When the fish in a stream are dying, biologists don’t attempt to solve the problem by yanking the fish out of the stream, throwing them into a clean fish tank for an hour a day, and then pitching them back into their original ecosystem for the rest of the day.

Instead, they search to discover the cause of the problem and identify real solutions. This includes cleaning up pollution, educating people who use the stream, and securing resources to respond to the challenge. True problem solvers use both common sense and good science.

Because claritin on sale they recognize that the well-being of each fish relates to the health of the total community, they do whatever is necessary to restore the condition of the creek so the fish can thrive.

Regarding workplace negativity, a “no sense, no science” approach is often used. It’s similar to a captain swerving a massive ship just a wee bit after he sights the tip of a giant iceberg straight ahead. A humorous speaker is hired to “lighten up” or motivate jaded and anxious employees. Workers who are openly hostile or disruptive are disciplined or referred to anger management and conflict resolution programs.

Today’s epidemic of negativity at work proves that workplace anger and anxiety are often justifiable responses to unjust workplace conditions. Negativity soars when the surface symptoms of a toxic work environment are attacked but the underlying causes of employee dissatisfaction (e.g., unfair policies and procedures, pay inequities, overwork, and inadequate staffing) continue to fester.

Successful managers are aware that the health, happiness, and prosperity of the entire company is inextricably linked to the well-being of each employee. Because they recognize that success is more likely to result when managers demonstrate high concern for employees as well as productivity, they treat every person with dignity and respect while challenging them to reach their full potential.

The following examples portray the effects of two dramatically different approaches.

AN EXAMPLE THAT MADE EMPLOYEES VOTE “NO” WITH THEIR FEET

Ronald Allen, CEO of Delta Airlines, reacted to financial disaster with a brutal downsizing campaign that chopped about one-third of the airline’s workforce. The deep cuts resulted in a startling decline in customer service ratings that had once been the envy of the industry. Allen was also known for humiliating employees, and a survey revealed that his workers were skeptical, frightened, and hostile. Even though Allen’s actions placed the airline in the black again, a massive exodus of talent occurred as employees resigned, and the board chose not to renew Allen’s contract.

WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOW

On the other hand, when Gerald Grinstein took the helm of an ailing company (Western Airlines), he spent hundreds of hours in cockpits, behind check-in counters, and in the baggage-handling pits. He got to know his employees and genuinely listened to their concerns. His impressive ability to establish rapport became invaluable. He convinced employees to agree to concessions on work rules and to take pay cuts with the promise that they would eventually have a larger stake in a healthy company. His actions catapulted the airlines into a solvent position after only two years. In fact, Grinstein sold Western Airlines to Delta for $860 million.

Grinstein’s successes were repeated when he became CEO of another ailing transportation company. Burlington Northern was saddled with $3 billion of debt. To gain employee approval of cost-cutting plans, Grinstein flew a selected group of maintenance workers, administrative professionals, and train crews from all over the country to dine with him at the company’s headquarters. He also rode the railroad’s routes, working and talking with crews. Because he asked for and genuinely listened to the advice of employees, they felt respected and empowered, and both the company and individuals reached peak performance.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE

Most of the causes and costs of workplace frustration, anger, and anxiety can be prevented. In an ideal workplace, employees are internally motivated and self-regulating because they are hired with care, placed in jobs that serve them as well as the company, and supported with the resources required to accomplish their jobs.

When companies treat employees with dignity and make efforts to empower them, employee self-confidence and performance grow.

The best employee motivation strategy is to correct dysfunctional aspects of corporate culture while simultaneously working with individual employees who are angry or anxious.

Successful companies understand Employee Motivation 101. They nurture their workers while achieving their missions.

Below are the key components of a training plan I use when I work with managers and organizations.

KEY FACTORS FOR OVERCOMING WORKPLACE NEGATIVITY

__ Understand that negativity is a symptom of the unmet needs of employees.
__ Identify the root causes of problems.
__ Create a respectful environment in which each individual is valued.
__ Recognize employee accomplishments and facilitate healthy social interactions.
__ Encourage the constructive expression of negative emotions.
__ Provide a safe work environment.
__ Shed one-size-fits-all routines and work hours.
__ Empower employees with change and stress reduction skills.
__ Create a workplace filled with humor, joy, and fun.

Visit http://www.FreeJoyOnTheJobEbooks.com and GET YOUR FREE EBOOKS: “Secrets of Happiness at Work,” “Employee Engagement Made Easy,” and “Get the Respect & Appreciation You Deserve Now.” Doris Helge, Ph.D., is an executive coach & a corporate trainer for companies as large as Microsoft.

