Copyright (c) 2009 Linda Feinholz
So often our focus is on what’s ‘not yet’ done, what is sitting on our To Do list, and what we ‘ought to’ be getting to but haven’t yet completed.
Children have a great deal to teach us about what motivates our hearts and gives us the impetus to put our energy into growing our businesses. They remind us that our strength in life comes not from what’s missing and undone, but rather from what we’ve accomplished.
My 6-year old nephew reminded me of this as we were celebrating the holidays. His joy as he calculated 600 times 600 in his mind and got it right is his motivation to keep learning how to work with numbers. His glee at that power is a great pointer for all of us to deliberately take stock of what challenges we’ve taken on, what we’ve learned this past year, and now can use it.
Here are some of my favorite accomplishment prompts that I use with coaching clients and participants in my programs:
1. List 10 things you accomplished this past year that you are proud of.
2. What were the most important things that you learned this past year, both in business, and personally?
3. What changes did you make based on that learning, and as a result of these changes, how will your life be different this coming year?
4. How have you changed over the year, and as a result of those changes, what new possibilities exist for you?
5. What if it all had to stop now? (take your time with this one) If you had six months to live and six million dollars, what would you do?
6. What changes would you make in the way you work to give yourself the best possible chance of success?
7. How will you have to change in order to give yourself the best possible chance of success?
And here’s a powerful BONUS Question. What steps have you taken in the past that helped you succeed?
The reason that final question is a gem is that it’s your opportunity to reveal what you DO know how to do, the steps you’ve used in the past to create your success.
You may have used them unconsciously or deliberately.
Either way, just as my nephew is consciously calculating two 3-figure numbers and coming up with a great answer, you too know techniques that have let you cut through confusion and challenges to create the accomplishments you’ve listed.
Now is a great time to remind yourself of what you DO know, the tools you already have at hand, and use them as the road map for the challenges you want to take on next.
Linda Feinholz
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/creating-appreciation-in-your-business-728876.html
How to make my memo about sexual harassment sound more positive?
for my business writing class the assignment is:
i’m a manager and i have to inform my company that there have been reports of sexual harrasment in the office (some guys telling offensive jokes making the women employees uncomfortable). i have to write a informative memo saying it needs to stop and letting everyone know our company policies. i have to do so without alienating or embarassing anyone and staying constantly light-hearted and positive. this is what i have and my teacher said it was really good, i just have to make it sound more positive. i thought it already was positive.
To: All Sales and Support Staff Members
From: Jane Doe, General Manager
Date: October 7, 2010
Subject: Employees Needed To Comply With Company’s Sexual Harassment Policy
Recent complaints of sexual harassment occurring in our office have brought forth a call of urgency to all staff members. Employees of this organization need to be aware of what sexual harassment is along with our company’s policies on the matter. Should necessary actions need to be taken in order to stay in compliance with these policies, then I encourage you to make the required changes. Doing so will ensure that our company provides a safe work environment for all employees and will better strengthen our relationships with each other as a team.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is generally defined to be that of unwanted physical contact, but it entails much more than just inappropriate touching. Any kind of offensive remarks made against the opposite sex, teasing, the display of distasteful pictures, and telling insulting or sexual jokes or stories all constitute sexual harassment if done on a regular basis. These actions can create a hostile work environment in which some or all employees feel offended or uncomfortable.
What are our company’s policies?
Southern Life Insurance’s Sexual Harassment Policy states very clearly that any kind of sexual harassment is not to be tolerated regardless of employment status or current job location. Any kind of sexual harassment that you see happening needs to be reported to your supervisor immediately. Examples of harassment outlined in our policy are as follows:
• Participating in unwanted physical contact
• Displaying offensive material or telling offensive jokes
• Conducting in a sexual or racial way that will interfere with someone’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment
What changes are required of you?
All employees are required to comply to our company’s policy if not already doing so. In addition to being personally responsible for yourself, helping to keep your co-workers in check would also prove to be beneficial. With everybody working together, this office will become a more comfortable work environment for all. I already have a great appreciation for your understanding and co-operation throughout this entire process.
what can i change to make it positive?
Believe me, I think its positive enough. Definitely my teacher who thinks it should be more positive and "benefits focused. focus on the benefits"
Maybe the last para could avoid saying ‘what is required ”of you”. It sounds personal to everyone reading it. "What is required?" would do.
Then you could go on to praise the staff for their behaviour and thoughtfulness, and affirm that you have complete confidence in them. But that like everyone, there can be times when standards slip and ‘we’ all need to be on our guard against this.
Something like that.
References :
I’m wondering if your teacher asked you to make it more positive, or is it your personal opinion that the article should be more positive?
Sexual harassment is a very serious offense. It shouldn’t be taken light-heartedly, nor should it be sugar-coated. I don’t know why it needs to be positive. Any perpetrator should fear this contract.
References :