Lives at Risk, Lives Lost

Rehtaeh Parsons

When I was a child, if things got to much to deal with out in the world of school etc., I knew I could get a break from it at home.  Home was a place of refuge - a place that gave you a break from the strain and stress of living among your peers.  It wasn't a place where your enemies could invade.  Those days are gone now for most kids.  In some cases, the digital world has enhanced their lives.  In others, it has not!  This is about the enemy that can storm the gates without you knowing. 

Veteran Suicides

We ask them to do unthinkable things in defense of others who in large part don't want their help. We train them to fight, to kill, to defend, but, not, how to cope.  A veteran suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) is more likely to be discharged than treated.  
What are we, as a country, thinking; to put so much on their shoulders and then abandon them as so much spent chattel? 
We've had 4 suicides of veterans here in Canada in the past week and by all accounts there are 18 a day in the US.  So, our American neighbours are no better at managing the repatriation of our damaged members than we are - not surprising.  
There's no glory in treating the after affects of our carnage.  The highway of heroes presents with people of all stripes when a soldier is killed in battle and is repatriated. But, not so much our damaged brothers, sisters, children or parents when they somehow manage to make through atrocities we can only imagine.  What do we do for those who have been beaten, broken and forever damaged, either in body or mind from being witness to unspeakable horrors?
We should be demanding our troops get all the support they need upon return.  
Not only that, they should be receiving the same kind of pension packages that elected politicians award themselves. We owe them more than other civil servants - they risk more, they suffer more and they do it to ensure our way of life is not compromised.  And, they do not choose to go where they go, it's just follow orders.  
Let's get real - our veterans need at least as much consideration as their political bosses.   
And then, once we have taken care of all those who saw more than they should ever have to in this lifetime and suffered unspeakable mental anguish; let's go back to being the peacekeepers.  It's more difficult, it's more lasting and it's not going to put our troops in mental peril as they are now!  

Meet Less -Do More!

A few years ago, I remember reading a report from a friend of mine who had been tasked with attending and reporting back on the results of a provincial meeting.  At the conclusion of her report, she finished by summing up with; "We've had enough meetings, let's get to work on it!" 

I'm sure there are many, in corporations large and small, for profit and not for profit, who feel the same way.  When you can spend up to a quarter of your time either in meetings or preparing for meetings, it can become a colossal time-waster! 

So, what to do?  

Let it Go to Move On!

Sometime, even those who are savvy in the ways of business will make a blunder.  Someone I talked with, who had considerable business acumen, was offered (back in the late 60’s, early 70’s) an opportunity to buy into McDonalds Restaurants.  He didn't; believing it to be a fad and not a long term investment.  Today, he regrets that decision, but, doesn't let it weigh on him.  That is what separates a real business mind from others.  He let it go and moved on.  Sure, he will tell the story to some people, but, only if it serves a purpose.  You don’t have a crystal ball –go with what your inner self is telling you.  Everyone makes mistakes; don’t let them define how you do business.  Worse yet, don’t let them define you!  Letting go, allows you to move on. 

Recently, I had an experience, if I let define me, would have certainly crushed future projects.  I wouldn't have been out in world making new contacts.  And that is exactly what happened.  I made a new contact for something that may be very promising and I didn't have to go looking for it – it came to me.  Had I not let go of the former, I wouldn't have had room or wouldn't have been open to the new!  And the new project could be even more spectacular than the last.  Do I feel I was let down by trusting someone had my best interest at heart as well as their own?  Yes.  Am I going to allow that to keep me from working proactively?  No.  …Weeping endures for the night, but, joy comes in the morning (paraphrase Psalm 30:5).  Grieve what is lost, but be joyful about what is coming. 

Not letting go can rob you of your future.  Someone I know had a promising hockey career.  It was his passion, it possessed him, but, one mistake took it all away.  Years later, he is still grieving that loss and has not had the ability to find the new promise, the new path, the new project.  He essentially robbed himself of his future, by not letting go of his past.  Don’t be one of those.

Yes, you have to weigh the things you do and decide if it’s a good idea or not.  And, you have to decide if you trust those you are going to be working with or not.  Once the decision has been made – get to work.  If you find out that something is not quite as you had expected it to be, or the people you are working with have shown themselves to be less than the trusted colleague you thought; deal with it.  Don’t let it define you.  Don’t let the situation drag you down and stop you from attempting to move forward.   Always remember though, that once someone has shown you who they really are, believe them.  Don’t try and assign a different value set to them.  They are who they are and you can’t change that by trying to believe otherwise. 

