The pressure of a high-paced job can be overwhelming.
Endless to-do lists, overflowing in-boxes, non-stop meetings, changes in the market, competition increasing, people challenges and increasing budgetary restrictions can all add up to a stressful job that leaves your mind racing and your energy zapped.
Simply moving from one task to another can leave you feeling unfulfilled and scattered. To be effective as a leader, however, you need to be present in the moment. It can be hard to be present in the moment when ‘the moment’ is full of hundreds of things that demand your attention.
Why does being present in the moment matter?
Doing a task correctly improves your engagement with your job and can have a positive impact on your success. It allows you to connect more effectively with your coworkers and ensures that you complete the tasks you need to get done.
How Can You Be Present in the (Busy) Moment?
Look for the mundane. I mean that seriously! Even amid a jam-packed schedule, there are mundane moments. Seek them out by paying attention during the day. Look for one seemingly mundane task that you do every day and focus on that task.
Block out the incessant voice inside your head telling you all the things you need to do and concentrate on that simple task. This exercise can help you clear your mind and retrain your brain to focus even on the most simple thing.
There isn’t a
clear explanation of why this works, but when you teach your brain to think differently, it has a positive effect on your body.
Remove Distractions There will always be distractions that pull your attention away from what you’re working on. To be present in the moment, remove the distractions. Shut the office door, turn your ringer off and mark yourself as unavailable.
Disconnect From Technology Technology has infiltrated to the point where you can be anywhere in the world and remain connected. While this sounds good on the surface, it has created an environment where there is never a chance for your brain to recharge.
Turn off your cell phone, disconnect from social media and focus on the task you have at hand.
Create a Task List Often, you jump from one task to another because you don’t have a defined path of things to do. Create to-do lists to help steer your attention to the tasks you need to complete.
It can be as simple as a daily list of things to accomplish or as complex as a weekly list. Use whatever works best for your workflow to ensure you get the things you need done.
Practice mindfulness Help your coworkers practice mindfulness by encouraging them to single-focus. While productivity experts claim that multi-tasking is an effective way of working, you cannot successfully engage with your job while you’re trying to multi-task.
Do you find that you are not being present in the moment at work? Look for ways to improve your focus during the day. Start slow. You’ll get there.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of
Blazing Agency and
My Big Idea™. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
It has two components, according to Br. David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk. The first is appreciation for what you have received. This has nothing to do with monetary value but is simply an awareness that something has value to you.
The second component is understanding that the value comes from something outside of yourself.
Gratitude forces you to look outside of your own abilities to realize that others have an impact on your life.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is a choice. In most cultures and religions, gratitude is considered part of a healthy lifestyle. It is a daily decision to live gratefully for the things that you have in your life.
It includes a recognition that there is a higher power, or a force greater than you, that has given you the abilities and blessings that you have. This can include material things, family, friends and other elements of your life that bring value.
Living a life of gratitude notices the small details that may get overlooked in a hectic lifestyle and carves out time to show appreciation for them.
You can
show gratitude throughout your day in meaningful ways. Send notes of thanks to people you encounter who have impacted your life in some way.
Write a list of things you’re grateful for and review it whenever you start to feel stressed.
Compliment someone on an aspect of their character that you appreciate. Providing more than a superficial “Your hair looks nice!” is more meaningful and impacting to the recipient and shows that you genuinely appreciate them.
What Gratitude is Not
Gratitude is not an overly simplified, false sense of happiness. You don’t need to show a fake sense of thankfulness for everything that happens in life.
A full range of emotions is part of the human experience and being upset about one thing does not take away from being thankful for others.
Instead of focusing on the negative, however, living a life of gratitude allows you to find a reason to be thankful in every situation.
Gratitude is not Bragging
Giving genuine thanks for the things you have is a show of humility. When the focus is on the giver, not the gift, gratitude is powerful. It recognizes that someone else provided what you have and helps to keep you humble.
Small acts of gratitude can help to change your attitude and have long-term positive effects on your life. A
grateful person is happier, has less stress and has better mental health.
In addition, showing gratitude is contagious. Being grateful to others helps to inspire them, and they can then show gratitude. It creates a domino effect of happiness that can change your perspective. Cultivating an environment of gratitude can lead to success in both your personal and professional life.
Look for ways to include gratitude into your daily life. When opportunity arises, respond with gratitude and see how that affects the way you view the world. How can you implement a lifestyle of gratitude?
What are some of the ways that gratitude has impacted your life?
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of
Blazing Agency and
My Big Idea™. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
In a
famous experiment conducted in 1993, researchers asked participants to smile for 20 seconds.
They discovered something interesting: acting happy stimulated brain activity commonly associated with positive feelings.