© 2008 This article was excerpted with permission from “Joy on the Job” by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Permission to reprint this article is granted if the article is in tact, with proper credit given. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Originally published in “Joy on the Job,” http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com .

by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

Most people in corporate America don’t take even two/thirds of the vacation days they’re entitled to. Even worse, many people don’t have a clue how to take a vacation that feeds their long-term happiness.

Have you ever known anyone who returned from a vacation exhausted? A recent poll said 87 percent of nearly 1,000 people said they needed a vacation to get over their vacation!

Whether you take a day off or a month, you’ll be healthier, happier, enthusiastic, and more productive when you return to work IF you love yourself enough to rest as well as play while you’re off duty.

What do you really need during your vacation? It’s different for all of us, so take a few minutes to plan how you can love yourself enough to totally recharge.

GEAR UP TO GEAR DOWN

A little preparation will go a long way if you want to have the vacation of your life. First, glance around your work environment. What do you need to do to delegate your work better while you’re gone? Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or you work for a corporation, take just a few minutes to remind people not to use your desk as a dumping ground while you’re out. In one company I worked in during the National Happiness at Work Studies, one person placed barbed wire around her work area and posted a “Do not touch!” sign. She was a fun-loving gal reminding people that vacations really are serious business because they elevate our health and enthusiasm.

Re-do your autoresponders before your vacation. You may want to announce with a dramatic flair, “I’m unavailable. You’ll have your turn, too. Respect my vacation and I’ll do an even better job for you when I return.”

Clear some extra space on your desk before you leave so it will look inviting when you return. Then begin your vacation by literally vacating the premises.

Please don’t insult yourself by planning a “working vacation” unless you want to soothe your soul by volunteering to help people who are less fortunate or working on a planetary cause. For example, if you want to donate your time to teach English to children in India, help provide dental care to impoverished families in the third world, or care for endangered cheetahs in Africa, discover how to do this at www.voluntourism.org and enjoy the splendid benefits of helping others. You can also ask a travel agent for suggestions about how to soothe your soul on a meditation or personal growth cruise or at a spa.

ALLOW YOUR VACATION TO ENCHANT YOU

If you’re taking an extensive road trip, leave plenty of time for the magic moments we miss when we overschedule. One of my clients planned every day and night of her family’s vacation in advance, including restaurants and hotels. She thought she’d be more relaxed if she had no decisions to make on the road.

Unfortunately, her safety strategy backfired. She misfigured or miscopied the driving distance for one of the driving days. Rather than re-do her hotel and restaurant schedule, she and her family drove 10 hours straight with two small children just to make sure they could check into the next hotel exhausted. Everyone was so frazzled and unhappy they’re still complaining about their so-called vacation.

That’s an extreme example of how to ruin a play day, but it’s a good reminder to all of us to leave plenty of space to discover fantastic opportunities we don’t know how to plan. You know, the times when a back road lures you to throw away your map and discover one of the most special places on Earth. It will be a place that never makes it into the travel guide (thank goodness).

My spontaneous partner and I once traveled in a van for six weeks without plans or a map. I’ll tell you the rest of the secret. We didn’t even know when we’d return to home base. Our lives have never been the same.

Discover your own special spaces. I guarantee you’ll run across at least one place where you feel like you’ve traveled through a time warp into the past. You’ll meet people who don’t know how to hurry. They take walks in the winter snow and picnic by a cool stream in the heat of the summer. They still whittle wood totems and tell tall tales. You’ll have chats with colorful characters you never would have met. I won’t spoil your fun by telling you where you’ll find these very special people. The joy is in the journey. Aren’t fun and discovery good reasons to take a vacation?

Visit http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com and get your free “More Joy on the Job Special Report” and the free “Joy On the Job Ezine.” Doris Helge, Ph.D., is an executive coach & a corporate trainer for companies as large as Microsoft. Download sample chapters from Dr. Helge’s book, “Joy on the Job” & “Transforming Pain Into Power” at http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com & hear podcasts from the “More Joy on the Job Radio Show.”

© 2008. Permission to reprint this article is granted if the article is in tact, with proper credit given. All reprints must state, “Reprinted with permission by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Originally published in “Joy on the Job” & http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com © 2008.

by Doris Helge, Ph.D.

“Happiness at work” isn’t the name of a fairy tale. It’s a reality for many employees, managers, and entrepreneurs — people just like you. You’ve probably heard that Google employees can wear their pajamas to work and be rewarded with excellent pay, exotic job training, 5 star restaurants, a fun climbing wall, and other perks.