So, is this a lesson you have learned in life?  Is it one, you feel you have had more than once?  Changing your way of thinking is not easy.  If you have chosen to trust someone to have your best interests at heart and they have disappointed you, don’t dwell on it.  Analyse it.  See where your thinking may have been flawed and direct your course of action accordingly.  Will you lose a McDonalds type deal along the way – perhaps, but, not learning the lesson can be more costly to your overall peace of mind and your future direction. 

Let it go – make a difference, in your life first, then go out there and make changes in the world.  Do what matters!

A Thankful Thanksgiving!

We're Canadian, so, of course our Thanksgiving is today!  Happy Thanksgiving to all!  

Canadian Thanksgiving corresponds to the harvest; we're further north, so it's earlier than the Americans.  Thanksgiving celebrations are a time of gathering, sharing food - aren't most holidays the same - but, also of being thankful for the blessings we have in this country.  Democracy, freedom of movement, freedom of religion, education for all, basic health care for all and a refuge for the disenfranchised, persecuted and freedom seekers of the world.  

Canada is seen as a predominantly peaceful nation - thank you Lester B. Pearson!  Mr. Pearson's military background probably served him well in his later choices and something not all politicians have had, putting many of them at a disadvantage, globally.  Before Mr. Pearson became our PM in the 1960's, he served as an ambassador, worked with the UN and his philosophical views convinced him of Canada's need to be a peaceful nation. Under his leadership, old age pension and national medicare became accessible to all Canadians. We also raised our current flag - the red and white everyone is so familiar for the first time in 1965.  

Our freedom is precious to us, but, probably is even more so to those who seek asylum in this country.  So, to the immigrants I pose this question.  What have you found in Canada?  Is it the nation of peace keepers you imagined?  Is the land of freedom that you sought?  

Are there flaws?  Most assuredly there are flaws. We are a nation of people who have, for the most part, come from elsewhere and today, we live in peace, but, for our first nation’s people, that peace has been more difficult to attain.  To our shame, we as a nation have treated them, and others, disrespectfully and as less the peace loving people we like to see ourselves.  But, we are moving forward, the disgraces of the past must be faced and the truth of it dealt with for healing happen. 

“Let the first act of every morning be to make the following resolve for the day:
- I shall not fear anyone on Earth. 
- I shall fear only God. 
- I shall not bear ill will toward anyone. 
- I shall not submit to injustice from anyone. 
- I shall conquer untruth by truth. 

- And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.” 
― Mahatma Gandhi

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone from here in Canada!

A Live-able Neighbourhood?

Are you living in a livable neighbourhood?  By this, I don't mean, is your house in a safe neighbourhood?  No, a liveable neighbourhood is what most of us lived in at one time over 30 years ago.  Unless you were in a rural area, you likely didn't have to drive to actually live in your neighbourhood.

Simplicity + Clarity = Confidence

Creating confidence in your intended audience is as easy as delivering a message that is simple and clear.  

Not everyone has the ability to do this and sometimes it is done quite intentionally.  After all, if you agree to a plan, which is ambiguous, and things go awry, the organizers can chalk it up to you not knowing how to implement what they envisioned. 

I sat through a webinar recently that was intended to illicit buy-in from leaders for a previously published, proposed strategic direction.  The problem I had with the webinar and indeed with the proposed strategic direction was twofold. 

The Help Desk

To realize optimum benefit, at work or in life, look to what will benefit the person next to you.

In terms of work, this would mean really engaging in the company and the people who work there as opposed to the pay cheque and benefits package you receive.

What’s the problem with that if they are getting their work done, you ask? 

Answer this - why do we find it easier to engage with the company than the people? And, if you think that is not the case, think about this - How many times, on the news or in our own community, you've heard people say “he/she was so quiet, kept to themselves” after a tragedy?   

People are social creatures.  Social interaction isn’t just a ‘like to have’, it’s a ‘must have’! And being social creatures we also have the need not just to belong to a given group, but to feel we belong there.  We need to know we have value, beyond the valuation placed on us by our employer. 

Remembering 9/11 - Is it Enough?

Some events are etched in our minds for life!  I only wish they could all be happy ones. 

12 years ago, I was working in my home office when I received a call.

"Turn on your TV!" 

What I saw, was a tragedy; flames and smoke were billowing from one of the towers of the World Trade Center. It was a weekday and so the building would have been full of people at work.  Reports indicated that those on floors above the fires were trapped and many on lower floors had no knowledge of the extent of the damage above.  As I watched, to my horror, another plane hit the second tower of the WTC!

When you could think like a director on a board, why would you want to think like a CEO?

Much is written about thinking like a CEO or manager, but, I want to challenge you to think like the director on a board.  

