![]() In today’s fast-paced work environments, feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and lost in the grind is easy. Amid tight deadlines and endless meetings, spirituality might seem like a luxury or something to leave at the door. However, integrating spirituality into your workday doesn’t require hours of meditation or profound rituals. It’s about finding balance, meaning, and alignment—even in the busiest schedules. This article explores workplace spirituality, why it matters, practical ways to incorporate it, and how to navigate potential challenges. What is Workplace Spirituality? Workplace spirituality isn’t about religion or adherence to a specific belief system. Although, a religious belief system may support your spirituality. Instead, it involves cultivating a sense of purpose, interconnectedness, and alignment between personal values and professional goals. It’s about bringing your authentic self to work and finding meaning in what you do, whether in big achievements or small everyday tasks. Four Reasons to Add Spirituality into Busy Lives. Why should we even think about adding spirituality into our busy lives? Here are four benefits for your consideration. 1. Job Satisfaction When you infuse spirituality into your work life, it’s like getting a shot of happiness straight to your soul! Studies have shown that employees who connect with their spiritual selves often report higher job satisfaction. It’s like finding that perfect pair of shoes that fit like a glove – it just feels right! 2. Boost Creativity and Innovation Ever felt stuck in a creative rut? Spiritual practices like meditation and mindfulness can help clear that mental fog. When your mind is calm, it’s like opening a window to fresh ideas. You’ll be firing on all cylinders, ready to come up with those brilliant ideas you’ve been dreaming about! 3. Stronger Relationships Spirituality can help foster deeper connections with your team. Treating each other with respect, kindness, and compassion is like creating a mini support group right in your workplace. It’s all about teamwork and collaboration. 4. Reduce Stress Let’s be real – work can sometimes feel like you’re running a marathon with no finish line. However, spiritual tools like mindfulness can help you calm down and reduce stress. When you’re less stressed, you’re more focused and productive. Not only that, but you will also be better able to align with your purpose and achieve greater fulfillment. How You Can Infuse Spirituality into Your Busy Work Life Now that we know why it’s beneficial let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make this happen while you’re juggling deadlines and meetings. 1. Start with Intention: Before diving into the chaos of emails and meetings, set your intention for the day for a few minutes. This could be as simple as saying to yourself, “Today, I will approach my work with kindness and positivity.” Think of it as putting on your superhero cape before heading into battle! 2. Take Mindful Breaks: Mindfulness doesn’t need to be a whole yoga retreat! Just taking a couple of deep breaths before a meeting can do wonders. You can also practice being present during conversations with coworkers rather than just thinking about your to-do list. It’s like giving your brain a mini-vacation! 3. Create a Spiritual Corner: If possible, set up a little spiritual corner in your workspace. It can be as simple as a small plant, a picture that inspires you, or something that brings you peace. This can be your go-to spot for a little boost when work gets hectic. 4. Reflect on Purpose: When deep in work mode, it’s easy to forget to take breaks. But taking a few moments to reflect and check in with yourself can work wonders. Take a few minutes each week to write in a journal about how your work aligns with your broader life goals. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your computer! 5. Seek Out Like-Minded Peers: Find coworkers who share your interest in spirituality. You can bond over lunch or start a little book club discussing spiritual books. Surrounding yourself with positive energy is like filling your tank with good vibes! 6. Attend Workshops or Seminars: Look for workshops or seminars on workplace spirituality. These can provide valuable insights and introduce you to new practices. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others who are on the same journey! 7. Embrace Gratitude: At the end of each day, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This simple practice can shift your mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this.” Gratitude is like the cheerleader of the soul! Challenges That May Arise While the benefits of workplace spirituality are clear, there can be obstacles, such as: Skepticism from Others: Some colleagues might misunderstand your practices as unprofessional or unnecessary. Time Constraints: Finding moments for spirituality can feel impossible in a packed schedule. Cultural Sensitivities: It’s important to ensure that practices are inclusive and respectful of diverse beliefs. Self-Doubt: You may question whether prioritizing spirituality is truly worthwhile amidst pressing tasks. You can overcome these challenges by initiating the following strategies.
