Gratitude at Work

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” --author Melody Beattie

During those times when a particular situation at work (or elsewhere for that matter) is causing stress and strain, take out pen and paper and make yourself list 5 things you are grateful for in that situation. A friend of mine says sometimes when it feels especially tough, that may mean the only 2 things she can think of are “the pen and paper I have to write this list with”! At least that’s a place to start and it does get easier after that. By giving thanks for even the smallest thing, we force ourselves into “gratitude mode” and feel the stress and strain lessen. You begin to focus on what you do have and not what you don’t. Then a feeling of abundance kicks in and that whole bad mood feels less overwhelming. As like attracts like, this feeling grows and we make room for more things to be grateful for.

If you’re not all that happy with work right now or feeling insecure about your job, it might feel difficult to find that one thing to be grateful for, but there’s something there. Whatever it is, it deserves your gratitude and attention so that it can grow and make your work life more fulfilling and meaningful to you. Do some thinking over the next few days – you might realize more to be thankful for than you thought.

Career Advice - How's your First Impression?

“You only have one chance to make a first impression”. Wise words many of us have grown up with as we’ve moved through our careers. It’s typically good advice for interviews, and also for attending networking events, meeting with clients, and that first day of work at a new company or on a project with a new client. Things to remember include: Be observant, take notes and remember names, ask meaningful questions, be open to new ideas and methods, turn off your electronic devices, show interest and be a good listener, and ask for things to do, even menial tasks, to help you understand how things work.

Recently I was asked to submit my advice to young people for their first day of work for an article in the Wall Street Journal’s career section entitled “Day One – Now What?” Read the entire article here: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122619711571011423.html

Great food for thought. Check yourself on these things next time a new situation arises where you’ll be presenting yourself for the first time. Are you doing all you can to create a powerful, professional first impression?

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Managers Doing the Right Thing

A relatively small reduction in force had to take place due to decrease in demand and overage of inventory. Lists of affected workers were compiled and reviewed, then reviewed again. Logistics were finalized and managers were coached on how to conduct the one-on-one meetings. The unfortunate news was delivered and employees were escorted off site.

Typically, this is the time when morale begins to wane and rumors start to fly. My client and his manager took it upon themselves to go above and beyond by adding the human touch to this uncomfortable situation. They dispelled confusion and uncertainty with good old honest communication. They spent the rest of the day having personal meetings with their other employees explaining the need for this action and assuring them of the strength of the company and its future. They made themselves available to discuss concerns and answer questions. For the remainder of the week, they kept a watchful eye and paid attention to the department’s undertones in order to maintain morale and keep productivity high.

What a difference this extra effort and attention to the human side of business makes. A valuable lesson for anyone in management who finds themselves in a similar situation - Do the right thing and talk openly and honestly with the unaffected employees to ensure they understand the company’s decision and stance on the future.

Career Transition Clubs - A Smart Move during Layoffs

Too often, displaced workers are given the bad news, their severance check, and asked to leave, with no help or mention made of job search resources that may be available to them.
Outplacement programs provided by employers to their laid-off workers are a huge benefit to everyone. They not only help the employees quickly get on track with job search skills; they help improve the morale of the employees still working, create goodwill in the community, and for the bottom line, help get employees back to work sooner and thus decrease the costs associated with unemployment benefits.

However, these programs can be costly and are either non-existent or only offered to management level and higher. I have a creative solution and am very excited to announce my newly formed Career Transition Clubs. Companies may sponsor their employees into the Clubs at the corporate membership rates for a period of time giving them much needed resources and support. Weekly meetings provide opportunities to exchange ideas with other people in transition, learn tips and ideas for getting back to work sooner, and develop action plans to stay on track.

These meetings are also open to individuals already in or planning a career transition. Please contact me for more information at info@LousbergUnlimited.com. We’re kicking off in Vista, CA on Monday November 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Plans are underway to hold more Club meetings in other areas of San Diego County and eventually via phone and internet. Stay tuned for details!