In order to stay passionate in a tough economy, the key is to relax and employ some innovative measures to keep yourself, and those who work around you, from becoming stressed out. Read on for some tips from Joel Zeff.
It’s hard to have fun at work during the stress of a tough economy. Your stress builds after each media report about the recession. You start hearing whispers of a merger, layoff or the all encompassing “restructuring.” Your manager does not listen. Your customers don’t listen. The guy that sells sandwiches in the lobby does not listen. Maybe it is just easier to be cranky.
The following is an excerpt from an article that has been published in numerous online and print formats. To read the entire article, or for more effective productivity and tips on how to stay passionate in a tough economy, visit Joel’s blog.
1. Sometimes you have to ask. If something is bothering you and causing stress, then speak up and say something. Most people will just stew or whine in the break room rather than speak up. They don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Guess what? Someone’s feelings are being hurt – your feelings. If you ask nicely, most people would be happy to oblige and help. They probably don’t even know their words or actions are bothering you.
2. Be in the moment with your co-workers. Working in the moment means being focused and connected. Listen to each other. Make eye contact. Engage in the communication process. Try something new: put your e-mail enabled phone down and communicate with the living, breathing person sitting in your office.
3. Tell your co-workers you appreciate them. We all want positive support at work. When we don’t receive appreciation and thanks, we are not very happy. You know how you feel when someone says, “You made a difference,” or “Great job,” or “I really appreciate your help.” You get an incredible feeling right in the middle of your chest. Giving that feeling is a gift. And it doesn’t take a budget, plan, or approval. It just takes a few seconds from your day. When you go home from work, think about all of the people you had contact with that day. Did you give all of them the appreciation and positive support they deserved? If you didn’t, there is always tomorrow.
4. Create opportunity. We all want the same things from our jobs: opportunity and positive support. We may want the opportunity to be creative; to be a leader; to help people; or to make more money. When we don’t receive opportunity and positive support, we are not very happy. Figure out what kind of opportunity you want from your job. Make sure your employer understands what you need to be happy. Again, stand up and say something. As a manager, talk to your employees about the opportunities they want today, next month and next year. Together, figure out a way to give them those opportunities.
To read the 9 other tips to stay passionate in a tough economy outlined in this article, visit Joel’s blog at http://www.maketherightchoicethebook.blogspot.com/.
Joel Zeff is a nationally renowned corporate culture, leadership and communication expert and the author of Make The Right Choice, a guide to creating a perpetually positive attitude that creates success. For more information on his book or speaking engagements, call or fill out the form below.
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