specific frequencies that when combined produce a uniform (steady and consistent) background that effectively cancels out much of the distracting noise that may be present when "listening". It is also designed to help ease the entrainment process, not work against it.

The Spoken Word…

The "spoken word" aspects of our recordings undergo a unique process that helps to make them a very effective part our system…

The "spoken word" is put through special analysis in order to confirm its quality.

A specially designed algorithm is then applied to the "spoken word" with specific effects added.

There are long "pauses" in the "spoken word" aspect of some of these recordings to allow you to reflect, imagine and internalize a new way of being and thinking. When this is combined with the BWE aspect, and the "spoken word" resumes, a "startle effect" may occur (somewhat like someone talking in your ear suddenly when you are half asleep).

To counteract this we have inserted what we call "anti-startle tones" just before each spoken word aspect resumes so that you are not startled. (This is a low tone, sometimes called a "drone" that begins quietly and softly then ends at a similar volume level to that of the spoken word itself.

The Bottom Line is …

The "tones", "backgrounds" and "spoken word" aspects are mixed together to ensure a harmonic balance of sound, science and technology. A combination that will give you the maximum effects possible.

Anyone can use BWE, and anyone who might be struggling in one or more aspect of their lives or living with stress, sleep related concerns, memory or other cognitive issues should.

Quantum Mind Power with TMM was designed by a certified Brainwave Entrainment Engineer and is the result of over 15 years of researching relevant materials, protocols and studies and over 10 years of personal research and development.

The recordings, follow a strict adherence to past and present scientific research including published and non-published clinical and other studies.

Make no mistake, They are based on and backed up by REAL SCIENCE.

I’m here for you.

Morry Zelcovitch
Certified Brainwave Entrainment Engineer
Quantum Mind Power (with TMM)
http://www.quantum-mind-power.com

JOY ON THE JOB -- READERS REVIEW THIS BOOK

2006-12-27T21:33:00.001-08:00

JOY ON THE JOB
Over 365 Ways to Create the Joy and Fulfillment You Deserve
by Doris Helge, Ph.D., © 2007, 464 pages
http://www.joyonthejobbook.com

"Dr. Helge spent years formulating steps you can follow to become happier and more fulfilled. Her work is a roadmap to joy and peace."
Aquarius Magazine

"This is The Bible of Workplace Happiness! You'll receive rapid relief from difficult problems. "Joy on the Job" is easy and fun to read. You get over 460 pages of proven techniques you will immediately and easily use to gain more fun and fulfillment at work. "Joy on the Job" is based on 10 years of research with employees and managers in 21 organizations. Discover how to surround yourself with supportive people and cash in on your strengths.

If you want more fulfillment and happiness at work, "Joy on the Job" is definitely worth your time and money. Whether you work in a large organization or out of your home, your satisfaction is guaranteed!"
Bill Uhl, Senior Instructor, OHV Training and winner of six gold medals for the U.S.

"You brought important information to our viewers, letting them know they are not alone and helping them know how to improve their lives."
Peter Anthony Holder, Host, CJAD Tonight, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

"Joy on the Job is a must if you are unhappy in your job but aren't sure what to do about it. Dr. Helge has written a comprehensive and useful book, complete with baby steps to get you where you want to be. Rarely have I seen a book about careers that has been researched at this level. And "Joy on the Job" is fun to read! It's packed with pithy quotes that really hit home and help you recognize internal blocks to job satisfaction."
Dr. Elizabeth Hendricks, Portland, Oregon

"Joy on the Job is a joy to read. It provides simple to understand techniques which can be put into practice immediately. Using Dr. Helge's strategies brings results instantly that create a more positive life, not only happiness at work but in all aspects of every day life and interpersonal relationships. I highly recommend "Joy on the Job" as a book that a person can grow with and use for years to come. As one's life changes, the variety of techniques in "Joy on the Job" provides room for more and more growth to fit a person's evolving needs."
Anell Q. Tubbs, Boise, Idaho

"I recommend "Joy on the Job" to all of my clients and friends. You will immediately discover three simple secrets of happiness at work. Just knowing these secrets will instantly produce less stress, more fun, and personal fulfillment . . . joy at work. Even though "Joy on the Job" is written in a warm, conversational style, it is based on 10 years of interviews with employees and managers in 21 organizations. You can trust this information because every technique Dr. Helge discovered was then field tested in "Joy on the Job" seminars. Whether you are a manager or employee, whether you are currently happy or unhappy at work, you'll read this book over and over. You'll gain something new and valuable with every reading. "Joy on the Job" has hundreds and hundreds of easy-to-use, no-cost techniques that will immediately bring you more joy on the job. You deserve to be happy at work. Buy this book now!"
Taylore Vance—Seattle, Washington