There are three duties that each director on a board is tasked with when serving an organization; obedience, care and loyalty. But, beyond this and partly because of this, the board’s creativity, passion and forward thinking are what will make a difference in the strategic direction and mission of an organization.   

A Raise for Apathy!

One of the things I hear most is that the greatest part of the work is done by few people.  Yes, absolutely; that is the law we work under!  Those who take on a job with a strong work ethic, would not think of giving less than their 8 hours work for 8 hours pay, etc. Although apathy is frowned upon in the work place, what it boils down to in the eyes of a stressed out manager is it is also a harmless vice.  Enter, Jack. 

When Organizations Make Poor Choices

A well established institution of higher education in Sudbury, Cambrian College, was recently named in a lawsuit; alleging they encouraged information sharing through a proposed partnership agreement, then told that future partner they had decided not to pursue that specific direction of learning opportunities for students. 

The contractor who had brought their idea to the college would never have known of the real intent had it not been an ad placed in November 2012, looking to replace the retiring president.  What transpired after that is the content for a ‘based on real life’ movie.  You know the kind I mean, where the little guy has to struggle with the decision to walk away or take on the big guy. 

Where is Your Place of Reflection?

The call of water is strong with many people. And so it is with me, although you'll never find me in a boat and rarely in the water either.
But, in times of change, in times of sorrow, especially, in times of reflection, I find myself by the water.
How does something, so seemingly innocuous, provide such a powerfully peaceful feeling?
As one who grew up living beside the water, I love the never ending sound it provides, gentle and rhythmic most of the time, loud, angry and crashing at other times. And, there's something for all the senses. You can usually always hear it. You can smell it, see it and touch it. The colours, shades, reflections all provide visual stimulus. Rising or setting suns, rainbows and even clouds can all dramatically change the look of the lake. And, then there are the artificial addition of boats, jet skis, etc. Not my favourites and fortunately something that is not a huge problem in my area. I much prefer to see sailboats, canoes, kayaks etc. on our lake.

Life without Regret

Can you imagine, getting to the end of your life, having done all the things you ever wanted to do?  

Most of us can't.  

The question then becomes, have I always included things I really want to do in my day to day life? Again no?  

There are some who can draw themselves out a very detailed life plan and spend their life fulfilling their plan.  Are these the people who have it all figured out?  

Again, no! 

Figuring it out, isn't what life is all about.  In the end, most people who think they had it all figured out, really, didn't.  So, how are you to know?  How do you know that when you get to the end of your life, you won't be full of regrets?  Purpose! 

I'll tell you about two people, both professionals, both driven, both seemingly having it all figured out.  I'm using their stories here without their permission, so, I will not name them. 

Hacker Who Exposed Steubenville Rape Case Could Spend More Time Behind Bars Than The Rapists | ThinkProgress

Can you imagine, if this happened in your family, would you care how the truth came to light?  Hacker Who Exposed Steubenville Rape Case Could Spend More Time Behind Bars Than The Rapists | ThinkProgress
This person had no stake in the results other than justice - that should not be discounted.  
Do what matters!

Surviving and Thriving, or are You?

There are so many safety measures in place now for children, that the only way I can explain making it to my age without them is, survival!   

We don't want our children to just survive, so, we've created car seats that cradle your newborn and keep them secure until you get where you're going; high chairs and strollers with 5-point safety straps; helmets for them to ride trikes or bikes.  And of course there are various and sundry other safety items that keep them from scraping their knees or elbows in a fall, safety gates for stairs, closer set bars in their cribs, painted without leaded paint.  Yes, children are safer now, physically. 

When we were children, we enjoyed the exploration of our world with some limitations.  Our parents would give us dire warnings about certain aspects and they expected we would abide.  And abide we did, because, the thought of repercussions for non-adherence was greater than our curiosity.  

That did not always prevent us going past the line, but, in general it did.  We weren't given a lot of instructions, but, those we were, we knew were meant to be obeyed. And some instructions came in really handy - my Dad told me to never let an animal know you're afraid of it - which came in extremely useful the day I encountered a pack of dogs who didn't appear to be friendly at all. Quaking in my boots, I stood my ground and walked ever so slowly backwards towards an escape route.  Fortunately, for me, I think they were just as glad I left their property.  Thanks Dad!  

So, now, we're all grown up and have no one to tell us that there could be danger around the next corner, mostly metaphorically speaking.  It's up to each one of us to explore those things that could bring us the success we desire.  We have to stand our ground and forge ahead, quaking and all, towards the vision we have created for ourselves.  Your vision is your end game and unless you're willing to play, you won't get there.  Safety in all things is not an option!  

How do we measure our risk appetite?  Start small if you like, but, start. You're not likely to stumble across success, you have work to do.  Get it done. Risk failure - fail even - but, don't stop.  

