In September 2011, my husband and I became “empty nesters” (at least for the university year), and it was time to take a break and do something we’ve always wanted to do. It was time for a two week vacation. So at the end of January, we took a cold (skiing) vacation, then a hot (Caribbean cruise) vacation and it was BLISS. As I reflected upon our vacation, I realized that some of the moments could translate into five workplace lessons from my vacation:
1. Being active is important. I spend a lot of time at my computer so a ski vacation was a shock to my system. Sadly, this picture tells the story! Anyone who spends hours hunched over a computer owes it to themself to get active. Schedule time and make fitness a priority. You experience life and work more fully when you are healthy.
2. Customer service (and good food is important). We stayed at a lovely inn near Le Massif. The service, room, view and food were exceptional. My husband went to the same place for a ski-break with our son a couple of years ago, and he wanted me to experience it. Great customer service and fabulous food results in repeat customers. The owner and staff at the small inn (Auberge La Courtepointe) made us feel like we were at a home-away-from-home even though neither of us spoke French.
3. Sometimes detours result in special moments and discoveries. While on a walk about in the Garden District, New Orleans, Louisiana, we spontaneously decided to stop at a local library. And to our delight we discovered historical artwork on the walls and ceiling. At work, how often are we on a rigid schedule with no deviation? We are so busy following the schedule and our To Do list that we don’t realize that innovation and discovery come from taking a detour or deviating from the schedule to give rise to creativity.
4. Overcome your fear and take a leap of faith. Even though I was scared, I held a stingray in my arms. What a powerful moment and I would have missed it, if I let my fear rule me. If we stand up to our fear, awesome things happen. If we speak up when we see something not quite right, great things happen. Don’t left fear stand in your way to building a fantastic life, career, relationship, or workplace.
5. Assumptions are barriers to understanding. One late afternoon, my husband and I found a quiet spot to read and watch the sunset. Not far from us was a lady who appeared to be talking to her self. What would you assume? Would you avoid that person? While I went to return our towels, my husband and this lady started to chat. She told him that her husband had always wanted to take her on a cruise but life was busy. He had passed away and she was on the ship taking the cruise that they didn’t take together. She said she was saying a prayer for her husband, and she asked my husband – “Do you think he knows I’m here (on the cruise)?” With of lump in his throat my husband replied, “Yes, I’m sure he does.” How often do we make assumptions about events and people that cause us to close our selves off? Being aware of our propensity to assume, allows us to open our self to moments of meaningful sharing and understanding. Don’t let preconceived assumptions rob you of these special moments.
There were many more wonderful moments during our vacation, but these were top of mind. When you take time for a vacation it benefits you and your workplace. Don’t assume that work will fall apart without you. Work will survive and you will come back a happier, healthier, and more productive person.
On Day 2 of the HRPA 2012 Conference the Luncheon Key Note Speaker was Kevin Carroll speaking to a packed audience of HR professionals about Rediscovering Play, Bringing Fun and Passion to Your Work and Life.
Kevin told us the heart wrenching story of his early childhood. His father left when he was a toddler. One day, his mother, who suffered with addiction issues, picked up Kevin and his older brother from school, and along with his youngest brother, drove out of town. Kevin was only 6 years old. After driving a very long time, she leaves the three boys in a trailer telling them to stay there. Finally after a few days and no mom, the boys get enough courage to leave the trailer to ask someone for help. Luckily, their grandfather made sure they memorized his phone number.
“I just want to play.”
His grandpa tells Kevin and his brothers that they would have shelter, food, and love, but would have to “raise” themselves. Kevin, always being big on questions asked, “What does “raise yourself” mean?” After learning the meaning of that statement, Kevin said, “But grandpa, I just want to play.”
Kevin overcame adversity as a child through play.
Kevin goes to a neighbourhood park and finds a red rubber ball. He is all alone so he makes up a game. He kicks the ball as hard as he can, and then runs furiously after the ball. It was his way of coping (and I’m sure, a way of getting all that anger and hurt out of his system). Soon the neighbourhood children notice him and ask, “What are you doing with that ball?” Next thing you know, they are all playing ball, and little Kevin feels a sense of connection and of belonging. He had discovered the power of play.