"You'll get instant positive results. The techniques Dr. Helge teaches are well tested and easy to use. You'll use Doris' tools and information every day. You deserve happiness at work."
Marsha Needham, Human Resources Director, CNN News Atlanta, Georgia

For more information, please see:

http:www.joyonthejobbook.com

PARTNERSHIPS––THE KEY TO YOUR EXPONENTIAL GROWTH by Denise Trifiletti

2006-12-21T19:57:00.000-08:00

Are you juggling all the balls in your family and business life?
Are you struggling trying to keep all of the aspects of your business operating smoothly while meeting the needs of your family and others that rely on you?
Is there a way for you to have time for you, to focus on what you enjoy, and to find partners to help you GROW™ your business and to live the life you love?

As the founder of www.womenscommunity.com, I believe that the keys to growing your career or business and to living the life you love – are partnerships. I define partnerships simply as a relationship where two or more people or organizations come together to accomplish “all-win” outcomes. They achieve greater results together than they can individually. And, their results can be personal, professional or both.

Who should you partner with? A “Partnership with Yourself” means that you live a life of balance, and have time to do all that is important to you. So, partner with yourself and ask others to help you to achieve the balance you need to reduce your stress and to live a life your love.

In business, partner with those who can help you achieve your goals. Take an inventory of your needs to achieve your goals. If you need more sales or expanded market reach, find those who can provide you with quality and consistent referrals, those who can open doors to your target market, those who are influential in your field, those who can increase your reach and exposure…like WomensCommunity.Com!

There are various types of partnerships – partnerships with your:
• self - for balance and to live a life you love
• network – for referrals and solutions to your business needs
• clients – for increased satisfaction, referrals, add-on business
• prospects – for increased sales and revenues

Which one of these partnerships, if created or improved, could lead to your growth?
What would be the impact if you created, or improved, all of these various types of partnerships? Could you achieve exponential growth through the “Power of Partnerships”?

Once you identify which partnership is of most importance – use the proven GROW Partnership Model to create or improve the partnership. (The GROW Model stands for Goals, Roles, Operating Principles and Wins for all involved)

As you develop the components of the GROW Model, take the “ASK” approach - The key ‘Attitude’ is a belief in possibilities, the key ‘Skill’ is questioning to understand your partner, and the key ‘Knowledge’ you need is the GROW™ Partnership Model.

Go to www.d2partners.com to download your free chapter from the book, Create the Business Breakthrough You Want: Secrets and Strategies from the World’s Greatest Mentors © 2004, Mission Publishing. This chapter describes ASK and GROW in detail.
Denise Trifiletti is Founder of WomensCommunity.com and can be reached at denise@womenscommunity.com or 828-295-3369. She is also co-founder of Dynamic Destiny Partnerships www.d2partners.com

TIS THE SEASON FOR JOY ON THE JOB by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

2006-12-19T17:45:00.000-08:00

The season to be jolly can include generous servings of joy on the job. Ten years of research including interviews with employees and managers in 21 diverse organizations led to 15 techniques that spell HAPPINESS AT WORK.

H––Humor. Most of us act like we have delight-deficiency disorder during the holiday season. Research has proven that we get our work done better and faster when we relax and enjoy performing our duties. Laughter reduces stress. Encourage employees and customers to name a bumper sticker on the back of Santa’s sleigh. Start with, “I brake for cookies.”

A––Ambience. Cubicles covered with constantly blinking, bright red lights will jar anyone’s nervous system. Substitute tiny, soft lights that provide the holiday atmosphere you’re seeking without disrupting your peace on Earth.

P––Perspective. The holiday season is a time to notice how blessed we are and give to those less fortunate. Organize an office donation or volunteer effort for a local charity. It will bring you joy and help you drop your compulsion to find the perfect gift for the person who needs nothing.

P––Postpone procrastination. It may look like Santa has no duties 364 days out of the year, but that’s because he paces production all year long. List what you think you really need to do. Take a break, review your list, and delete all nonessential tasks. Address a few items each day and you will accomplish all of your important tasks with minimal stress.