Be like Thomas Edison, who found nearly 10,000 ways something wasn't going to work, before, he found the thing that did.  Or, like James Lee Burke, a prolific writer, but, one who was rejected over 100 times before he was published the first time.  What kept them going?  Likely, they had a vision. They knew what they wanted to do, what they could do and they weren't ready to quit. 

Your success is your own.  There is no magic wand; what there is - vision, mission, values.  Put them to work for you and you will succeed.  Adapt along the way, since you may have to follow some different paths before you get to where you're going.  But, don't give up.  If you know where you're going and you're adaptable to the means of getting there.  It can be done!

Success stories are all around you - write your own and go for it!  If you don't believe me, check out this author, who had a near death experience before he really plugged in to the thing that he knew he would do - someday! Don't let your someday slip by you because you're too busy with your day to day.  

http://friesenpress.com/blog/2013/7/22/self-publishing-book-promotions-strategy  

Let 'your day' start today - live positively, enjoy the ride - do what matters!

Efficient vs Effective

Efficiency! 
How are you measuring efficiency?  And how does it differ from effectiveness? 
If it were the furnace or air conditioner in your home, you would likely say, it was efficient if it was delivering the best results for the least amount of energy consumed.  It could still be effective, heating and cooling, without being efficient.  
If you think of this in terms of work, that would equate to the best results with a minimum of effort and/or resources spent.  
So, why, if that's the case, do we continue to reward those who waste the resources of the company, agency (government or otherwise) with high salaries and bonuses?  
In short, it's really as simple as, a bad contract - which is your inefficient way of hiring.   
A typical contract contains information about compensation and benefits, but, rarely addresses specific performance aspects.  Why?  Most companies don't know exactly what the benchmarks should be and most boards of directors are likewise in the dark.  If they don't know, they can't write it in.  And, of course the legal office assisting is usually just as uninformed as the board of directors.  
Your organization should be very specific about what you want your new hire to do, but, it should not only be effective (finding someone to fill a spot) but, efficient (finding the right person to fill that spot).  You can effectively hire and give that person the resources to get the work done, or, you can hire someone who will work efficiently and effectively.  Basically, this is the proactive approach to hiring vs. the reactive approach of hiring to fill a spot.
So, how do you hire efficiently?  Get to know who you are as an organization and find out what you want to get done.  Then, when you're writing out a contract, you will know exactly what you need someone to do and how you want them to get it done - efficiently!   And get rid of buyout clauses.  If someone isn't working out, you should be able to get rid of them without paying out an additional 18 months or more, for the privilege.  They are, after all, your employee, not, your partner. 
Happy (head) hunting!

What Good Historians Do

History is full of stories that could easily put you to sleep.  Historians are story tellers and can tell those stories in a purely dry and fact based manner; or, they can show their love of history and show you aspects of historical characters that will affect how you see them.  Enjoy this session, but, give yourself time, it is lengthy! 

Brain Power

It has been oft reported that we only use approximately 10% of our brain power in our lifetime.  Is that accurate?  Even if it isn't, what if we only use 50% of our brain power in our lifetime? Is that adequate to you? 
The idea that we only use a fraction of our available brain power is distressing, isn't it?  It is to me.  
So, I got to thinking - what do I think about?  Is it relevant?  Is it worth thinking about at all?  For instance, yesterday, as I walked through a giant warehouse chain and watched people shopping in their clothing department, I wanted to become an active advocate against 'sweat shops'. Actually, I have written about it on my Corporate Bits and Bites fb site.  It is anathema to me that people have to die to put clothes on our backs.  Especially, since those very clothes are not necessary, but, a 'fashion statement'.  This is exactly what occured when 'sweat shop' employees (over 1200) died recently in a building collapse.  
Can I be quiet about this?  Should I be quiet about this?  Everyone has seen the same news casts, haven't they?  The answer might be yes to all of those statements, however, I can't get the uneasy feeling that more should be done to draw attention to this than has been done in the past.  
Why are we so enamored with fashion that we refuse to see the conditions of the that production?  
So, what can I or you, do about it?  I'll tell you what I'll do about it - every time I see a violation or hear a new cast about such abuses, I will post it to this site and all of my sites. And, I will not be buying these articles any longer.  Now, what will you do about it?   If you see abuses and it's one of your favourite designers, are you going to boycott or will you hope they have learned their lessen and keep on buying from them?  It's easier when it's someone you don't know - but, what if it was your son or daughter?  Would you want others to pay attention?  I know I would.  
Let me know, are you with us?   

Change Your Mind, Change Your Reality!

You really do go farther, reach higher and last longer, with a positive attitude.  And, others around you benefit too!
  