Conclusion Incorporating spirituality into a busy work schedule is less about adding tasks to your to-do list and more about shifting your perspective. By fostering connection, balance, and meaning, spirituality can transform your workday and enhance both personal and professional growth. Call to Action Why not start small today? Take five minutes to reflect on what truly matters to you and how you can align your work with those values. Share this article with a colleague and encourage a conversation about workplace spirituality. Together, you can create a more fulfilling and balanced work environment. Thank you for reading. Richard Check out these FMeLearning Offerings Executive Coaching: https://bit.ly/4cnqGDV Bizwoli: https://bit.ly/3YripHD FM eLearning YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3SHzYTr Affiliate Marketing With Richard YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3ZqE18D FM Storefront: https://bit.ly/4bNfiBs More For You Coaching Opportunity with Max, Fergal, and Trevor: https://bit.ly/3t4cbmO Michael j Cheney: The Secret Money System: https://bit.ly/47jDHMQ Michael Cheney: Partner and Profit: https://bit.ly/3ZkY3mI
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![]() In today’s competitive and fast-paced professional landscape, cultivating a strong sense of workplace ethics and integrity is not just an admirable quality—it’s essential. Ethics and integrity form the backbone of a trustworthy and cohesive work environment where individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Upholding honesty, transparency, and respect in all interactions has far-reaching benefits, enhancing not only the internal dynamics of an organization but also its external reputation and relationships with clients and partners. The Core of Workplace Ethics Workplace ethics encompasses the principles and moral values that guide the behavior of individuals and organizations. These principles often include honesty, accountability, fairness, and respect. An ethical workplace establishes a framework where employees know what is expected of them and feel secure in an environment that prioritizes moral conduct. Upholding such values creates a culture that deters unethical behavior and nurtures mutual trust. Integrity, on the other hand, is the practice of consistently acting in alignment with those moral principles—regardless of circumstances or personal gain. When individuals demonstrate integrity, they reinforce a culture of trust and dependability, serving as role models for their peers. The Impact of Ethics and Integrity Ethics and integrity go beyond compliance with policies or regulations. When woven into the fabric of daily work, they create a workplace where employees can collaborate openly and productively. Consider the following impacts:
Cultivating Ethics and Integrity in the Workplace Creating an ethical workplace culture starts with leadership. Leaders set the tone for the values of the organization by modeling ethical behavior in their daily activities. Some practical steps to build and maintain this culture include:
Conclusion and Call to Action A workplace that prioritizes ethics and integrity lays the foundation for lasting success. Whether you are a leader setting policies or an individual contributing to the team, your commitment to honesty, transparency, and respect shapes the work culture and fosters a positive, productive environment. Let’s strive to create and nurture workplaces where integrity is not just an ideal but a daily practice. Start today by being conscious of your actions and holding yourself accountable. Embrace open communication and lead with transparency—because building trust begins with you. Thank you for reading folks. Continue your journey to act your best and search for your true self. Richard Resources For You Executive Coaching: https://bit.ly/4cnqGDV Bizwoli: https://bit.ly/3YripHD FM eLearning YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3SHzYTr Affiliate Marketing With Richard YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3ZqE18D FM Storefront: https://bit.ly/4bNfiBs Image by Pexels.com ![]() One thing I often hear from internet marketers is their downplaying of the value of traditional jobs. They paint a bleak picture: employees stuck in gray cubicles, sipping lukewarm coffee, trapped in positions with no escape. They use terms like "rat race," "corporate grind," and "9-to-5 prison," as if working in a structured environment is synonymous with despair. Well, folks, I’m here to tell you that not everyone in the corporate world is miserable. In fact, I look back on my time working within the corporate environment with fond memories. It didn’t drain my soul or make me feel trapped—instead, it gave me purpose and taught me invaluable lessons about service, growth, and fulfillment. Now, don’t get me wrong. I know some people don’t find a fit in the workplace. After all, I have worked with many of them to find the right fit, including opening a business and expanding their horizons on the Internet platform. The reality is, however, that there are more working in jobs than taking the route of entrepreneurship. Another reality is that most of those who move on to entrepreneurship hire people. So here is my take on getting the right fit from my experience. Structure and Stability One of the most underrated aspects of having a job is the structure it provides. While the entrepreneurial world can be exciting, it’s also uncertain. A traditional job gives you a routine, a schedule, and a predictable flow. For many, this structure is comforting. It allows you to balance your personal and professional lives, plan your future, and feel secure knowing where your next paycheck comes from. We also need to be realistic about the state of the economy today. We are experiencing a tremendous shift in the long-term