Self Improvement Newsletter
Issue # 523, September 15-16, 2008

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* Self Improvement and Personal Growth Weekly Newsletter *
Issue # 523, Week of September 15-16, 2008
Publisher:  David Riklan - http://www.SelfGrowth.com

In this issue:

-- Quotes of the Week
-- Recommended Product of the Week
-- Article:  Employee Motivation -- Connections Are Critical - By Doris Helge, Ph.D.
-- Article:  The Currency of Life: Energy - By John Ryder, Ph.D.
-- Book Review:  SPIRIT BOY: An Earth Spy - By Tricia Kelly
-- Brief News of the World
-- How to Subscribe and Unsubscribe from this Newsletter

Current Subscribers - 270,902 subscribers
Removal instructions are listed at the end of the newsletter.


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*** Quotes of the Week ***
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Sometimes we may learn more from a man's errors, than from his virtues. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882, American Poet

Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success. - Henry Ford, 1863-1947, American Industrialist and Founder of Ford Motor Company

None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them. - Charles Caleb Colton, 1780-1832, British Author and Clergyman

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*** Recommended Product of the Week ***
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*** Article:  Employee Motivation -- Connections Are Critical - By Doris Helge, Ph.D. ***
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If you're challenged by employee motivation, engagement, or retention problems, this article is a must-read. Traditional employee motivation and recognition programs fail because companies and managers don't understand Motivation 101.

Humans crave genuine appreciation and recognition. Since we're all connected to each other, we immediately sense insincerity.

Token gestures backfire with the kick of a clogged exhaust pipe. I was once hired to extinguish a nasty internal combustion caused when managers gave out free Happy Meal coupons designed for kids to exhausted, angry adult workers who longed for time off with their families.

KEYS TO CRITICAL CONNECTIONS

Prevention

It's always the best cure. Heartfelt appreciation for good work -- especially when a "thank you" is spontaneous -- is extraordinarily effective. Gratitude carries a price tag of zero. Studies show that people who give a sincere compliment also boost their own self-esteem.

Constructive coaching

Many clients say one of their biggest challenges is to minimize employee feelings of rejection during performance reviews. This sad fact prompted us to add a special field test during the National Happiness at Work Studies. After completing the interviews with over 650 employees and managers in 21 diverse organizations, we returned to field test what worked. It's a relief to share a few of the proven strategies with you right now.

Build a positive feedback loop

This is a key component of every professional development program we implement. We begin with core groups of employees. Humor is an essential tool, whether we use "laughter yoga" or a technique like the one described below.

As employees of Division 11 entered the training room, they randomly drew an item from a large bucket. Whether the object was a hat, costume, or a work tool, it was labeled with the name of the job it represented.

Employees took turns -- often interrupted by chuckles and howls -- explaining what they thought they would find most enjoyable and most annoying about someone else's job.

A survey the next week determined that the exercise had created three important changes. A new understanding had made employees more compassionate regarding individuals they had previously disliked. They were also more aware of other workers' strengths and challenges. Employees who had previously felt misunderstood and isolated reported they felt more connected to other workers.

This was only a small piece of a dynamic, systematic training program we designed to enhance employee motivation and decrease employee retention problems. The employee motivation surveys we conducted proved that dramatic progress happened when we designed and asked "Empowering Questions" that made the process fun as well as meaningful.

ALIENATION AND ANGER AT WORK

What's bad for the bee is bad for the hive. The current epidemic of workplace negativity is evidence that too many workers feel devalued or alienated.

Anger and anxiety are symptoms of unmet needs, including a hunger for authentic relationships. Let's face it. We all want to feel that we're an essential member of a reference group. Centuries ago, as the human brain evolved, its chemical structure guaranteed survival of the species by programming us to crave meaningful connections with other people. We're also hardwired to feel anxious when we're rejected or isolated.

In spite of the innate human desire to bond with others, it's difficult for many individuals to maintain a secure place within a familiar social group in today's hurried, transient world. The attention of friends and loved ones is constantly drained by competing pressures such as mandatory overtime, shift work, and geographic mobility.

CONNECTIONS CURE

In the National Happiness at Work Studies, employees who felt valued by other people made comments like:

"Work is a safe place. There's a purpose for the work I do so my life has more meaning. I don't have to prod myself to go to work. How do I motivate myself? When an assignment spotlights my talents, there's no 'have-to'."

Human relationships rule just about every facet of our lives. That is why my team constantly demonstrates real-life examples of how other companies and employees across the world have gained great benefits from healthy connections.

WHAT WORKS

Below are some of our guidelines when we work with clients.

* Structure constructive coaching and positive feedback programs that create intrinsic employee motivation.

* Establish internal job exchange programs that feed job satisfaction.

* Initiate formal company programs in which CEOs and employees give back to the community. (According to research, this increases employee productivity and loyalty.)

* Use play and humor as connectors.

* Initiate peer mentoring programs.

* Ensure confidential, timely behavioral health services.

* Value the truth and seek open communication, even when the content will provoke anxiety. Ensure that employees can speak their minds without fear of negative consequences.