I––Infuse purpose. If you don’t want to attend a mandatory holiday function because you hate meaningless small talk, take charge of your life. Create precious networking opportunities with people you don’t normally work with. Be authentic. Other people will gravitate to you like bees to honey.

N––Not-to-do. Don’t agree to carry more than of your share of the load because resentment is a heavy burden. When you decide what to wear and drink at the office party, remember you may be making a presentation to the same people soon. If someone behaves inappropriately, extract yourself calmly and with compassion so you can maintain a business relationship.

E––Energize with alpha. Emergency room personnel and other high-stress employees understand the power of the alpha state of mind. This is a way of being in which one is relaxed yet focused. You can quickly and easily de-stress by focusing on your breath and counting. Create a pattern of deep rhythmic breathing even if you are rushing to a meeting.

S––Strengths based language. Your internal dialog programs your reality. “When I accomplish this task” produces a very different result than “If I ever finish this assignment . . . ” Notice how empowered you feel with small shifts in your language. When you don’t know how to modify your self-talk, ask yourself, “What would an optimistic person say?”

S––Self care. Elevate your spirit. Aromatherapy is a mood mender. Lavender calms and bergamot stimulates the production of the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. Peppermint increases productivity and focus. Work in your workout time even if you have to shorten it during the holidays.

A––Altruism. Happiness at work is related to pursuing meaningful goals with an altruistic motivation. Give in fun, no-cost ways. Enjoy making the day of a harassed coworker by being the one person who smiles and doesn’t demand the impossible.

T––Talk it out. Express your needs instead of expecting coworkers to guess your stress. Some conflicts require new behaviors by both parties, but talking openly about stresses helps you bond. Connections with others are a major component of joy on the job.

W––Watch your cash flow. Most employees today enjoy gag gifts or a grab-bag gift exchange with a ceiling price. Companies have become very creative about enjoying the least expensive seasonal entertainments, such as caroling or enjoying free concerts. An in-house improvisational theatre performance can be delightful . . . no preparation and lots of laughs.

O––Open mindedness. We sap our energy and become lethargic when we unconsciously scarf holiday treats. Overindulgence weakens the immune system during the very season we want to celebrate. We can enjoy our goodies much more by eating a smaller amount and slowly savoring every bite. Eating thoughtfully ensures that we’ll stop before becoming too full.

R––Rest and recharge. Burning the candle at both ends guarantees only one thing . . . you’ll become ill and sniffle through a chunk of your holiday season. Get your Zzzzzzs. If you can’t find time for a tiny break during the day, imagine for just a few minutes that you are totally relaxed. Your mind doesn’t know the difference between what is real and what you imagine. Feed your body feelings of relaxation. It will reward you with less tension.

K––Keep your focus. Anticipating a positive outcome stimulates happy feelings. The mere thought of achieving a goal, whether it’s a fun office party or receiving more support from coworkers, makes feel-good chemicals course though our bodies. Focus on what you want, not on what you don’t want.

This article was excerpted from Joy on the Job, by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Visit www.joyonthejobbook.com and enjoy proven strategies for boosting fun and fulfillment at work.

WERE THE PILGRIMS VISIONARIES . . . OR TURKEYS WITH TUNNEL VISION? by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

2006-11-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

The pilgrims are often portrayed as scrawny creatures wearing expressions so sour they transform a belly laugh into a tremor. Their constant toil gave birth to the term “work ethic.”

Were they effective . . . or just workaholics? Did they understand the importance of joy on the job? Two performance evaluators at Happy Time, Inc., Pat and Nat, delivered dramatically different ratings of the early settlers.

Pat grumbled, “The pilgrims were extremely poor planners. They leaped off the boat at the first destination instead of exploring a warmer place to spend their first winter. Many perished because they were ill prepared for grueling New England blasts. If they had invested just a few more weeks searching for a better site, they could have located in sunny Florida and enjoyed fresh juicy oranges all winter instead of enduring scurvy. They could have boasted about a spectacular tan in letters sent to friends back home. That’s always a fabulous employee recruitment tool.”

Nat rushed to defend his ancestors, “The Pilgrim’s decision was a perfect example of using intuition at work. If they hadn’t settled in New England, there would never have been a Boston Tea Party.”