Imagine your family getting only positive feedback from you on everything they do!  How would that affect them?  

What if, you stopped thinking about all the things you don't want in your life and started thinking and being thankful for all the good things you already have and those you will have in the future?  

Now, what if you took that same positive spirit into the board room,  the corporate office, the job site?  We know that being proactive is much more effective than being reactive.  You know what I mean - how many times have you heard someone say they spend their day 'putting out fires' - and they're not a fireman!  Encourage the proactive work and soon there will be less reactive work to do.  Employees will become engaged!  And, as everyone already knows, an engaged employee far exceeds one who is working for the wage!  

You have the power to do this, even if you're not the boss, just by changing your own responses.  Most everyone has been in a job that was not right for them and it  became painful just to go to work.  What if, you went to that job, thankful for it?  What would change in your life if while you were working there and being grateful for the work and remaining optimistic, cheerful and proactive?  You would be keeping your options open to other opportunities, which don't present themselves to someone who it miserable, negative, angry and reactive.  Since the only real change you can make is to yourself, start there!  

Think about the positive.  Don't think about the negative in positive terms, ie, I'm glad to have this job to get my debts paid off.  Think and act in a positive manner.  When you think, 'only 8 more hours to go until the weekend and I can enjoy myself, you're really thinking I've got 8 more arduous hours to work here before anything good happens in my life.  When you say, if I have time, you're really saying, I'll never make time.    

Re-framing your thoughts, words and deeds is going to take a little while.  Everyone slips into their usual routines from time to time.  When you find yourself doing this, remember, you are the only one who can change you!  And you are the only one, you can change.  

What have you experienced by changing your mind, thoughts and actions?  Leave us a message, we would love to hear from you. 

The Leader in You!

Tommy Douglas, the father of medicare in Canada once said,

"Man can now fly in the air like a bird, swim under the ocean like a fish, he can burrow into the ground like a mole. Now if only he could walk the earth like a man, this would be paradise."

  

Mr. Douglas was an immigrant to Canada, born of Scottish parents (1904) in the UK. He was a sickly child who grew up to become a pastor and then a politician.  Now, no one is perfect, even Tommy Douglas, but, when the going got tough, he persevered and today Canadians enjoy basic health care.  What if he had not?

Understanding purpose can make the difference in what you do and why you do it.  

Great leaders are not born, they are created.  Someone may seem like a good leader - charismatic, engaging, until they see a serious challenge arising.  Then, you will see what they are really made of in what they do.  

A great leader will stand fast, engage their team and work to a resolution. A purely political leader will look for the next opportunity that will make him/her look good.  What type of leader are you?  

Doing what matters is not always the easy thing, but, it should always be the only thing!  Others are depending on you.  Be great - do what matters!  

Calculated Risk!

Risk is calculated!  Everyone takes risks, but, some people have a much higher threshold. 

A risk analysis is conducted either consciously or subconsciously every time you make a decision.  Whether you buy a car or a sandwich, you’re taking a risk and mentally assessing that risk.  Most of our risk taking has become a part of automated memory.

A baby takes risks when they learn to walk.  They’re hesitant at first and may only walk holding onto a hand or furniture, but, eventually, they’re little brains figure they’re ready for that first bold step!  They may fall down, but, they don’t quit because the risk of falling is outweighed by the freedom of walking. 

 Should you eat ice cream if you're lactose intolerant?  If you decide you really like double fudge ice cream and you really have to have some, you've made a risk analysis.  You know you're going to 'not feel so well' afterward and you may have to clear your throat all day/night long, but, you do so love your ice cream! 

On the other hand, if you want to go to a certain country and there have been uprisings and unrest, you would probably think more consciously about your choices.  You weigh the pros and cons, consult websites or colleagues and make a more deliberate, calculated decision based on your risk tolerance level. 

You take risks everyday in business too, but, most of it has already been accounted for - you have business insurance, specifically E&O (Errors and Omissions), your staff has been trained to comply with your own policies and any legislated ones. 

Knowing you take risks and that risk taking is a part of life, may prompt more proactive work on that front. Becoming proactive, rather than reactive can go a long way to mitigating risk!

Living Without the Soundtrack

          A visit to a new gym a while back reminded me of the reason I like to spend so much time working in a solitary environment – the sound track!   In that environment, it’s a given/ inevitable that rock/dance music plays providing rhythm and bass for additional workout stimulation, or would that be motivation?  Down at the local YMCA, this method isn't employed; however, many die-hards are wired.  Others are watching TV while on their treadmill, elliptical trainer or whatever other machine that keeps you moving and stationary simultaneously. 

