Endless Escalator
There is a deep contradiction brewing within the constructs of the working world that is psychological at its core. Although this is not a new problem, it seems to be a growing topic of debate (as are many issues) with the newer generation of the global workforce.
When we as human beings work hard to achieve success and finally attain a lofty goal, the typical progression is not to celebrate and decompress, but to set an even more aggressive benchmark to strive towards. Although admirable, the core flaw in this logic is that for many individuals, success equals (at least in part) a large portion of our happiness. In addition, happiness facilitates productivity.
To summarize, what we have is a subconscious, ever-cycling meme within the workforce that speaks to our conscious mind only one future– a continuous flow of more work. While in theory this may seem good for business, at least from an economic standpoint, our brains are left wondering why we work so hard and achieve goals, while never realizing true mental success.
Author and “Happiness Expert” Shawn Achor recently gave a humorous and convincing speech at a 2011 TED conference titled, "The Happy Secret to Better Work" where he touches on this issue. In regards to goals he says, “Every time your brain has a success, you change the goalpost of what success looks like. If happiness is on the opposite side of success, your brain never gets there.” Aside from the long-term psychological effects this has on your brain and its outlook on the corporate world, it’s simply bad for business. If the only reward for plowing through a workload in record time is another stack of work, burnout eventually ensues and productivity dips exponentially into the red.
Another contradiction springs to mind when looking at the overall association between goal attainment, happiness and their intertwined relationship with productivity. In a utopian work world, employees would finish a large project or close huge sales, then perhaps take a week or two off to be with their families and breathe in the successes – coming back to the office rejuvenated and ready again to take on the world. However, we do not live in a utopian society and in our current construct, those individuals would come back to the office after the decompression period with monstrous workloads, unhappy managers, and companies suffering dwindling sales numbers in their respective departments.
In our current model, the solution lies not within bonuses, time-off, or material recognition, but through a continuously positive workplace culture where increasing happiness is equally important as increasing the bottom line. The brilliance with this formula is that the heightened satisfaction achieved through the work environment and culture will by proxy drive stronger productivity, higher sales numbers, and a healthy bottom line. Citing rigorous research, Shawn Achor reports, “Only 25% of job successes are predicted by IQ. 75% of job successes are predicted by optimism levels, social support, and the ability to see stress as a challenge instead of as a threat.” If we hire intelligent individuals to account for the initial 25% of success (IQ), and create an environment where those employees can flourish within the other 75% (culture), we will in theory be operating at a 100% success rate.
It is crucial to be inclusive and create a unique culture where positivity thrives. Here are a few ways you can heighten the environment at a grassroots, personal level.
Please weigh-in on the comments section with some healthy debate and more ideas on how we can increase happiness in the workplace and drive production.
If someone told you that you could make yourself and your organization more competitive in business by increasing your fitness level how would you respond?
Organizations routinely state that their people are their greatest asset, often going so far as to call their workforce a competitive advantage. If that statement is true (and I believe it is in our company) then maximizing the capacity of these great assets further increases this competitive advantage. I recently listened to an interview with Tony Schwartz, President and CEO of an organization called The Energy Project, where he stated that our ability to increase our capacity is “the greatest potential source of competitive advantage that an individual or organization has in the next decade”. He went on to say that “capacity” is inside us, and the key to unlocking our potential is to increase our energy levels.
So how does one increase his or her energy level? In addition to making good lifestyle choices such as eating right and getting enough sleep, our energy level is directly tied to our fitness level. I know, this is a stunning revelation, right? However, something is not working in the way we balance our lives today. For a world that is innovating and advancing faster than ever before, we are headed in the opposite direction when it comes to our physical fitness and well-being. According to Harvard University the global obesity rate has doubled in the last 28 years. During that same period of time Body Mass Index (BMI) rose the fastest in the US, where two-thirds of Americans are now overweight or obese.
So what needs to change? Put yourself first. Schedule time to train. As kids, we didn't have to think about "getting back into shape." Physical activity was simply part of our daily lives. With today’s busy schedules at work and at home, it’s easy to say “I don’t have time.” This is a cop-out. Commit to some form of exercise that gets your heart rate up for 30 minutes a day and you will get the rest of the day’s activities done in 30 minutes less time. Granted, this is easier said than done. It will take effort and discipline, but you, alone have the ability to set your agenda for the day.
