The Joy of Independence
By: Jan BolickNote: Originally posted in 2008; brought from the archives in honor of our independence, especially the type of independence that boosts productivity and morale. Happy 4th!
__________________________________________
We crave it. We demand it. We fight for it.
We resent those who keep us from it.
Sometimes we get it before we are ready and we flail or fail with consequences from trivial to tragic.
And then sometimes - we resent the ones who gave it to us too soon.
Fight Dog Days with Ice Cream
By: Jan BolickFight the dog days of summer by celebrating National Ice Cream Month. In the process, you can boost productivity, morale, the economy - even customer loyalty.
According to Wikipedia, July was designated as National Ice Cream Month by Ronald Reagan in 1984. He also declared the third Sunday in July (July 19) to be National Ice Cream Day. He stated that these two events should be observed with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Wikipedia also stated that the ice cream industry provides thousands of jobs for United States citizens and generates annual sales of approximately 20 billion dollars.
So let’s stay cool, support our dairy farmers and all who sell ice cream.
Ways to celebrate with your staff:
Which Dog is Winning?
By: Jan BolickIf you are fighting the dog days of summer, hoping to block their affect on morale and productivity so you can make the most of this tough year, here’s something to read, ponder and share.
A Native American Elder once described his own inner struggles in this manner:
“Inside of me there are two dogs.
One of the dogs is mean and evil.
The other dog is good.
The mean dog fights with the good dog all the time.”
When asked which dog wins, he reflected for a moment and replied,
“The one I feed the most.”
It’s true for the “dogs” that live outside of us as well. We can come up with good and bad in most every person, action, situation, etc. The one we dwell upon, think about, talk about or “feed” the most - that’s the one that wins. And when it’s the mean dog that wins, it’s hard not to lose morale and productivity.
Pass this story along to your colleagures. Talk about it. Print (see below) and post it on the walls. Post it on your computer (see below). Post it everywhere as a reminder that the dog you feed the most will win.
copyright 2009 - Jan Bolick, Business Class Inc
To use as wallpaper on your computer:
- click on the image
- click again to zoom in
- right click & select “Set as desktop background”
Or, for 8 X 10 printable version, click here.
Fighting the Dog Days of Summer
By: Jan BolickMany of you have been working hard to boost morale and productivity - trying to make the most of this tough year. And now - they’re here. At least for some of us. Those hot, sticky, summer days that Webster describes as “a period of stagnation or inactivity”.
The ancients believed that these hot, sultry days were caused by Sirius (Latin for the “Dog Star”), which rose just before or right at sunrise during this time of year. In an effort to appease the rage of Sirius, they sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of Dog Days.
In 1813, John Brady wrote that the heat was so excessive that “the seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies”. From Clavis Calendarium, by John Brady, 1813 (see title page and full excerpt below).
I see signs of both the ancient and modern definition of “dog days”. Stagnation, inactivity, sour attitudes,
Taming the E-Mail Beast
By: Jan Bolick
Listen to an excerpt from the interview
|
Is e-mail a real time zapper for you?
Can you believe it was created as a productivity tool? Many of us would now say - Ha! What a joke! Here is a great new book that includes 45 tips for re-gaining control and using e-mail as the productive tool it was intended to be. Author, Randy Dean, has compiled unique and powerful strategies into this new 250+ page book. The initial reviews by thought leaders, authors, and experts (not to mention overworked corporate warriors) have been outstanding. Just last week, we had the opportunity to interview Randy and we’re thrilled to offer it to you here. |
Google Rewards for Going Green
By: Jordan Van GorderGoogle is making big strides towards going green. They have instituted many different programs* to reduce their carbon footprint, but one in particular really stands out to me: Google’s support of a Self-Powered Commuter Program.
This program encourages Google’s employees to reduce their personal greenhouse gas emissions by getting to work under their own power, be it walking, riding a bike, or even rollerblading. Those who participate in this program earn points, which can then be put towards a donation from Google to any charity of their choice. Google will donate $100 for every 20 days of self-powered transportation.
A great idea that helps the environment and employee health at the same time. And, it’s one that any company, big or small, can institute.
Why stop there?
-
Share or Bookmark This Blog
Stay Updated