            Yet, you can’t really go anywhere indoors without a sound track of some kind either; sometimes it’s white noise as it is in office buildings; other times it’s meant to provide shoppers with that ‘feel good’ feeling while they shop and spend for Christmas or some other occasion.   Depending on the targeted demographic, will determine the type and volume of the music.  But, it doesn't stop at indoor venues anymore, even if you go for a walk or run in the park, at least seventy five percent of those you encounter who are alone are also in their own world; earphones/buds are the accessory of the day, with whatever music the walker/runner likes feeding into their minds, drowning the silence.  Those who aren't just listening to music may very well be wearing a blue-tooth, ant or some other phone device. 

            Some of us, and I don’t know if we are fewer in number (logically, I don't think that is so); when we go to the park, it's to let something else speak to us.  The rustle of leaves in the trees or the screech of gulls warding others off in an attempt to be the first to get the partially eaten sandwich or dropped French fry.  The gentle lap of the water against the shore line or even the laughter and occasional delighted squeals of children playing on the play equipment in the play area.  This is the music of life, real life and of inspiration and motivation.

            For those of us who are introverts, our creativity comes from a place of quiet and reflection.  It often doesn't burst in on us.  There is no drum roll to announce a brilliant idea is on its way.  It may start as a whisper and if your mind was otherwise occupied, would miss that first note, the one that asks us to be still and pay attention while the idea formulates.  For us, motivation, energy, stimulation and creativity, congregate; waiting for the listener to be quiet enough to hear the first notes of an internal symphony of discovery.

            At times, when there is a lot of external noise in my life, I don’t feel creative or even try to work out a problem as it likely won’t happen. So, anytime my little house is overrun with company, I adjust to the stimulus and just enjoy the companionship, the murmur of individual conversations and the spontaneous laughter that is regularly a part of any group of people who are comfortable with one another.  But, this is also a time I put my creative brain on hold.  Sometime it's just until I go to bed, when I can read for a while to quiet the cacophony of sound echoing through the halls of recent memory.  To be sure, it is a different life, and one that in teenage years experienced plenty of resistance, yet, quiet eventually won.  

          Now, it’s not a case of choosing.  It’s a given, I prefer quiet!  
          But, how about you?  Would you accommodate each type in your organisation?  Or do you even think about it?  If accommodating an introvert would produce phenomenal results, could you do it?  
          Open environments encourage collaboration, interaction and activity.  Once an idea has formulated, an introvert has no trouble working in this environment, but, they don't usually become too creative just by bouncing ideas off others.  Firstly, if they're thinking something through, the high energy, spontaneous chatter may have the opposite affect.  Quite often, if I'm thinking about something and people are trying to jog my memory by giving me verbal queues it only serves to send the messages that are trying to reach the front of my brain into the background.  Yet others appreciate that very action and thrive!  
          You definitely need both type of individuals as both will bring a unique perspective.  But, you have to know, if you're dealing with one or the other, what environment will best serve your purposes in getting ultimate results from them.  
          Let us know - how do you best perform?  Is your creativity spawned in the high energy, spontaneous environment or is it in the quietness and confidence that your thought processes work at their optimum?          

Perserverance!

Book launch helps charity

This is definitely going to be an event to remember.  How many authors use the launch of their new books to provide funds for charities?
This book APOK, written by an active member of the OPP, primarily while he was convalescing from what could have been a fatal injury and suffering a severe concussion in the process, is being launched on May 26, 2013 in Barrie.
While the paper reporting the launch contains some errors, one being that the author is a former OPP officer, the gist of the story is correct.
Visit the authors page http://www.apok.ca/ or the link for the newspaper to view the details.
What would you do if you were forced into complete inactivity for a prolonged period?  

Are You Contributing to Slavery?

It's sad to think of the Bangladeshi factory workers who died in the factory collapse recently.  Common practices within the garment industry in the East include things we would never tolerate in the West. 

They live, on next to slave-like wages and in squalid living conditions, required to work as much overtime as needed without proper compensation, - if you can call their regular wage proper.  Nor are they given sick days off, provided with proper accommodation or child care as legislated by their government.  Locked gates and doors keep workers in and anyone who may want to inspect the factory, out!

It's common, to avoid paying maternity leave benefits (90 days) if a woman became pregnant, she would be dismissed due to short term contracts provided by employers, geared to ensure workers remain compliant to the factory owner's demands. 

All of this happens because a design house has to get their products made and aren't willing to ensure those who produced them are equitably treated or fairly compensated; to say they don't know what's going on isn't a valid excuse.  Even if they don't know the conditions of the factory, accommodations, wages - they know the amount they are paying per garment to be produced and they know they could never get them made in Canada or the USA for that price!  I know, I have been shopping and thought, 'I could never make it for that price.'    