Still feel like your personal health and fitness will always come second to your responsibilities at the office?
If you are already physically fit and operating at peak performance please share your advice or tips on what’s working for you.
If you’re not where you want to be then here’s a suggestion: find a partner and commit to a challenge together. Something big enough that it will leave a pit in your stomach - preferably an event that has a fixed date. I recently discovered the benefits of running because a friend challenged me to run Hood-To-Coast with him. I am not a runner (or at least I wasn’t then). To be quite honest, we were at a social event when he laid down the challenge. Having consumed a little liquid courage that evening, I, of course said yes (I’m pretty sure this was part of his strategy). The next morning he sent me a text message to remind me that I committed to running with him. Not one to back down from a commitment, I did the only thing I could do – I scheduled time to train.
“The key is not the will to win … everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.”
– Bobby Knight
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I am blessed with many fond memories: spending time with family, enjoying home cooked meals and watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and football on TV. Thanksgiving is a time to step back from the challenges and stress of normal life and count our blessings.
Even with close to a 10% unemployment rate, some of us who are capable of working and lucky to be employed find reasons to complain about our jobs. We all have struggles or challenges that have the potential to make us stumble or help us learn and grow. Learn and grow is what we want, right? This year, I decided to take a moment and reflect on the positive facets of working for Allegis Group Services that I am truly thankful for. This exercise helped me remember everything the company has done for me, refueled the tank that keeps me working so hard and reinforced my decision to remain a loyal employee year after year. If you can take some time over the next few days to do the same, I hope you find renewed vigor and meaning in your career as well.
My reflection brought me back to the beginning of my recruiting career and reminded me how thankful I am for all the people in my life that have impacted and developed me into the professional I am today. After accepting an offer to join the company in 2005, I was partnered with an experienced mentor who taught me the fundamentals of recruiting. In collaboration with the learning plan my mentor was facilitating, the entire office provided endless guidance and invested precious time teaching me the techniques and strategies to make me a successful recruiter. Along the way I have also worked with many talented managers who taught me the intricacies of building and maintaining relationships, both personally and professionally. In 2007, I transitioned to Allegis Group Services and for the last four years I have built new relationships with coworkers with whom I share a mutually vested interest in our collective professional growth.
Continuing my reflection, I thought about some of the unique opportunities that were bestowed upon me as an employee of Allegis. I have been invited to attend our company’s national meeting on more than one occasion. One year we traveled to Denver, Colorado where employees from across the country gathered for meetings designed to educate and motivate. Our keynote speaker was Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Most people would never challenge themselves to perform such a feat and he did it without the sense of sight. Talk about motivation, wow! During this same meeting we were shuttled to the home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos where the entire stadium was open for us to eat, drink and play. Playing catch with coworkers on the field at Mile High Stadium is a memory I will have for the rest of my life.
For the past six years I have been steadily employed by Allegis Group with two different operating companies and five different roles. The internal leadership has been consistently excellent, encouraging its employees to reach aggressive goals time and time again. Thanks to Allegis, I have received top notch training and experience; built strong relationships both inside and outside of my company; traveled to new and exciting places; acquired great friends; and maintained the work/life balance necessary to stay happy and healthy. I know that as I proceed on this journey with Allegis, I will continue to gain excellent experience and make memories that will last a lifetime. On behalf of my coworkers across the globe, thank you Allegis Group and Happy Thanksgiving!
CONSUME [kuhn-soom]1. to destroy or expend by use; use up
2. to eat or drink up; devour
3. to spend (money, time, etc.) wastefully
4. to absorb; engross
A few years ago (OK, over a decade) I was a 20-something college graduate with a few years of professional experience, some successes, a lot of failures and no lack of drive to get to the top regardless the obstacles; whether they were human beings or inanimate concepts. Unfortunately, I had little idea of how to get there and studying was the last thing on my mind. My definition of consume during those years was all variations of 1, 2 and 3. I consumed well…and often.
What I would tell my 24-year old professional self and what you will hear me coaching my teams to do now is to be consumers of business, industry, development and leadership. “Be a student.” By nature we learn by doing and watching, but limiting ourselves to these avenues will do just that – limit. To be a consumer in this context has nothing to do with your bar tab, a weekend shopping spree or all-you-can eat pizza and it will do more for you than drain your pocketbook or expand your waistline!
