Newsletter: May 2009

We All Need to Play

We are all needing to be so strong during these challenging times. Even if we don't feel personally threatened, there are so many sad stories around that exact their toll on us by referral. Trying to remain resilient is an ongoing challenge under these circumstances. If you're a leader in your workplace, you have even more demands upon you, and so more reason to build resilience. If your stress levels are high you'll be less able to handle the demands on your time or your ability to support staff under stress. A sure recipe for workplace meltdown.

In fact, there's more research emerging that staff are feeling neglected. The immediate impacts are a lack of commitment to your workplace just at a time when you need every bit of help. However, the longer term impacts are more concerning. Those Gen Y staff who feel unappreciated are apparently already planning to move on when the financial situation improves and that’s when you'll need then most of all.

See What's Happening >>>

As you're reading this, we have just returned from Canada, for both of us combining business with a well-earned rest after at least 12 months. Far too long to go without taking time off and a salutary reminder that I’m not being authentic if I advise clients and readers to ensure their work/life balance and ignore my own. So, that's the new goal!

There are enormous benefits from taking a holiday, not necessarily overseas, - new things to see and people to meet, activities to try out, new foods to eat, time to read books – the list is endless and we should do more of it. A valuable mind shift! Taking time off though doesn’t even need a huge amount of time; there are some simple, and unusual ways to take a break.

Recently I was alerted by Genos Australia*, to this article on USA Today about the book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul (Penguin, $24.95). The writer is a psychiatrist who writes about the power of ‘play’ as a means to build personal resilience and manage stress during difficult times.

He defines play in unconventional ways - involving things like joking, moving, collecting, or storytelling—but regardless of the way you play, the benefits are quite clear. Disengage your mind a little each day, and you will perform better at work, reduce stress hormone in your bloodstream—and most importantly, live a happier, balanced life.

Read the article on the USA Today website >>>

* Jennifer is an accredited provider of Genos emotional intelligence programs.

Leaders Need Followers

We all know the saying: ‘Without followers, you aren’t a leader; you’re simply taking a walk’. The big question is how do you, as a leader, get your message across, communicate with people, persuade them to follow you, inspire their commitment and influence their thinking in ethical ways. The article Five Ways to Speak Like Obama on BNET unpacks the art of speaking and gives useful links to view Obama performances that demonstrate the points being made. Well worth exploring.

Read the article on BNET >>>

Worth Reading

This month's selection, The Unthinkable: Who survives when disaster strikes, by Amanda Ripley is worth reading. Given the crises bubbling around us it's topical and very positive despite it's emotive title.

Recommended read:
The Unthinkable: Who survives when disaster strikes, by Amanda Ripley (Review) >>>

Positive Change Consulting shows people how to build great leadership, manage change, improve teamwork for business productivity – and restore balance to your life.

In this newsletter we aim to alert you to the latest research into leadership, report people-related workplace news, suggest ways for encouraging staff involvement to improve your business and alert you to the things we are doing and the services we can offer you.

Disclaimer: any links provided are for your information only. They do not consititute an endorsement by us. So, please ensure that you fully investigate any materials/offers/information presented before entering into any contracts or agreements to ensure that they meet your individual needs. Positive Change Consulting cannot accept responsibility for your choices.

Positive Change Consulting

ABN 96 095 506 924

Jennifer McCoy Director & Principal Consultant

Tony Austin
Director & Administration Manager

We'd love to hear your feedback!
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