In other words, something as simple as smiling can improve your attitude. Worried you’ll feel slightly insane walking around smiling at everyone to improve the culture in your office?
Well, there’s another, just as effective way to create a positive environment: show gratitude.
Many employers think that simply providing their employees with a paycheck should be thanks enough. Research, however, indicates that there is a direct link between employee productivity and employee happiness.
Unhappiness reduced productivity by 10%, while happiness can boost productivity by 12%, according to
an article by Fast Company. One of the best ways to improve employee happiness? Say thank you.
Saying thank you has multiple benefits with very little cost. It can be verbal or written, be done publicly or in private, and be as elaborate as giving a token of thanks or as simple as saying “Thanks”. How does showing gratitude help people?
Productivity
The University of Pennsylvania realized that saying thank you
paid off in a big way. Employees who were conducting fundraising calls made 50% more calls if they were thanked by their manager.
Genuine gratitude for your employees’ work can have lasting positive effects on their productivity. While you should say thank you because you’re grateful for their efforts, it’s nice to know that there is a benefit.
Increased Job Satisfaction
Study after study has shown that job satisfaction is based on more than just a paycheck. One of the most important indicators of job satisfaction is engagement. A
recent poll showed that less than 15% of people are engaged in work.
This means that an overwhelming percentage of adults are unhappy in their jobs. For employers, it can
cost nearly $500 billion annually in lost revenue. If you are interested in increasing the level of engagement by your employees, find ways to improve their happiness through gratitude.
Improved Well-Being
People who are appreciated have a more positive outlook. It can affect not only their job performance, but their personal well-being. Researchers at the University of Southern California demonstrated this with a
study of gratitude. In their study, they found people who would typically respond with frustration were less inclined to lash out when they were shown gratitude.
Gratitude can
help people have healthier hearts, lower blood pressure and improved immunity.
Happiness as a result of being shown gratitude can help your
brain function better. In addition, it is contagious and can help to improve the overall culture of your workplace.
There is a ripple effect as a result of gratitude. The person you thanked is more likely to show gratitude towards others, and it can spread throughout your company.
Everyone likes to know that their efforts are noticed. Whether it is grandma sending over a plate of cookies or the co-worker who trades shifts with you, saying thank you is appreciated and powerful. Who can you thank today?
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of
Blazing Agency and
My Big Idea™. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
According to a study done by Psychology Today, people who spend 11 minutes working intently on a project before being interrupted will take 25 minutes to return to their task, if at all. Their study revealed that this statistic was true for students, for people working in an office or someone doing a household task. Maintaining focus is challenging for everyone. How can you encourage your employees to have clarity and focus during the day?
Get regular exercise. Opinions vary about the best time to exercise, but most productivity experts agree: regular exercise in bursts of at least 20 minutes can help to get your blood pumping and improve mental processes.Eat a healthy breakfast. Your body and brain need fuel to function. Starting each day with a healthy breakfast with protein and healthy fats will ensure that you’re giving your body what it needs to function.Remove distractions. As technology use becomes more prevalent, it adds to the noise of distractions that can keep you from performing at their best. Limiting the use of technology to only what is essential will help you keep focused on the task at hand. This includes cell phones, music, television and web usage.Create work blocks. Decide how long you want to work for a specific block of time without stopping. Turn off your ringer, close the office door and focus on one specific task. Use a timer so you know when to stop.Take short, frequent breaks. After you’ve finished your work block, take a quick break. Go for a short walk to the water fountain, stand up and stretch or do some deep breathing exercises. Give your brain a moment to rest before switching gears.Snack through the day. Quality snacking throughout the day can give you the necessary fuel to keep working. A handful of almonds, fruit or cheese can be just enough to give you a boost without making you tired.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Adequate sleep is a critical component in maintaining focus. Many of the most successful individuals credit their productivity to getting at least 7 hours of sleep a night. While it seems counterproductive (“I have so much to do, I need to work late/get up early”), getting enough sleep will help you to focus and get more done.
Use goal setting. Written goals (both short and long term) can help you stay motivated and focused. Write daily goals each morning to help guide you through your daily tasks. By achieving small, daily goals, it can help wire your brain for success. Every time you meet a goal, you get a “high” from the release of dopamine. As a result, you’ll continue to work towards your goals.
Maintaining focus is essential to productivity. When it comes to employee wellness, establishing a workplace that cultivates productivity is paramount to success.
Giving your employees the tools they need to perform at their peak can not only generate more productive employees, it will create a culture where everyone can succeed.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of
Blazing Agency and
My Big Idea™. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
Experts have preached the impact of a positive attitude on an individual’s health for years.
A positive outlook can help to lower blood pressure, manage weight loss, counter depression and boost the immune system. But what happens when a positive person joins a high stress work environment?