A small red rubber ball saved him.
His passion for play and asking questions help Kevin build a successful and diverse series of careers that take him all over the world. In fact, Nike hires Kevin, without having a defined position for him, because of his passion and creativity, and he becomes a Nike “Katalyst.” The 2001 award winning Nike “Tag” commercial (filmed in Toronto, Ontario) was created during his time at Nike and illustrates his passion for “play.”
Highlights from Kevin’s presentations include:
Questions are good. Courage to ASK is a big life – work lesson. ASK!
Courage is shown in acts and dares to do what is right.
Hire for passion & creativity. The rest will fall into place.
Kids see opportunity not an obstacle. A box becomes a ship or fort. We all speak “ball” as in play.
Play is a great business tool for collaboration and creativity.
Day 2 at the HRPA 2012 Conference started out in AWESOME fashion. Despite the 7:00 a.m. start time, the room was packed to hear Neil Pasricha talk about The Search for AWESOME Leadership. Neil shared his story of success.
His story started out not so well. One year his best friend committed suicide and his marriage fell apart. Neil was feeling pretty low. He was in a dark place. But he got the idea to start a blog looking for 1000 AWESOME things in life, to help him get out of his funk. He started blogging every day. At first only his mom read his blog, then his dad, then friends, and it grew from there. The number of readers multiplied and he got a call from someone in New York telling him he had won an award for his blog! He travelled to New York to pick up his award, and when he got home he had phone calls from several literacy agents who were interested in a potential book. Three books (and a calendar product and mobile app) later Neil is still blogging about AWESOME. Success happens in the strangest ways. Neil shared his concepts and philosophy with us and it was an AWESOME way to start Day 2 of the HRPA 2012 Conference!
The 4 A’s required to create AWESOME leadership for an AWESOME workplace include:
Attitude – AWESOME starts with attitude. If you have an attitude of AWESOME it will spread beyond you.
Awareness - If you are on the look out for AWESOME you will find it. It is the little things that often illicit the biggest response.
Alignment - Know your own (and the organizations) core values / priniciples. Alignment gets people in sync with you as a leader, and the organization.
Authenticity - Spread AWESOME and positivity but be true to your self. Be genuine. People won’t respond if you aren’t your authentic self.
In addition to AWESOME leadership to create an AWESOME workplace, organizations need to embrace the 4 S’s:
Structure - Have some structure in place (but not rigid policing or monitoring structure).
Stimulation - Provide stimulating work.
Salary - Give a salary good enough to make it a non-issue.
We can all bring AWESOME into this world and into our workplace by living in the present, looking forward to the future, and not dwelling on past wrongs or slights. My philosophy of AWESOME is to always look for the good in people. No one wakes up in the morning and says, “I’m going to work to be miserable and do a bad job.” People want to succeed and be AWESOME.
As HR professionals, managers, and leaders, what are you doing to make the workplace happy, healthy, and productive and downright AWESOME? As an individual, what are you going to do today to be AWESOME at work and at life? Perhaps the tips provided by Neil Pasricha outlined here will help you get started. If you need more help, contact us. AWESOME leadership can be learned!
On Day 1 of the HRPA 2012 Conference, I attended the afternoon supersession with David Chilton. David talked about his journey to success with his first book - ”The Wealthy Barber,” and introduced his new book, “The Wealthy Barber Returns.” David spent two hours speaking to a full audience without the help of visuals or PowerPoint. He is an amazing story teller and the audience was engaged throughout the session.
I loved his sense of family and that his sister, father, and mother were involved and supporting him through his journey to get his first book published. He was originally going to call his book “The Wealthy Bartender” which was inspired by the television show “Cheers.” I liked that he didn’t listen to the financial and banking experts who told him the concept for the book would not work. Instead he asked his beer drinking hockey buddies (the every day person) to review what he had written so far. They loved it and they asked questions which helped him clarify and improve the book.
