Articles of Interest

We have put together a series of articles that you can use for your own newsletters, e-zines or company intranet. Feel free to use them with our compliments.

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5 Ways to enjoy Life More!

“I never seem to get the chance to really enjoy myself anymore! If only there was more time…”. An all-too common cry in our society these days.

The ‘bad’ news is there will never be more time. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks in the year for as many years as the cards deal to us. That’s all we’re going to get.

The good news is that there are ways of experiencing more enjoyment during that time. Here are five of them …

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Can-Do Thinking – it does make a difference!

The diversity in people will always fascinate me! And when it comes to Customer Service, the differences can be particularly striking! As you probably know yourself, it’s the people involved (not the specific ‘product’) that makes the service memorable – in either a positive or negative way!

Here’s an interesting recent experience of mine that really brought home the importance of our attitude – to our work and life in general …

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You Cannot Not Influence! How to achieve desirable outcomes through others

Influence: An invisible or insensible (unconscious or incapable of being perceived) action exerted by one thing or person on another; the power of producing effects by invisible means; to modify, affect, sway; to move or impel to (do) something.

The Macquarie Dictionary gives us this definition of one of the most important aspects of interpersonal relationships. Whether or not we are aware of it, every day in countless ways, we are influencing those around us. Clients, employees, prospects, peers – all are impacted in some way by what we say and do. In is in our interest, then, to become aware of the influence we are having on others and to ensure it matches out intentions.

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Presentations with Pizzazz! The Top 10 Considerations when selecting your Visual Aids

Nervous about making presentations? Welcome to the human race! Public Speaking has for many years consistently been rated as adults’ #1 fear. Amazingly, this phobia rates higher than fear of snakes, spiders, flying and other potentially scary things and life events.

At the same time, delivering effective and impactful presentations in a variety of contexts in the business world has become a skill crucial to our continued and future success. Think of all the circumstances in which you are asked to lead a discussion, present a proposal or convey new information. As our careers take flight and our business grows, we may be called upon many times to inform, inspire, motivate, encourage, educate, promote, sell, persuade, market and convince many people. Being confident as a presenter is an invaluable asset to take with us through our journey.

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Self Awareness – A Path to Serenity

Ever had one of those days? Sometimes the reasons are obvious – the car ran out of petrol, you arrived 20 minutes late to an important meeting, a last-minute job with an urgent deadline got dropped on you at work and you returned home at 8:30pm to find only mouldy left-overs in the refrigerator for dinner! Pretty easy to see how this kind of day could leave you feeling out-of-sorts!

But what about those times when the reasons for your low mood aren’t obvious at all? You can clearly discern a sense of uneasiness, despondency or even sadness. On reflection, none of this can be traced back to any specific event or circumstance. Yet the feeling is ‘real’, nonetheless, and you may begin to feel even worse because in the absence of a ‘cause’ you feel powerless to actually do something to help you feel better.

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The Myth of ‘Balance’: How to live a more satisfying life

We are five times richer and live thirty years longer than we did a century ago … but are we happier?

The average Australian can afford the car, home, food, clothes – and, for many, even a private education – yet they can’t afford to take a day off work.

Employees take promotions to pay for the longed-for overseas family holiday, but can’t find the time to enjoy the time off.

Despite our wealth, 40% of Australians believe life is getting worse, not better.

Further, research has demonstrated a close link between work hours, family life and life satisfaction.

The bad news is that there is no magic wand, pill or formula that will get our lives in the desired ‘balance’.

The good news is that we can unlearn many of the habits that have led us to our current state of dissatisfaction and learn new and more fulfilling ways of living our life.

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Today is a Gift: How to focus on the present and be flexible through change

“The only thing constant is change.” “Be prepared.” “You never know what tomorrow will bring.”

We certainly live in uncertain times – especially so since the events of September 11, 2001.

With continuing shifts in our economy, downsizing and outsourcing in business and readjusting the goal posts, I am increasingly asked by my clients to equip their staff to deal with change.

Managing ourselves (and our businesses) requires high levels of flexibility and tenacity. In developing these skills and attitudes, there is, of course, no ‘quick fix’. However, there are things we can do that will move us in the desired direction.

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