If I told you that your next promotion and pay raise were guaranteed if you learned how to start a fire without matches in one week’s time, what would you do?
The point is, the answers to your tests are at your fingertips in a variety of consumable formats; some obvious and some a bit more obscure. The world truly is your classroom and here are a few ideas to get you started:
Dip into the world of tweets, follows, hashtags and mindshare. Follow me @jessiguenther and you will get access to notes and articles that are near and dear to me as a professional (and you’ll learn about my sports team preferences which won’t get you promoted, but will indicate I’ve got good sense). It may take a little getting used to, but the beauty of this site is it allows you to consume meaningful information in a customized way. For general business tips and thought leadership, start following Harvard Business Review, Leaders Beacon and Allegis Group Services. Follow an influential leader in your business or life and check out who and what they’re following as well.
If you travel, there is still a point between zero and 10,000 ft when electronics are prohibited- it’s a great time to do some “old-fashioned” reading. If you want more in your career, you need to know what’s going on around you. For the tech savvy, you can download the Wall Street Journal app to your mobile device.
3. Use Your Morning Commute
Listen to an informative audiobook, tune your XM radio to a favorite news and information channel or build meaningful dialogue with your carpool.
Find content specific to your industry and schedule 15 minutes in your day to read, digest and further research the information that you receive. In the Human Capital space, try Staffing Industry Analysts, Human Capital Institute and the American Staffing Association. Use Delicious or Google Reader to keep track of your resources.
Ask for 3 tips to improve your knowledge in an area that is important to you. Do this every few months and you’ll start to find patterns that are worth pursuing.
A mentor of mine recently told me that his training regimen with new hires includes a mandate that they start their day with the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. If I had worked for him back in 1997 when my career first began, I might have saved my pocketbook and waistline from some unneeded grief. Redefine yourself as a consumer and watch what happens.
It’s that time of year again-- time to clear our Sunday afternoon schedules, throw some ice in the coolers, and head out to watch the big game. Football fans are amped up and ready to roll—and really, what’s not to love about the season? Crisp autumn weather, great times with family and friends, traditions of rivalry, exciting wins and crushing defeats… and, who isn’t at least a little bit amused by the over-the-top Superfans (there’s at least one in every group—if you can’t think of one, you’re probably it. Painted your face lately?).
We love football for all of these reasons, but also because our favored professional athletes can excite, entertain and inspire us. My personal favorite is Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis. Not because he is entering his sixteenth straight season in Baltimore; not because he is the Super Bowl XXXV MVP and a 12 time Pro-Bowler; not his huge hits and game-winning plays, and not even because it’s widely accepted that Ray will always be one of the greatest Defensive players ever to step up to the line—former teammate Todd Heap said it best: “It’s just Ray’s spirit. He brings passion to the field and makes everyone play better. He always has that fire—then backs it up with his play.”
While all of us may not be able to stand our ground against the toughest offenses in the country, earn millions of dollars and become national superstars, we can all play like Ray. In our chosen paths, if we have passion for achieving our goals, we can become elite and inspire those around us to succeed as well.
Whether personal or professional, passion is the key to long term success. Many of us want to excel at our careers, become better parents, overcome financial struggles, improve our health, etc., but how can we accomplish and maintain our goals without this intense driving force behind us? What will fuel the motivation and commitment required to excel? Most anyone can keep their efforts going when things are going their way; but only our passion for life, future goals or the task at hand can keep us getting up and coming back for more each time we are knocked down.
The enemy of motivation is indifference—and if you take a look around, you can usually spot it. Those displaying indifference are often grumpy, put-upon and generally unenthused. If you have passion for a cause, spread it around! Others will take notice and can benefit from your enthusiasm, especially in the work place; and who knows, they may just need a reminder! Think about it—would you rather build your organization by promoting the person with the chronic (and often contagious) “Case of the Mondays”, or the one whose commitment and excitement is undeniable? If you are passionate about achieving long-term success, advancing your career, and living your organization’s core values, let it shine through—you might be surprised at the changes you can affect for yourself and rouse in your co-workers.
It’s his passion for the game of football which makes Ray Lewis the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens Defense, and his passion for life which makes him an undeniable leader on the field. So, embrace, cultivate and above all, share yours—you never know where it may take you.