So, what can we do?  We do hold the power, whether you know it or not! 

First, designers who have their product made in sweat shops should be avoided.  Yes, I know that would knock out a great percentage of designers out of the running. 

Second, look up a local seamstress or tailor and ask them, how much it would cost to have a product made.  This gives you an idea of overall cost, which would include, fabrics, time, fittings etc. Fittings?  You would never get fittings for your product in most stores for free.  

Third, let your favourite designers know of your displeasure with their see no evil, hear no evil approach. These are probably the worst offenders.  Designer products are not inexpensive, so, where is all that money going?  Certainly, it is not the worker.  If they know that they are going to lose their clientele due to human rights issues, they may re-think their manufacturing processes.   

And finally, let your legislators know.  Tariffs are regularly charged by governments on products where the price is not competitive, revealing their maybe either the other government is providing subsidies or possible unethical business practices are involved.  After all, hypothetically, if it costs a manufacturer $2 for fabric and it can be cut, sewn, shipped and end up in the stores for $5, that's a bit of a red light isn't it?

Upside of Focus

It seems that when you determine to bring projects to completion, your focus becomes very specific. I've discovered several projects that, for one reason or another, were abandoned in mid - completion. None that had even hit my radar a couple of weeks ago when this shift to focus had happened. 

Surprisingly, working through to completion several projects already, the tasks do not seem as onerous or tedious as I had originally thought they would be - rather, the experience is becoming quite gratifying and freeing! 

Who would have thought that I would be looking for projects to complete. I have always been more of an idea person, sketching out the big picture and leaving the task of completion to someone else.  

But, everyone should have the experience of personally completing a project, even if they can afford to have others do it for them.  Everyone will find their own rhythm for this.  Don't let your incomplete tasks weigh you down.  Personally, during this short journey, I have discovered a few tangible ideas that will merge well with current opportunities.  That was definitely a delightful surprise.  

Bringing this focus into every aspect of your life.  It can serve to rev up your creativity engine to new levels.  Imagine a workplace where completing a project is just as focused as the exploratory phase! 

And as you can see, keeping up with the blogging is another one of the side effects that I have found to be quite enjoyable.  Enjoy your week everyone. You can look for this blog every Monday morning.  And of course, I know you will call me to task for not do so.  

Looking forward to keeping up my end.  Leave me your thoughts. 

10 Days Later - Focus Update

10 Days Later - Focus - Some things are more easily said than done. So, these past 10 days I've attempted to follow my own instructions and get things out of the way that needed to be done, but, were less than appealing. In terms of focus, I've done not too badly. Some projects that were in the final stages for several weeks, came to completion. While other projects are now in those final stages. Practicing living a positive life this year has certainly presented some obstacles when it comes to this assignment. There's not much of a positive feeling when you're in the midst of an often delayed administrative or technical role. But, maybe that is all part of the journey. Perhaps Positive living could be the mission of your life, the how, you get to where you want to be in the end. What I do know in the final days of month 3, it is well worth it!

Focus

Published on Corporate Bits and Bites - Facebook - 10 days ago. 
Focus - that's the word of the day! I don't know about anyone else, but, in my world, focus is not always there. Hyper-focus often is, however, not usually in the context of what needs to get done.  Focus on the task needed to complete the not so desirable parts of a project is what's required. 

So, how do you find it? Do you power through? Do you delegate those tasks to someone else? Do you know your limits of focus? 

When we have to focus on something that is less than appealing to us, we tend to leave it until the end to get done. 

What if we turned it around and used our time to finish one thing before becoming engrossed in the next? 

What would that do for self-esteem? 

What would that do for your ability to live a positive life? 

I do know one thing, quite often the thing that needs to get done is like the elephant standing on your foot! You want it out of the way, but, haven't the ability to make it move. So, save your foot and your mind from distraction and get those things done and out of the way, so your mind can really flourish! Stay positive everyone!  And, let me know how you're doing this year if you have chosen to live the positive life.  

Cheers!

What's Appropriate in Social Media?

In an age of social saturation, we sometimes forget that there are definite lines that should not be crossed, posts that are inappropriate and comments that would best be left unsaid.  

         There are comments that are ok in a social setting, but, not in a business one.  There are comments that a private person can make on the facebook, twitter or other social media accounts that they could not if they were representing a company.  But, time and time again, we’ve seen the fallout of that very thing happening.  Politicians who make inappropriate comments about their constituency or post inappropriate photos to a friend’s site, that eventually becomes public. 

         When you represent a company, even comments you make in private or on social media can spell an end to your career.  Companies must protect their brand.  People should see themselves as a brand as well.

