Tag Archives: motivation

Change your thoughts, and you change your world

Posted on January 20, 2012 by | 3 Comments

“Change your thoughts, and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale

I recently challenged myself to changing how my mind works. I am an over analytical, one-step-ahead, worrying type of person and I made it my personal, internal goal to be more positive and focus on what I want out of life rather than focus on the current hardships I have going on. I have been reading a lot of books and blogs about how powerful the mind really is and it’s astonishing to think how a small change of thought can lead to big changes in life. Now, somewhere deep down I knew just how powerful the mind was because my father is an avid “positive-thinker”. He has always taught me that by thinking positively and being grateful for what you do have, you can shape your future by the simple power of positive thought. Basically asking the universe for what you want, knowing inside that you can get it, and taking the steps to achieve what you want.

Most people go through a bad situation and dwell on the negative experience – and in doing so they manifest more bad. Very few people go through a bad situation and think about the good that has come from that negative incident or how worse off things could have been. It’s those few people who put things into perspective and make a negative into a positive that have success in life. And I do not mean just financial success, but success in relationships, career, health, and emotional wellbeing.

Within my research I have found that it is simply up to you to decide how you feel and in turn shape where you want to go in life. You have to actively train your brain to think positively and be grateful for the things you have. This positive thinking will bring you good things. It will be a challenge to retrain your brain, but I can guarantee you that it’s worth it.

This short animated YouTube movie depicts just how powerful the mind is and by focusing on something good, even if it’s just a distant thought can bring you peace and positivity.

I think we all lose sight of how powerful our minds are and how important it is to be happy and positive at all times. Like attracts like – so shape your own world by thinking positive!

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Posted in Inspiration

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Domo arigato

Posted on September 22, 2011 by | 1 Comment

How often do you thank your employees for their work? I try to say ‘thanks’ daily, but for sure every few days I thank my team.

I appreciate hearing it myself so I can imagine others do too!

We all want to keep motivated and I found the simple words of gratitude are very uplifting and encouraging and I keep doing more of whatever I was thanked for.

Employee motivation is a topic all Human Resource professionals ponder – and rightly so as look at the results – Increased employee motivation leads to higher employee engagement and finally retention increases.

So, how to motivate our employees?

Unfortunately there is not an exact science nor formula.  Too bad we couldn’t just fill in a check list we created tailored to specific “types” of people.  However, just as one employee is motivated primarily by money, then another employee is not. I have staff that appreciate personal recognition for a job well done just as much as that ‘extra’ bonus available.   Motivation should be as individual as the employees who work for us.

And it doesn’t just have to be the leader that recognizes their employees. In our company, employees are given opportunities to formally thank and publicly recognize their peers for going above and beyond their regular job to support the team.

Thank you!

~ Cheryl Nakamoto

photo credit: Anemone Letterpress

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Posted in Leadership and Team Building, Management Excellence

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The hidden power of smiling

Posted on June 9, 2011 by | 2 Comments

I believe that so much of one’s success in life comes from one’s ability to use the power of smiling. It’s a shame that life’s demands chip away at something we apparently did so naturally before we were born.  Throughout my life, through all my successes and challenges,  I have experienced first hand the extraordinary power and strength of what smiling can do. I think I may actually smile more than the average person! Charles Darwin said that the ‘act of smiling itself actually makes us feel better.’  He’s right.

Ron Gutman’s presentation on this Ted video has some fascinating takeaways and interesting insights.  You may find yourself pulling out your old highschool yearbook after watching this video. This time, not looking at the hairstyles of your era! As someone who has made a career in the placement of people into companies I was quite taken by some of the concepts Gutman shared.

I would agree readily with Mother Teresa’s statement ‘I will never understand all the good that a simple smile can accomplish’.  I’m willing to bet that one of the m0st significant traits of the most successful companies today share is the power of the smile. I’d guess that they beat out their competitors in this area by a country mile.

To close, another great example of the power of the smile in action, a favourite of mine, is found in Validation – the art of smile

~ Sarah McNeill

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Posted in Inspiration

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Lessons Learned While Trail Running

Posted on February 3, 2011 by | Leave a comment

I had an epiphany while doing my trail run yesterday that some of the lessons I’ve learned (and continue to learn) this winter while exploring the many trails of Vancouver’s North Shore can also be applied to my professional life.

1) Take no step for granted – the moment you start assuming, the trail will remind you to stay fully present

2) Accept an unknown higher purpose – small barriers on your path may be there to assist you – when the trail gets snowy or icy, those small stones, sticks and tree roots provide much needed footing

3) Be prepared for sudden changes – the path you’re following may contain an obstacle that you need to move around quickly for safer footing

4) Yield – allow others to go around you if they’re faster, or step aside if it’s narrow and someone coming from the other direction wants to cross first

5) Read the signs – if it says ‘icy conditions’, know that this message is there for your highest good

6) Ask – if you’re unsure where the trail you’re on is leading, ask those you encounter for help rather than just blindly running on

7) Come prepared – if it’s cold, dress for it, if you’re going to be doing a long one, bring water or food

8 ) Follow your intuition – changing course, exploring a new path, turning back when your “Spidey Senses” start tingling are all allowed if it feels right at the time.

9) Focus – the most important step is this one right now.