So, you have an important presentation to prep for, a program at your child’s school to attend and you still need to get groceries, do your banking, take the dog to the vet and try to make that Zumba class that you signed up for but rarely actually make it. Scenarios like this can lead to feelings of overwhelming stress and feelings of inadequacy. In the midst of this chaos, do you ever notice other women that seem to be able to juggle it all without missing a beat? There are those people out there that seem to thrive on this non-stop and constantly busy lifestyle but what about those of us that need to decompress? What about needing down time or a time out to catch your breath? A car ride is actually my salvation, alone time when I can sort out my thoughts. No radio, no phone calls – just quiet time that I can think clearly without interruption. Our family is blended, with me and my husband having demanding careers, five kids with all of their activities, and two dogs. We’ve gotten comments over the years that we were like the “Brady Bunch minus one”, but I never saw an episode with them having to deal with visitation schedules.
We all know that stress can cause health problems such as heart disease, obesity, depression and problems with digestive, immune, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Just as important, it can also lead to problems sleeping, eating disorders and anxiety/psychological conditions. Imagine the scare we got when my husband thought he was having a heart attack, but it turned out to be chest pains brought on by anxiety! Managing your stress can be one of the hardest jobs you’ve ever tackled, but the payoffs can change your quality of life. There is a way that you can handle everything life is dishing out! Here are some simple things that you can do in your everyday life to help your overall well-being .
1. Reduce your debt – financial worries can be a drain on your energy and a major stressor. Make a payment plan on your larger debts, possibly choose to pay a certain amount over the monthly payment to begin chipping away at the debt itself. Make a budget that you can stick to regarding spending money for the week. Find ways to have fun that don’t involve spending money. We pay extra on our mortgage each month and have enjoyed cooking out more at home this summer instead of going out.
2. Try online banking – manage your finances online and schedule automatic payments without needing to write out checks, balance your checkbook, lick stamps and visit the post office. This can save several hours of your time and give you increased visibility and control over your bank accounts.3. Disconnect – turn off your cell phone when you don’t want to be interrupted. Screen calls and use your voicemail feature to your advantage. Arrange a place in your home where you can “park” your electronics when you arrive home in the evenings. Ours is located on the dresser in the bedroom and the iPhones stay there and charge during our “at home” hours.4. Delegate chores – at home and at the office. Don’t try to do it all, ask for help! The kids can help mowing the lawn, doing the dishes and feeding the dogs, but you might want to draw the line at your husband doing the laundry….5. Let go of the myth of perfection – not everything you do has to be perfect. Trying to achieve this with every task is a mental and physical drain. Put forth your best effort but know it is ok to leave some things undone occasionally. Most days I can finish making the bed, but I have no excuse for that overgrown bush in my front yard.6. Learn to say “no” – there are simply times when you have too much going on to stay productive.Gradually get out of commitments that are not beneficial to you and leave yourself some room for down time and fun!7. Move, move, move – Be active each day, either by walking, hiking, playing a sport, running, doing yoga or going to a gym. Just make sure it’s something that you have fun doing. I enjoy pilates at my local gym.8. Find an activity that “calms” you – this can an activity that gets you moving such as exercise, housework or gardening. It also could be something lower key such as meditation, taking a nap or a bath, or reading. Any activity you like as long as it makes you feel centered and calm.9. Declutter – this sounds like work but can actually lead to a more peaceful environment. Get rid of things that are taking of space and not needed anymore; clean out a room or closet and take a load of donated items to a charity. You don’t have to accomplish this all at once and it can also be a “calming” activity for some.10. Be on time – or be early! Running late can cause major feelings of stress. Try to build in some buffer time when you know things might take longer than normal, such as mornings getting your kids ready for school and yourself ready for work. Leave extra time to get ready, for the commute or necessary errands.Sometimes there are larger obstacles and you need to enlist some outside help. Consider some of these options, but be prepared to pay for the convenience:
Working parents with children certainly do not corner the market when it comes to busy days and busy schedules. We all have commitments that fill our days – careers, volunteer activities, gym, book club, school activities, commuting, family obligations, etc. Tackling those situations that can cause stress with positive thoughts and constructive solutions can be a benefit to your well-being and the overall mental health of your family as well.