* Use humor and the sharing of positive feelings to facilitate employee bonding.

* Train with the brain in mind. Emotions -- not logic -- drive human behavior. This is a critical and often overlooked component of effective professional development programs.

About the Author:
Doris Helge, Ph.D., is an executive coach and a corporate trainer for companies as large as Microsoft. She hosts the syndicated radio show "The More Joy on the Job Radio Show." Visit http://www.MoreJoyOnTheJob.com

Check out the Experts page for Doris Helge, the Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to Employee Motivation.
 

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*** Article:  The Currency of Life: Energy - By John Ryder, Ph.D. ***
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The Laws of Energy are actually coded directly into our bodies. You don't need to learn anything to know what they are. It is a currency of life because we are constantly exchanging energy with everyone; so are you rich or poor?

The simplest description of energy is movement, the motion of something. A light bulb illuminates the room because of the movement of electricity (electrons) through the wires. You may light up a room when you enter it because of your smile, the cheerful tone of your voice, the bounce in your step, and the good news you bring -- all of which are various forms of movement. We were all born extremely sensitive to energy in every form it comes in; our lives depend on it. We are very quick to "read" a person's energy, whether we like the way they move, sound, and express themselves. We often refer to this energy as the person's vibration. I like to call it their "vibe" for short. What's your vibe like?

Energy or vibration appears in countless ways. In general, there are three major groups of human energy: the physical, emotional, and analytical. Each person learns to master at least one of these groups; a few individuals are so talented that they excel in all three. Your area of mastery reflects the ability to do many things with that form of energy. For example, some of us become very athletic, some get intellectual, and others excel in some artistic way. Whatever is happening, we all "feel" the energy we are exchanging with another person. In particular, we are aware of how much we are getting in relation to how much we are giving. Our bodies have an internal score sheet system. 

This exchange of energy becomes the currency of life. Since there is an abundance of energy, we can all get our fair share, but in reality most people feel they do not get enough. The sense that life is unjust comes from this imbalance of energy between people. What is causing the imbalance? There is plenty of energy, so it is not a shortage. It is because of the generosity-challenged individuals, who have unfortunately learned that greed may serve them in some way. Naturally, greed does not do anyone any good, but there are many people who believe that hoarding their energy may give them more. The truth is that greed creates an imbalance of energy and stress. Paradoxically, it is those people who become very generous with their energy that feel the best and never feel that life is unfair.

The reason generosity produces such a positive balance of energy is because the most important factor about energy is that it continues to flow! When energy stays still, it loses power and value. The moment energy is flowing, it increases in power and value. The best form of energy exchange is when it is voluntary, pleasant, and reciprocal, giving and receiving similar amounts of good energy. This is called a balanced exchange. Commonly we all encounter situations where most of the energy is not flowing back and forth. It may be blocked or it can be leaking, where one person is taking more than giving or remains completely unreceptive. If the energy cannot flow, then we ultimately experience a sense of poverty, regardless of which side of the equation you are standing on. Those who are able to promote the flow of energy will always experience a sense of prosperity and abundance.

To make the most of your currency of life, keep your energy flowing. The more generous you are to others with whatever you have got, the greater will be the experience of your wealth in life! Curiously, generosity creates greater abundance, so you never need to worry about running out of energy. Giving and sharing your talents and vibe are the best assurance of prosperity!

About the Author:
John Ryder, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Manhattan. After earning his doctorate in psychology at the City University of New York, he served as an Assistant Professor at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. Traveling around the world, he has studied the secrets to a healthy and successful life with many of the most respected leaders of both Western and Eastern traditions. He has become known as "The Mental Fitness Guru" because he knows what goes wrong with the mind and shows you how to make your mind stronger and more flexible. Dr. Ryder has been a consultant to many successful individuals, corporate executives, athletes, and celebrities. He has shared his expertise on a variety of radio and television shows. A highly requested speaker and workshop leader, he travels and lectures widely.

Check out the Experts page for John Ryder.

***** 
Today, when you order Dr. Ryder's book, "Positive Directions," you'll get a ton of FREE bonus gifts! Go to http://www.PositiveDirectionsBook.com

The list price of this book is $17.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com for $14.00, a 22% discount, go here.

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*** Book Review:  SPIRIT BOY: An Earth Spy - By Tricia Kelly ***
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Lots of adults know about the Law of Attraction. They may have either seen "The Secret." or heard Oprah speaking with the 'Abraham-Hicks duo' or mentioned with others like Eckhart Tolle.

The Law of Attraction is now available in a novel, "SPIRIT BOY: An Earth Spy," written just for parents, the young readers and teenage group, in a kid-friendly text so they get to understand the concept.  Parents and teachers get to see how their own dramas are a huge part of how a kid manifests his energy and how they deplete them more often than they realize.

"SPIRIT BOY: An Earth Spy" is a dramatic story that holds your attention, so you get it! You understand how the 'Law of Attraction' works in a way that has never been available before.

