1. People want to know that you believe in them.  Encourage them.
2. People want to know they can trust you.  Talk to them.
3. People want to know that you have a plan.  Give them hope.
4. People want to know they can learn and grow.  Share what’s possible.
5. People want to know that they are important.  Acknowledge them.
6. People want to know that their contributions matter.  Recognize them.
7. People want to feel inspired.  Engage them.
8. People want to know their contributions matter.   Tell them how they do.
9. People want to see what they cannot see.  Give them eyes.
10. People want to know that they matter.  Work with compassion.

1. Does your work excite you?
2. Are you fully engaged?
3. If not, what do you need to do to really engage and energize your work?

Aspirations 

Renie Cavallari

April 4, 2012

How do we find happiness in an unpredictable workplace?

We’ve all had those days when we say, “I’ve had it. I’m quitting.” But quitting usually isn’t the best solution. It is a fantasy that the grass is always greener on the other side. In the majority of cases, it’s just a pasture we don’t know.

Instead of focusing our energies on what is wrong, we need to focus on what is right and how we can make it even better. If we focus on how to make small improvements, over time we create a positive environment for ourself and others. Positivity can change anything.

You create your own positive environment through how you engage with others and your perspective toward situations around you. There are six pillars that help us create better relationships and environments. These are the foundation of our happiness.

Pillar 1: Connection.

This is about how we feel about each other, that sense of camaraderie and rapport. It allows for trust. Strengthening connections with co-workers improves our work environment. You have to work at connection and be willing to create it with people who may not think and act like you.

Pillar 2: Clean communication.

Clean communication is saying something in a way another person can hear. If you break rapport in your communication, you break connection. Also, listening is at the heart of all communication. The best communicators listen more than talk. A normal conversation should be 50 percent talking and 50 percent listening.

Pillar 3: Compassion.

That sense of understanding, empathy and acceptance we can choose to have with another person. It is our own choice to find what is right and be supportive of others even when we disagree. When we stand in judgment of others, we tend to create negative energy, which only creates negativity and scarcity and limits people and their potential.

Pillar 4: Higher purpose.

When we focus on how our work as an organization and as an individual impacts the lives of others, we think about our work differently. How we think affects how we feel and that determines how we participate.

Pillar 5: Participation.

Are you engaged? The more you engage in the workplace, the more pride and enthusiasm you will feel for your work. When we look to others to motivate us, we tend to perform at a mediocre level. When we allow others to inspire us, it powers us to participate at a more passionate level. This is where the top performers play.

Pillar 6: Responsibility.

Take responsibility for your work product, your perspective and look for how to make things a little better. Deliver results, and you will get noticed.

Remember, happiness is a choice. Happiness is not what happens, but what we choose to focus on, and how we choose to engage in our lives. You have the power to create your positive environment. Don’t give that power away.

Link to the USA Today article

Renie Cavallari, chief inspiration officer and CEO of Aspire, can be reached at renie@aspiremarketing.com or call 602-392-0700

Copyright 2012 The Arizona Republic|azcentral.com. All rights reserved.

1. A beginner’s mind is open and not emotionally connected to the problem
2. A beginner’s mind is curious and asks questions to ensure they understand the outcome and expectations.
3. A beginner’s mind doesn’t assume anything as they have no real point of reference
4. A beginner’s mind is fresh and this is where you will find the gold nuggets of progress

• Look around.  Are you hanging out with people who inspire you?
• What sources of inspiration do you have available to you? For example: books, quotes, posters, and the like.
• If you would like a daily dose of inspiration, sign up  on Twitter @aspiretweets

The Power of Passion Video

So laugh insanely, love deeply and forgive quickly!