You may be moaning, “But I don’t work at Google!” Great news! You don’t have to work at Happy Time, Inc. to enjoy meaning, fulfillment, and joy at work. Your happiness is never dependent on what a boss, coworker, or client does. You can immediately begin to create a work life packed with productivity, passion, and joy. Here are some quick tips.

FEED YOUR NEEDS. You’re happy at work and you do your best work when your needs are met. Structure your work life so you do more of the tasks that are the most meaningful and fulfilling to you. Identify and communicate your unmet needs in a win-win way. You’ll create a healthy coaching and constructive feedback system.

STRESS YOUR STRENGTHS. Identify and emphasize your strengths. Most people spend far too much time trying to correct, rather than manage, their weaknesses. Joy on the job emerges when you use your talents in ways that express your special abilities and benefit others. You came to Earth fully prepared to make a special contribution that only you can make.

DEVELOP A SIGNATURE STYLE. Since you’re a gift to this planet, identify what’s unique about your personality and talents. Sell the brand called “You.” Develop a signature style that ensures that clients, managers, and coworkers notice your skills and talents. They’ll lavishly reward you for your special contributions.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS (EVEN IF YOU HAVE ANOTHER ONE). Whether you are an entrepreneur or you work for a company, you are the CEO of Your Inner Firm. Be accountable to yourself by doing your best work. Just as effective organizations do, make sure the staff in your organization (you) receive the best possible training. Watch your joy on the job surge with self-initiated education. Use the Internet, mentors, virtual networking, classes, and trade association meetings to create more happiness at work.

SHINE BY SHARING YOUR SPECIAL SKILLS AND TALENTS. Volunteer to mentor someone who’s struggling with an activity you’ve already mastered. This will invariably boost your skills and knowledge. You’ll soon become even more aware of your professional passion and life purpose. Since happiness at work grows when your self-esteem rises, you’ll also enjoy more joy on the job.

You’ve just read a few examples from over 300 ways to create job satisfaction. Over 300 techniques were revealed during the national “Happiness at Work Studies” that led to the book, “Joy on the Job.” Download a sample chapter from the book, “Joy on the Job,” at http://MoreJoyOnTheJoy.com and discover how to make your job a sources of smiles.

Also tell us what teleseminars you want to attend, such as:

__ How to redesign your current job so you shine while you share your special talents
__ Discover how to easily resolve conflicts with “difficult people”
__ Manifest your dream job so you can enjoy work-life balance
__ Be heard and get your needs met at work

Visit http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com now and get more free tips, podcasts, & special reports. Sign up for the free “Joy On the Job Ezine” and teleseminars. Doris Helge, Ph.D., is a coach, corporate trainer, and speaker. She is author of “Joy on the Job,” “Transforming Pain Into Power,” and other books. Dr. Helge hosts the “More Joy on the Job” radio show. Download sample chapters from Doris’ books at http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com

© 2008. This article was excerpted with permission from “Joy on the Job” by Doris Helge, Ph.D. Permission to reprint is granted by the author as long as the article is left in tact and proper attribution is given.

Your ability to negotiate and persuade so your needs are met are related to every challenge at work — conflict resolution, communication, difficult people, work-life balance, employee retention, self-promotion, and setting boundaries. These are only a few examples of why it’s essential for you to feel comfortable negotiating so you can experience more joy on the job. If you are a manager, you also need to know how to negotiate on behalf of your employees so you can retain your best and brightest staff.

Michelle Ulrich, Founder of the Virtual Nation, is offering you a second complimentary teleseminar regarding “Overcome Anxiety – Use Negotiation to Achieve Joy on the Job.” Presenter Doris Helge, Ph.D., Executive Director of New Paradigm Seminars and author of “Joy on the Job,” http://MoreJoyOnTheJob.com will provide this fun, interactive seminar on Tuesday, March 10 at 1:00 EST.

Seminar overview:

“Overcome Anxiety – Negotiate for Happiness at Work”

Discover an easy solution to the #1 reason most people don’t feel 100 percent comfortable when negotiating. Learn the fastest way to overcome cialis online cialis anxiety when you’re trying to influence another person to take a certain action. Discover a secret formula that can cut your learning curve in half as you elevate your negotiation and persuasion skills. Get paid what you deserve and allow other people to gain rich rewards by helping you achieve your goals.

Benefits for you:

__ Discover three ethical ways to escalate the other person’s enthusiasm about helping you achieve your goals.
__ Quickly alleviate anxiety about asking for what you need.
__ Use well-tested “magical questions and phrases” that can ensure your needs are met.