He told us about the story of Greta and Janet Podleski, authors of the highly successful cookbook series (and products) Looneyspoons. Through their energy, perseverence, courage, and by taking a train (not flying) to meet with David in Ottawa, they won him over. That, and the fact that David’s mother tested some of the recipes and told him – “Publish that cookbook…” I loved that through the power of Twitter, Greta Podleski, replied back.
Mom tests recipes and says to David “publish that cookbook LooneySpoons” David says always trust ur Mom. @wealthy_barber#HRPA2012
Finally, David talked about financial statistics and products, and that the world is carrying too much debt. He told the story of a homeowner who apologized to him for not having ”granite countertops” and a big house, to which he replied, ”Who needs granite countertops and I live in a 1300 s.f. bungalow.” David noted that people have too much stuff and that gets them into money and debt trouble. Granite countertops and too much stuff are not worth going into debt for. While David didn’t mention this, the video calledThe Story of Stuff also highlights how our need for so much STUFF negatively impacts the world in which we live. I think we might have our “wants” mixed up with our “needs” and this contributes to living beyond our means.
In any case, it was two hours well spent. Lots of insight into how to get a book published with the the power of perservance, courage, and support of family and friends and the benefits of not living beyond our means. You can read my actual tweets during David Chilton’s session – The Wealthy Barber Returns – through Storify below.
Have you read The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom? I read it a number of years ago. It is a touching story that stays with me.
I thought about the book when I received an email from a public relations firm this week, looking to write a story about an entrepreneur for a major newspaper. The story and “The angle is far more about you personally than it about the company you run — so if you live unusually, or on the edge, then you’re the ideal candidate.” Exciting examples included climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents, and being personal friends with and playing bridge with Bill Gates. It made me think about the The Five People You Meet in Heaven. Why?
Because the book is about Eddie, a maintenance man in an amusement park; a man who feels that his “Days are a dull routine of work, loneliness, and regret.” How often do we hear that at work and in life? But are they? The book has a number of life lessons. Eddie may not have climbed the highest mountain on each of the seven continents or played bridge with Bill Gates but his life had meaning.
Lesson 1: We all have different perspectives on things; and there is no such thing as a random act; we are all interconnected. We can certainly see this in any workplace. Reflect on how someone’s bad (or good) mood or comments impact everyone around them.
Lesson 2: Sacrifice, whether big or small, is not something to regret. We are only passing something on. What a nice way of changing something that seems like a negative (giving something up), to something that is positive (passing a “gift” on)!
Lesson 3: Forgiveness and letting go of things lets you live life to the fullest. Hate is like a poison that eats you from the inside out. You can say that again – life is lighter when we let in the love!
Lesson 4: There are many types of love. Life has to end, but love doesn’t. A lost love is still love. Anyone who has lost a loved one knows this! Love goes on in the memories we cherish.
Lesson 5: Life has a purpose. No matter what you do in life, you are here for a reason. You may not even realize what your actions have meant to others. If someone does something special, don’t hesitate – tell them – make their day – you might even make their life!
Like Eddie “maintenance” man, who impacted many people by his seemingly mundane activities, we are all important. Our words, our actions, and our behaviour, do impact others. We can make a positive difference in this world by the little things we do!
Read the book. The movie, while a shortened version, is pretty good too. Think about the lessons and how they can be applied not only to your personal life but also to the workplace. You don’t need to live life on the edge, climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents, or play bridge with Bill Gates, to live a life of meaning.
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and productive New Year,
Joanne
Joanne Royce is the Founder of Royce & Associates, a Human Resources and Training Solutions company.
She is passionate about Creating Happy, Healthy and Productive Workplaces.
She continues to look for the good in people and in life.
Joanne originally published her review of the lessons and The Five People You Meet in Heaven, in the The Royce Formula Newsletter 2005.