High stress environments can be toxic and expensive. According to the American Psychological Association, more than
$500 billion is spent annually on stress related health issues. In addition, more than 550 million workdays are lost due to stress.
Stress can affect employee health and is a leading cause of heart problems.
Stress leads to disengagement at work. Employees who feel overwhelmed and unappreciated begin to feel devalued and will either become completely disengaged or simply look for another job.
The solution to a stress-filled environment? Positive culture. Creating a positive workplace culture can counter-effect the stress, and help employees succeed.
Cultivating a positive workplace is more than simply using feel-good slogans and pithy catch-phrases. It takes a concerted effort but can be started with just one person. A single individual can make a lasting impact on the culture of an organization that can revitalize the workplace.
What effect can one positive person have in an organization? The answer may surprise you.
They cultivate social connections
A positive person typically creates social connections with others in their workplace.
Studies have shown that employees with positive social interactions at work use fewer sick days, learn faster, are less depressed and indicate a higher rate of job satisfaction.
They demonstrate empathy
Individuals who are positive are more likely to show compassion toward fellow employees. As a result, they create a positive experience for their co-worker. This cycle of kindness can spread throughout an organization, generating a workplace environment built on respect and understanding.
They offer assistance
When a co-worker needs help, a positive person is more likely to offer support. They will instruct as necessary, give an encouraging word and be ready to jump in as needed.
They motivate others
Positive people help to motivate others to succeed. Over time, being around a positive person can inspire others to view their job in a more satisfactory manner.
By placing positive individuals into key roles in an organization, the entire organization can be changed.
When people in authority have a positive outlook, those working under them are more likely to become positive, and have an increased satisfaction with their jobs. Using positive individuals as team leaders and project coordinators, the overall tone of the team can change dramatically for the good.
A positive person can achieve higher levels of success – both personally and professionally. Successful leaders recognize that by being positive, they draw others to seek out the best in every situation.
Organizations that encourage positive thinking can achieve higher levels of corporate success, productivity and customer satisfaction. Ready to improve the overall tone of your workplace? Spread positivity and see how far it can go.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of
Blazing Agency and
My Big Idea™. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
As part of a recent election campaign, a local candidate’s wife sent out what appeared to be a handwritten note, urging readers to vote for her husband. She commented on their life together, his fit for the position and the years of experience he had which qualified him for the office.
Responses to the note were varied, and in large part depended on the age of the reader. Older people expressed appreciation for the note, indicating how nice it was to receive personal correspondence. Younger voters indicated that it was hard to read the swirling, scripted note and they felt as though the candidate was trying too hard to be personable.
Regardless of the person’s response, the note succeeded in gaining attention for the candidate, simply because it was out of the ordinary.
In today’s technology driven world, a written note can almost seem prehistoric. Even thank you notes can seem outdated and seem to only be used in social circles after a wedding.
However, a thank you note is still a relevant and effective communication tool when used correctly.
Job applicants are typically given the advice to collect business cards from those with whom they interview so they can follow up with a thank you card. There is a two-fold purpose. They express gratitude for the consideration for the position, and it is a way to indicate their continued interest in the position.
Where do written thank you notes fit in the corporate world?
Customer Communication
Building relationships with customers can be enhanced through the power of a written thank you note. The simple act of taking the time to write a note thanking them for their business can not only convey gratitude, it leaves a lasting impression with the customer. Recognizing the business they do with your company is an excellent ‘excuse’ to write a thank you note.
Corporate Communication
A written note to business associates can be an effective way to communicate your appreciation for their help. With millions of email messages being sent daily, a routine “Thanks for your help!” at the bottom of a message is easily overlooked. A handwritten note can help to cement your business relationship, show gratitude and set you apart.
The Secret to a Well-Written Thank You
Be sincere. Customers recognize when you are
being genuine. Offer your heart-felt gratitude for their efforts.
Use specifics
Detail exactly what they did that you appreciate. It shows that you noticed their work, and it solidifies the exact reason you’re grateful.
Look forward
Use the thank you card as an opportunity to
mention future opportunities. Mention future collaboration events or the possibility of future work.
Be timely
Whenever possible, send a thank you note immediately after an event. Sending a card to a regular customer? Send it after you’ve received another order. Sending one to a business associate? Use an upcoming trade show, for example, as the impetus to thank them for your growing work relationship.
The next time you’re grateful for someone’s efforts on your behalf, take the opportunity to let them know – in writing. You never know the power a few simple words can have.
The My Big Idea™ program includes a dedicated section on gratitude and provides an effective framework to craft the ideal thank you note appropriate for any situation.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of
Blazing Agency and
My Big Idea™. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
