Fighting the Dog Days of Summer
Many 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, Read more
Taming the E-Mail Beast
Listen to an excerpt from the interview
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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. Read more |
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Google Rewards for Going Green
Google 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? Read more
3 Ways to Boost Morale & Productivity in June
Have you been hunkering down in your office? Pushing to be productive on a shoestring budget?
Might be time to break the tension. Lighten up a bit. Have some fun.
Boost morale and productivity with these simple celebrations in June.
Celebrate National Iced Tea Month – by serving iced tea at the next staff meeting. Or have pitchers of iced tea in the break room. Or put on an apron and load up a tray with glasses of iced tea; then deliver to workers at their desks. Or create an offshoot of the event…National IT Month and deliver Iced Tea to the IT Department.
Celebrate National Tennis Month – by organizing an office round robin tourney to take place after work one evening. Or have a table tennis tournament at the office. Either way – be sure to stay cool by serving Iced Tea!
Celebrate National Read more
Most Valuable Father’s Day Gift
The most valuable gift may be for you to tell him a thing or two.
Something you learned from him that has been incredibly valuable to you.
Something that made you more productive or effective in your work.
Something you may have resisted or resented learning at the time.
But you are grateful for now.
You could tell him or write it down or both.
Either way – what a wonderful gift that would be.
If you are stuck for ideas, read or re-read Lessons from Dad. And then – I hope you will share your story with the rest of us! You could pass it to your Dad in that format as well!
And then if you’d like – you could also throw in a dozen ProV1′s or a tie or….
click here for other suggestions.
One last thing. To all you Dads and Step Dads and Dads in Law and Grand Dads out there. What would we do without you?! Thank you and Happy Father’s Day!
copyright 2009 – Jan Bolick, Business Class Inc
What Customers Want
The results of a Business Class poll asking customers what they appreciate?
A smile, good eye contact, good manners, a respectful greeting. a thank you, being called by name, quick service, going beyond expectations.
All great things to give to our customers.
As much as we wish for perfection, there will be times that – we mess up. What then? Read more
How to Handle “Scary Turns” on the Way to Goal
For you and those you coach or manage – a helpful hint from the racetrack. Read more
Presto! Project is Done!
You know that big project (or presentation or proposal) that’s due in two weeks?
The one you haven’t started yet?
I know. I know. You’ve been meaning to do it. But it’s going to take HOURS and there are so many other things to do. Read more
Boost Morale, Productivity & Teamwork on June 17
Quick – how many green vegetables can you name? Write them down on a piece of paper. You have 30 seconds.
Ding. Time is up.
How many did you list? About 10?
If we were all in a room together (like at a staff meeting) and I asked everyone to share their individual list of green vegetables, our combined list would be far greater than 10. Probably fill an entire flipchart page.
It’s a silly but simple exercise with a big message on the value of teamwork. Read more
Boost Morale on Fudge Day
National Fudge Day is on Tuesday, June 16.
Take this opportunity to have a little fun, relieve stress, break tension, say thank you – and in doing so, you boost morale and productivity.
Here are a few simple ideas for celebrating National Fudge Day: Read more
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