10) Give thanks – when it’s icy, for every stick, bit of sand or pebble that provides you with safe footing, for every bridge that has been built for you, for every sign that has been placed to guide you.

11) Clean your shoes – if you step in poop, don’t assume it will work its way off of your shoe, clean it right away or it will haunt you.

12) Realize – the uphills are necessary to give you the pleasure of the downhills.

13) No short cuts – taking what seems to be an easier way can compromise the integrity of the trail for others, can be dangerous or can loosen rocks that might hurt someone below you.

14) No unsolicited advice – no one likes a ‘know it all’. Give answers when asked but otherwise, zip it.

15) Stop every now and then and just go “WOW”! – this is just self-explanatory

photo credit: lululemonathletica

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Posted in career

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The Rookie Card

Posted on November 10, 2010 by | Leave a comment

A recent conversation with a local business leader stuck with me.  “Ms. Fabulous” shared her philoshophy on new employees: she gives every new hire a Rookie Card. This card allows the bearer to learn, make mistakes and ask multiple questions during the first six months.

As an example, she recently hired someone at an intermediate level with over eight years of industry experience.  I enquired how the new hire was adjusting, and Ms. Fabulous’s response was surprising. With a laugh, she candidly explained the employee had made several small mistakes and was having difficulty navigating their complex regulatory system. However, rather than being upset or concerned, she stated she was thrilled with all the progress! Ms. Fabulous could see that this new employee frequently asked questions and was very engaged in learning their complicated systems. As an experienced and adept manager, she understands every company has slightly different rules of play, even in this particular case where she hired someone from a direct competitor. Regardless of seniority, new employees have to be part-student and part-employee. Ms. Fabulous knows from experience that no external candidate can exceed expectations within a few months in every area, as their business is complex and their standards are high.

The industry buzz about Ms. Fabulous is that she is a sought-out leader who manages an exceptional talent group. Due to her philosophy of hiring people with the best attitudes and promoting from within, she rarely hires above junior level. This has a marvelous side-effect of keeping employees motivated and happy. If you have made a recent hire, regardless of seniority, you might want to consider passing them a Rookie Card. This sets them up for success, which ultimately reflects well on your entire organization.

~ Julie Steele

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Posted in Management Excellence

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September – start of a new year

Posted on August 26, 2010 by | 2 Comments

Of course we all think of January as the start of a new year, but to some people, so does September.  Maybe it is a leftover feeling from back when we were in school.  Or maybe to some of us, we have this feeling if we are parents of school aged children.

Summertime seems to be a time for people to refresh and relax.   September seems to be a time where we can have a fresh start after the lull and quiet of summer.

~ Jessica Rozitis

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Recharging your batteries

Posted on August 4, 2010 by | 1 Comment

It’s the middle of summer. It’s the time of the year when a lot of people take the opportunity of the nice summer weather and get away.

This is a such great time to recharge your batteries. Get out in the fresh air, enjoy some recreation, read a few books, BBQ with some friends, and just relax in general. And if you’re in the office this week, this is also a great time to recharge your batteries in the office setting, maybe even take a business associate out for a patio lunch to reacquaint yourselves now that a free moment has presented itself.

In some ways this time of year reminds me of winter holidays and a time for reflection and relaxation. And so much like winter holidays, taking advantage of this quieter time of year can really have some upsides. Now is the time to concentrate on some unfinished projects, spend some time writing down your goals, or catch up on your business reading. In fact one of my good business friends takes a week off around this time of year to spend time alone doing just that.

Whatever your situation, make the most of this quiet time. Make every moment count. Next thing you know, things will get busier, so now is the time to recharge.

Jessica Rozitis

photo credit:  Dominik Schwind

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Posted in Your Pipeline

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The surprising truth about what motivates us

Posted on June 2, 2010 by | 2 Comments

Here is a great visual on Daniel Pink’s talk about the hidden truths behind what really motivates us at home and in the workplace. We enjoyed the graphics. Perfect for busy people like you and me.

~ Jessica Rozitis

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Posted in Inspiration

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Carrots and Sticks – Why contingent motivators don’t work

Posted on March 11, 2010 by | 4 Comments

Daniel Pink’s engaging TED talk on ‘The surprising science of motivation’ poses a compelling case on the mismatch of what science knows and what business does. In order to achieve ’21st century tasks’ businesses cannot base their policies about talent and people on assumptions that are outdated. Thus the bigger carrot or the sharper stick do nothing more than restrict possibility in this new age of business. The focus needs to be around intrinsic motivators.

A bit about carrots and sticks and when they can work. These contingent motivators work when there is a simple set of rules and a clear destination. Narrow focus = low creativity. When carrots and sticks don’t work: When there are periphery or non obvious solutions. The reward only narrows the focus.

Daniel Pink summarizes the new operating system to motivation by three essential building blocks as the new way of doing things:

Autonomy – the urge to direct our own lives
Mastery – the desire to get better and better at something that matters
Purpose-the yearning to do what we in service of something larger than ourselves.

People do things because they are a part of something. So if you want high performance and employee engagement, you will probably agree that self direction works better.

Are you part of a company built upon carrots or sticks or does a greater purpose exist for you and your team?

Daniel Pink on the surprising science of motivation:

~ Sarah McNeill

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Posted in corporate culture, Employee Engagement, Leadership and Team Building

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