”To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived. This is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Last week I shared some of the lessons and AHA moments that I’ve experienced so far – really my philosophy on life and work. Originally written for my university aged children, I reflected on my thoughts and I realized I often shared the same insights with my coaching clients. This week, at our HRPA Halton event, I had the pleasure of hearing Paul Copcutt, a leading Personal Brand Architect, talk about 3D Branding. He referred to branding as giving yourself permission to be your authentic self. In his talk he mentioned my brand as being “the happy HR person.” What a nice thing to say … “The Happy HR person.” Life is too short, not to live (and work) a happy one. You can read Part 1 or start here with Part 2.
The World So Far According to Me (Joanne Royce)
-Don’t judge or criticize unkindly. Everyone has good in them so look for that. When you do provide feedback, do so from a place of L.O.V.E.
-When your tummy tells you something isn’t right, it probably isn’t right. Don’t ignore it. Use your intuition as a prompt to check things out more rigorously.
-Sometimes the mean folks from school, work, and beyond don’t get what they deserve. Yep, life isn’t fair, so don’t spend another moment thinking about the mean ones. There are plenty of other nicer and kinder fish in the sea, so seek them out.
-Respect others and your self. Don’t be pressured into doing something to please someone else or because you are worried about fitting in. You might think that’s a good thing to do to build a relationship, but in the long run you will end up being resentful. Politely and assertively stand your ground if it is important to you.
-Ask yourself, “Is this really important to me, or can I let it go?” If it isn’t that important then you don’t need to work to have your opinion heard. This makes it easier to stand your ground when something is important to you.
-Budget. Ask yourself – do I absolutely need it or is it just a great big want. A great big want isn’t worth going into debt for.
-”Engage brain before opening mouth.” Wise words from my dearly departed father C. Donald Royce. You can say anything in a thoughtful tactful way that respects another person, but that means thinking before blurting something out that you might regret later.
-”Everyone does something they regret and won’t do again. Learn from it. Pick yourself up, hold your head high and keep going.” Wise words from my dearly departed mother Miriam Royce. Don’t let a mistake paralyze you or destroy you.
-Sometimes to get to living your passion, you need to do the not so fun stuff. The garbage needs to be taken out, the laundry needs to be washed, the Excel spreadsheets need to be created, the files need to be purged and policies written. Do it well, with a smile on your face, and the fun stuff – living your passion – will come.
-Know your strengths and weaknesses. Why? Because you don’t want to spend a life time trying to develop your weaknesses. Your weaknesses will be someone else’s strength and they will always do it better. It’s best to know your strengths and then head in a career that will make good use of those strengths!
-It’s never too late to make a change for the better in your life and in your work. You just have to believe you can do it, rise above the fear of the unknown, and take action to make it happen.
-Don’t compromise your values and principles. They are your guide through life. If you try to ignore them and live a life or work at a job not in sync with those values, it will make you sick.
-Everything will be alright if you surround yourself with people who care about you and love you!
Live a happy, healthy, and productive life, Joanne Royce
Royce & Associates
A Human Resources and Training Solutions company
Creating happy, healthy, and productive workplaces
Becoming an empty nester this past fall was quite an event. With my youngest starting university this past fall and my eldest finishing university next spring, it was a time for reflection. As we journey through life’s many adventures, we learn lessons and have AHA moments. So here, in no particular order, are lessons I’ve learned growing up, going to school, working, building relationships, making mistakes, observing and coaching others, and being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, colleague, employee, HR professional…all part of the journey of creating a happy, healthy, and productive life. I originally wrote this for my children, so perhaps I should have titled it “The World So Far According to Mom,” but I realized that the learning moments are insights I often share with my coaching clients too.
The World So Far According to Me (Joanne Royce)
-Work hard and put in the maximum effort – it is always worth it (and I am not talking about more money either, I’m talking about learning and gaining knowledge and skills).
-Love what you do. If you don’t love it, don’t complain. Do something about it.
-Volunteer. It makes you feel good, and helps make the world a better place.