Spirit Boy, the lead character, still looks like the 11-year-old kid he was when he died on a school playground. When he spots two boys headed down the same dead-end road he traveled -- the one with no happy ending -- he knows he must help them understand the LAW OF ATTRACTION and how it works.

"SPIRIT BOY" is also a great tool to help troubled teens/kids get rid of their negative thoughts. Spirit Boy shares his insight in a way that's never been taught before. He doesn't want his friends to go through life not manifesting their dreams, just because they don't know their negative thoughts are their enemy. Some kids will carry these same negative thoughts throughout their life just because they don't know how the LAW OF ATTRACTION really works -- both the positive and negative.

This book teaches you why you need to raise your vibration to a higher frequency, and how the 'like attracts like' energy can work to your advantage.

Our leaders of tomorrow must learn they are responsible for their own vibrational energy. The sooner they get this concept, the better their lives become. Kahlil Gibran's verse "Children" summed it up perfectly: "Your children are not your children, they come through you and not from you..."

This book is non-judgmental; "SPIRIT BOY" respects people's religious freedom. It's similar to the principles taught by people like the Abraham-Hicks duo. "SPIRIT BOY" is the book that will open the door to all those kids and teens wanting to learn the same valuable secrets, which are spoken through their friend Spirit Boy.

"SPIRIT BOY" relates to their problems at home, at school, as nothing more than small obstacles they can overcome by staying in 'the zone.' By changing their thoughts to ones of well-being, they will automatically vibrate on a higher frequency. He teaches them how easy it is to change their direction in life and manifest everything they have ever dreamed of when they use the Law of Attraction. His new friends discover that when they stay in 'the zone' they manifest every dream they have ever wanted and more. Parents, this is the NEW way to be COOL!

*****
Learn more about this book at http://www.triciakelly.net/

The list price of this book is $16.95. To purchase it from Amazon.com for $15.25, a 10% discount, go here.

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*** Brief News of the World ***
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Positive:

* Rover, call me an ambulance -- dog calls 911 *

"Man's best friend" doesn't go far enough for Buddy -- a German shepherd who remembered his training and saved his owner's life by calling 911 when the man had a seizure. And it's not the first time Buddy has been there for owner Joe Stalnaker, a police officer said Sunday. On a recording of the 911 call Wednesday, Buddy is heard whimpering and barking after the dispatcher answers and repeatedly asks if the caller needs help. (Click here for complete news story)

* Jolie, Pitt donate $2 million for Ethiopian clinic *

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are giving back to the country where their 3-year-old daughter Zahara was born. The couple have donated $2 million to help fight HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in Ethiopia, said the Global Health Committee, which announced the donation by the Jolie-Pitt Foundation. The organization will use the money to build a center in the capital city of Addis Ababa for children affected by the disease and establish a program to treat tuberculosis in children and adults. The center will be named for Zahara. (Click here for complete news story)

* San Antonio will turn sewage into energy: Methane gas emitted by biosolids expected to earn up to $250,000 a year *

The city plans to turn the stench of its residents' waste into sweet green cash and renewable energy. The San Antonio Water System will sell captured methane gas generated from the utility's treatment of 140,000 tons of biosolids, or sewage, from customers each year. The city-owned utility's board of trustees approved a contract Tuesday to provide at least 900,000 cubic feet of natural gas daily for the next 20 years to Ameresco Inc., a Framingham, Mass.-based energy services company. (Click here for complete news story)

** For more positive news, please visit http://www.selfgrowth.com/news.html

Other:

* Million-year-old camel bone unearthed in Syria: May be a previously unknown tiny species of the animal *

Scientists have unearthed a camel jawbone in the Syrian desert that they think may be a previously unknown tiny species of the animal and say dates back a million years. The jawbone was found last month near the village of Khowm in the Palmyra region, about 150 miles northeast of Damascus, said Heba al-Sakhel, the head of the Syrian National Museum who was one of the leaders of the team of Syrian and Swiss researchers. (Click here for complete news story)

* Photo may reveal planet orbiting sun-like star -- Astronomers: For all this planet's strangeness, its star is quite like our own *

Astronomers have taken what may the first picture of a planet orbiting a star similar to the sun. This distant world is giant (about eight times the mass of Jupiter) and lies far out from its star (about 330 times the Earth-Sun distance). But for all the planet's strangeness, its star is quite like our own sun. Previously, the only photographed extrasolar planets have belonged to tiny, dim stars known as brown dwarfs. And while hundreds of exoplanets have been detected by noting their gravitational tug on their parent stars, it is rare to find one large enough to image directly. (Click here for complete news story)

* OMG! Wall Street Journal Launches Social-Networking Site *

The Wall Street Journal is borrowing elements from popular Internet hangouts like Facebook as it seeks to boost usage. WSJ.com, one of the few news sites to restrict many of its stories to paying subscribers, is changing its layout to help nonpaying visitors navigate and identify free, ad-supported content. Those visitors will see a different home page from users who sign in as subscribers. The new "Journal Community" is coming Tuesday as part of the site's first major revision since 2002. (Click here for complete news story)

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