         If you are your brand, protect it!  If you are cultivating a political career, your life should remain circumspect.  Your actions should be congruent with your message.  Your personal life should not argue you’re your business life. 

         Some high profile people have gone into obscurity due to their inability to keep their life or their tongue in check.  When was the last time you heard the name Gary Hart?  Although that name may not tweak anything in your mind, in the late 80’s he was running for the Presidential nomination of the Democratic party of the United States.  This was before social media, but, not before media altogether and it was arrogance on his part, basically taunting the media to prove he was having an affair that spelled the end of his political aspirations.  In less time than it takes to get the paper printed, that’s exactly what they did, acting on a tip received. 

         Keep a positive attitude and if someone is so irritating to you that you can't control your responses to them - stop talking! It's better to walk away from someone irritating and confrontational than it is to apologize, especially if you don't mean it.  Haven't we all wondered at one time or another - "why did I let him/her get to me"?  If you don’t want to be asking yourself that question while sitting there crafting yet another apology for yet another gaff, keep your own counsel – not everything in your mind needs or should be expressed!  Perhaps a sense of mystery would be more desirable.  Keep them wondering what you’re thinking.

         What about you, how are you able to stay positive and navigate the social media while maintaining a positive attitude? 

Beware the Family Tree - A Lesson in Positivity!

OK, I just finished reading some of the research conducted on the family tree, or, perhaps I should say, the root system.
It seems my forebears were inveterate 'sheep stealers' among other things; once they had been stripped of their land and title due to resistance to being taken over by the crown.
One should really be cautious in their pursuit of historical data. I think most people take up these types of projects, believing the best, hoping they may be descended from royalty, or at the very least note-worthy historical figures,but, let’s face it, there’s probably shady characters and/or events in everyone’s past.
On the other hand mine were also readers, which meant they kept the historical records. This part I like – explains my love of history and storytelling. 

Week 3

It really is incredible; positivity makes a difference in your life!  Not just meditation and visualization, but, actually living in a positive frame of mind, day in and day out! It does take a bit of work on a daily basis, when something goes wrong and your first instinct is less than a positive one you have to take that deep breath, smile and look for the positive.  Yes, smile.  It’s amazing, but, when you smile, your whole attitude takes a shift.  I do tend to smile a lot, now.  But, the point is to get up and get back on track, intentionally removing the negative aspects from your life. 

PositivityLiving Day 03

     Yes, starting a year on the 8th is a problem, but that is what happened.  I knew there was something special I wanted to do for this year and it took me 7 days to come up with it. 
     You'll remember my blog from three days ago - living a year of positivity!  Well, so far,it is paying off in a big way! 
     Yesterday, I was out shopping and ran into someone I've know for several years.
    "You look great," she said, "what are you doing differently?"
      Do you know, at that very minute, I couldn't think of a thing.
    "Whatever it is, keep doing it!" she said.
    

2013 Year of Positivity

This is a short blog today, but, it will be one of many this year.  I would like to intro my year of positivity!  Actually, I want everyone to live positively this year!

 
Living positively does not mean living recklessly, throwing caution to the wind, but, instead of focusing on the negatives that occur (and occur they will), shift that focus to the positive.

How are we going to get that done?  See, I'm already including you in this year of living positively.  We're not going to just say, we're not going to say anything negative.  When you want to quit one behavior/habit, your brain/body looks for a replacement.

Much of what we do on a daily basis is muscle memory; opening doors, walking, starting the car – things that don’t require a lot of thought.  If you have a bad habit that you want to eliminate - smoking, over-eating, sitting too long, you have to replace it with something else, or your body will go back to reaching for cigarettes, food, relaxing on the sofa.  It could very well be the reason people say they gain weight when they are trying to quit smoking.  The body’s muscle memory is trying to replicate what it already knows to do – the hand brings something to the mouth.   

If you don't give it something else to do, it will go back to what it knows.

Give yourself time for the change to work.  Initially, it takes effort or attention to get it done.  Once the change is complete, your brain will take over and you don’t have to consciously think about it anymore.  It will have become part of your body’s muscle memory. 

The same can be said for your thought processes.  If you don’t specifically give your brain something to think about, it will roam around and light on whatever amuses it at the time.  How else do you explain reality TV, reruns, etc.  It’s a formula that works.   

So, how do we turn this year into a positive year?  By the same method we teach our body to accept a new habit/behavior – repetition.  This year, in your posts, conversations, actions, even your thoughts, dwell on the positive. If a situation is negative, harness your thoughts and actions for a positive outcome.
Make a change and make a difference!
Want to take the challenge?
Join me - you may also be able to call me out on it, if I don't!
Happy 2013 everyone!!