-Be positive. Be happy. It’s a choice and it starts with you and your thoughts. Stop negative thinking; it will drag you and those around you down. Hang with the positive folks and avoid the energy vampires.
-If you think you can’t, you won’t; if you think you can, you will. (Henry Ford was right then and he’s right now). Get out of your own way and get rid of thinking that stops you from succeeding.
-No matter what life throws at you, somewhere inside of you there is the ability and the power to rise above it all and thrive.
-You can be kind or you can be mean spirited. Being kind is a much nicer way to live.
-You can’t make someone else be happy. They have to do it for themselves.
-Sometimes your most important role models in life can also teach you what NOT to do.
-Love your body especially when you are young, because it does change. Then you’ll wonder why you spent so much time fretting over how you look, your hair, or how you fit into a new pair of jeans.
-Don’t carry a grudge. The only person you are hurting if you do is yourself.
-Don’t live beyond your means. Hand-me-down couches and chairs and a low rent apartment help you save for the future. Lawn chairs and tv trays with candle light and a nice bottle of wine are just as good as a fancy restaurant or a luxury dining room set.
-Take care of yourself; exercise and eat properly. Have balance in your life. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else. And if you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will.
-Take accountability for your life. Don’t give your power away by blaming your parents, your boss, your teacher, etc. for where you are in life. You have the power to change it, IF you become accountable for it.
Live a happy, healthy, and productive life, Joanne Royce (Stay tuned for Part 2 next week).
Royce & Associates
A Human Resources and Training Solutions company
Creating happy, healthy, and productive workplaces
Welcome to our blog. Use our insider tips on human resources, training, and interpersonal relationships to create your own happy, healthy, and productive workplace. We'll also comment on life in general and share info and highlights from books.
Human Resources & Training Solutions
1. Being active is important. I spend a lot of time at my computer so a ski vacation was a shock to my system. Sadly, this picture tells the story! Anyone who spends hours hunched over a computer owes it to themself to get active. Schedule time and make fitness a priority. You experience life and work more fully when you are healthy.
2. Customer service (and good food is important). We stayed at a lovely inn near Le Massif. The service, room, view and food were exceptional. My husband went to the same place for a ski-break with our son a couple of years ago, and he wanted me to experience it. Great customer service and fabulous food results in repeat customers. The owner and staff at the small inn (Auberge La Courtepointe) made us feel like we were at a home-away-from-home even though neither of us spoke French.
3. Sometimes detours result in special moments and discoveries. While on a walk about in the Garden District, New Orleans, Louisiana, we spontaneously decided to stop at a local library. And to our delight we discovered historical artwork on the walls and ceiling. At work, how often are we on a rigid schedule with no deviation? We are so busy following the schedule and our To Do list that we don’t realize that innovation and discovery come from taking a detour or deviating from the schedule to give rise to creativity.
4. Overcome your fear and take a leap of faith. Even though I was scared, I held a stingray in my arms. What a powerful moment and I would have missed it, if I let my fear rule me. If we stand up to our fear, awesome things happen. If we speak up when we see something not quite right, great things happen. Don’t left fear stand in your way to building a fantastic life, career, relationship, or workplace.
5. Assumptions are barriers to understanding. One late afternoon, my husband and I found a quiet spot to read and watch the sunset. Not far from us was a lady who appeared to be talking to her self. What would you assume? Would you avoid that person? While I went to return our towels, my husband and this lady started to chat. She told him that her husband had always wanted to take her on a cruise but life was busy. He had passed away and she was on the ship taking the cruise that they didn’t take together. She said she was saying a prayer for her husband, and she asked my husband – “Do you think he knows I’m here (on the cruise)?” With of lump in his throat my husband replied, “Yes, I’m sure he does.” How often do we make assumptions about events and people that cause us to close our selves off? Being aware of our propensity to assume, allows us to open our self to moments of meaningful sharing and understanding. Don’t let preconceived assumptions rob you of these special moments.
The 4 A’s required to create AWESOME leadership for an AWESOME workplace include: 