Nat continued, “The pilgrims were visionaries. Their large families were evidence of a healthy growth and prosperity consciousness.”

Pat snarled, “Not so! Breeding a child labor force was shameful. They were even worse regarding diversity at work. The pilgrims belly ached that they had fled discrimination and persecution. They loudly proclaimed a desire for personal freedom in a new land but those who voiced values that differed from the pilgrims were burned at the stake.”

Nat and Pat will never agree, so you can win a prize for being the final decision-maker. In 25 words or less, answer the question: Were the pilgrims visionaries who whistled while they worked . . . or were they mean-spirited turkeys with tunnel vision? Enter your comments at http://www.joyonthejob.info/thanksgiving.htm and you may win an autographed copy of Doris Helge, Ph.D.'s new book, Joy on the Job. You can definitely get a free copy of “Santa’s Secrets for Joy on the Job” and a free “Joy on the Job e-Zine.”

GOT EMPLOYEES? by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

2006-11-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

Managers often fear they can’t retain their best employees because they can’t offer them more money or a bigger office. To make matters worse, the nasty rumor, “Employee loyalty is dead," circulates like dust in a windstorm.

Employee loyalty is alive and well. However, it doesn’t result from showcase perks, a spacious corner office, or the highest possible salary. Employees stay the course for diverse reasons. Some of the differences relate to their generation, personal responsibilities that conflict with work duties, and whether or not they are in a career track.

There’s a much more important question to ask about employee retention. What factors influence employees to stay with an organization? It’s not money! It’s how we are hardwired!

Humans crave challenge, meaning, and fulfilling relationships. We need to feel we are using our unique talents and making a valuable contribution. We need to feel supported, yet be as autonomous as possible. We want to g-r-o-w, personally and professionally. And, like Goldilocks when she selected the precise bowl of porridge she wanted at the three bears house, we need “just the right size” challenge.

During the last ten years of interviewing employees and managers of 21 diverse organizations, it was fascinating to explore why some workers plugged away, day after day, in mundane, repetitive jobs while others fled. I discovered why some employees who were envied for their positions and salary were chronically unhappy. People freely shared their motivations and needs, and this information is now available to you so you can create more happiness at work.

Click here to learn the true sources of Joy on the Job. Discover how to fully enjoy your work and how to retain the best and brightest employees.

http://joyonthejob.info

ENJOY YOUR JOB AS MUCH AS YOUR VACATION by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

2006-11-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

You were born with the right to be happy at work. In fact, you deserve to enjoy your work as much as a fabulous vacation on a beautiful island!

Did you ever think "Happiness at Work" could only happen in a fairy tale?

Ten years of research with employees and managers in 21 very diverse organizations led to the discovery of over 365 proven strategies for creating what we all want at work.

* Gain the support and resources you need so you can do your best work
* Hear lots of positive feedback, including during performance reviews
* Enjoy rewarding, fun relationships with management, employees, teams, and customers
* Receive compensation that allows you to live your dreams instead of barely meeting your needs
* Enjoy work that challenges you in positive ways so you grow personally as well as professionally
* Go home each day smiling and feeling proud of your contributions . . . not fatigued!
* Experience exciting career development opportunities. See yourself advance rapidly
* Thrive with perfect balance between your professional and personal life

Discover hundreds of ways you can immediately begin to create the joy and fulfillment at work that you deserve.

Click here now!

TURN CONFLICT INTO COLLABORATION by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

2006-11-10T15:33:00.001-08:00

TAKE YOUR TURN FIRST

Have you been wishing a "difficult person" would change so your work would be more enjoyable? If you’ve been tiptoeing around as if you were walking on eggshells, remember broken eggs make wonderful omelets. Decide what you need and take a firm stand. Even if you have been afraid to champion your own cause in the past, your new level of self-respect will eventually be mirrored back to you during your interactions with others.

Transform yourself instead of attempting to reinvent other people. Rather than focusing on what you think the other person did wrong, direct your attention to your own actions. You are powerless to alter someone else's behavior, but you are totally in control of your own performance. Just determine one simple way you can act differently in the future. Then you will have the power to stop co-creating the same frustrating situations over and over.

When you are tempted to make statements such as, "How dare they do that to me!", ask yourself thought-provoking questions. Begin with, "What can I learn from this situation that I wouldn't learn otherwise?" or "How did I contribute to this problem?"

MEET YOUR NEEDS

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