About the presenter:

Doris Helge, Ph.D.’s clients call her “The Joy on the Job Coach.” Dr. Helge is passionate about helping you get your needs met by learning to be a powerful negotiator. Doris is author of many books, including “Joy on the Job” and “Transforming Pain Into Power,” now published in five languages. She is also a trainer and consultant at companies as large as Microsoft. She previously directed two national human service organizations. She has also been on faculty at universities in Texas, Kentucky, and Washington. She has been interviewed on “The Today Show,” CNN, and NPR. You’ll enjoy the benefits of Doris’ ability to understand and address your unique needs.

About New Paradigm Seminars:

“Joy on the Job” and “Develop Powerful Negotiation & Persuasion Skills” are only two of over 100 cutting-edge programs and products provided each year by New Paradigm Seminars. Happiness at work is our specialty. We empower you to create a productive, profitable work life rich in personal fulfillment, meaning, and rewarding relationships. Every seminar, keynote, book, CD, and webinar help you immediately create more joy on the job.

Registration: This is a Complimentary Teleseminar – To register, just go to http://thevirtualnation.eventbrite.com/ Michelle Ulrich’s staff will email you the teleseminar telephone and pin number. They will send a reminder a few days before the call.

Fear of failure? Ms. Renhard will help you quiet your inner critic and boost your self esteem and success by taking a leap of faith.

Interviewer: cialis mail order Doris Helge, Ph.D., http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com

Love at Work? Listen in. Guest Rebecca White is now host of “Heal Yourself Talk Radio” at http://www.HealYourselfTalk.com. White and the “Joy on the Job Coach,” Doris Helge, http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com explore the benefits of following your heart in business and heart-based management.

If you’re contagious, how will it serve anyone for you to share your illness? Can you stay at home today and span the gap with the Internet or a cell phone?

If you feel compelled to drag yourself to the office when you’re feverish and sniffling, take responsibility for what you bring with you. Tell people you aren’t choosing to shake hands because you care about their health. Stay at your own desk when you can, use your own pen or pencil, and distance yourself from others during meetings. Wash your hands often so you don’t subject others to second-hand germs when you touch doorknobs, elevator buttons, and community phones and computers.

Think long term. Your performance is compromised when you’re ill. It usually takes longer to clean up mistakes than to do a job well the first time. Illness usually fades over time, but mistakes can leave a lasting impression.

Whenever possible, avoid going back to work until you’ve had a good night’s rest because it’s much harder for your body to fight a virus when you’re exhausted.

GERMS THAT GO AROUND, COME AROUND

Prevention is always the best cure for illness. We have total control over how often we wash our hands with soap. Lather the soap and scrub under your nails and between your fingers for 15 seconds before rinsing with water.

Use your own pen or pencil so viruses aren’t transmitted to your fingers and then to your face, eyes, or nose. Clean your work area with the intention to eliminate germs. Since a rhinovirus can survive up to three hours, the National Institutes of Health advises cleaning desk surfaces with a disinfectant regularly. Is it a hassle? Not if it means avoiding days sick in bed.

There are many non-toxic cleaning chemicals available now that will keep Mother Earth happy. If you don’t have a health food store near you that carries non-toxic cleaning supplies, you can search the Internet for “green cleaning products.”

PREVENTION, PREVENTION, PREVENTION

Exercise boosts your immune system. Even short stints of exercise will enhance immunity because exercise stimulates antibodies that probe the cells of your body to discover and zap nasty germs. Even a few minutes of exercise will help you gain new energy for the rest of the day.

Don’t postpone exercise just because you can’t find 45 minutes a day for an ideal exercise session. You can spike healthy human growth hormone with as little as 30 seconds of high-intensity exercise. You’ll also create a boost in your metabolism that will last several hours.

Many studies have touted the benefits of drinking green tea to boost your immune system. Scientists have also confirmed the value of homemade chicken soup to reduce inflammation and inhibit mucus production.

If you’re a smoker, ask yourself why. If you don’t smoke, limit your exposure to secondhand smoke.

Remind yourself that you do have time for breakfast because studies have consistently indicated that people who eat a good breakfast are healthier and have more energy.

Love your body. It’s where you live, no matter how far you roam.

(c) 2008

Visit http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com and get more free tips, podcasts, and special reports. Sign up for the free “Joy On the Job Ezine.”

Doris Helge, Ph.D., is an executive coach, corporate trainer, and speaker. She is author of “Joy on the Job,” “Transforming Pain Into Power,” and other books published in many foreign languages. Dr. Helge hosts the “Joy on the Job” radio show and www.JoyOnTheJob.info. Discover how to create more fun and fulfillment at work and boost employee retention.

You may reprint the above article as long as it remains intact and credit is given to Doris Helge, Ph.D.