viability of many organizations. Thus, there is instability for those who work in this changing economy. But this does not mean that people can’t find new places of work. They may require help in developing new skills, locating a different place of work, or managing their careers, but in the long run, they may be better off in finding new work than starting a business. It is all about finding the right fit for them. Personal Growth Corporate life isn’t just about clocking in and out. Every job allows you to develop your skills, broaden knowledge, and learn how to navigate complex situations. Whether dealing with demanding clients or collaborating on projects with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, my roles challenged me in ways that helped me grow personally and professionally. Teamwork and Collaboration The workplace is a hub for collaboration. I’ve been fortunate to work with teams that were full of diverse perspectives, personalities, skills, and insights. Together, we tackled challenges, brainstormed ideas, and created solutions that would have been impossible alone. The camaraderie and shared sense of purpose created an environment where people supported each other, building strong, long-lasting relationships. Opportunities to Serve One of the most rewarding aspects of having a job is the opportunity to serve others. Whether helping a team member overcome a challenge, providing excellent service to a client, or mentoring a younger colleague, the corporate environment allowed me to make a positive impact. There’s a unique sense of purpose that comes from knowing your work is contributing to the greater good, even if it’s in small ways. Learning from Leadership In the corporate world, you can often access mentors, managers, and leaders who guide your development. I learned invaluable lessons from those above me and, in turn, passed those lessons on to others. Good leadership within the workplace fosters growth, development, and encouragement, and I’m grateful for the mentors who shaped my career and character. The Value of Stepping Stones A job, for many, is a stepping stone. It’s a way to develop the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to reach higher goals. Not every job is glamorous, but every role provides something valuable. Whether aiming for a promotion, planning to start your own business, or simply gaining more experience, traditional jobs can serve as critical milestones on your journey. Work-Life Balance Contrary to the narrative pushed by some internet marketers, many corporate jobs provide an opportunity for a healthy work-life balance. With clear boundaries between work hours and personal time, many people can pursue hobbies, spend time with family, and enjoy their lives outside of work. For me, having that structure actually gave me more time to dedicate to my family and personal passions. Sense of Belonging One aspect often gets overlooked is the sense of community a job can provide. When you work in a place long enough, you develop relationships with colleagues who share your challenges and victories. This sense of belonging can be a powerful motivator and make work feel less like a chore and more like a shared experience. Preparing for the Next Chapter: Entrepreneurship My corporate career wasn’t just a comfortable chapter—it was the foundation that prepared me for the risky and exciting world of entrepreneurship. The skills I gained, from managing teams to navigating complex business challenges, were invaluable when I stepped into running my own business. The structure and discipline of the corporate world taught me how to set goals, manage resources, and lead confidently. Every lesson, every project, and every mentor along the way contributed to my ability to take calculated risks and make informed decisions as an entrepreneur. Without that foundation, I wouldn’t have had the same confidence or expertise to pursue my dreams in the business world. Conclusion It’s easy to get caught up in the narrative that the corporate world is all doom and gloom, but that’s far from the full story. For many of us, having a job isn’t a trap—it’s an opportunity. It provides structure, fosters growth, and allows us to serve others while building a life we’re proud of. My time in the corporate world wasn’t a hindrance; it was a launchpad. The skills, relationships, and experiences I gained there prepared me for my future as I stepped into entrepreneurship's risky but rewarding world. The lessons learned in managing teams, navigating challenges, and serving others gave me the confidence to take on new ventures. So, to all the internet marketers pushing the idea that a job is an enemy—let’s not forget that, for many, a traditional job offers purpose, fulfillment, and the foundation needed to pursue even greater ambitions. Thank you for reading. Continue becoming your best as you search for your true self. Richard From the FM Storefront: Career Shift ![]() Our cities are now global villages, and in this rapidly evolving business landscape, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have a unique opportunity to leverage diversity and inclusion as a powerful catalyst for growth. Among the various facets of diversity, multilingualism stands out as a key factor that can significantly enhance a company’s ability to innovate, communicate, and compete globally. By empowering multilingual teams, SMBs can foster a dynamic, inclusive workplace culture that drives success. Benefits of a Multilingual Team There are several benefits to developing multilingual teams. Here are four:
Overcoming Language Barriers Despite the advantages, managing a multilingual team can present challenges. Here are some strategies to overcome language barriers in SMBs:
Best Team Apps for Multilingual Teams Technology can significantly aid SMBs in managing multilingual teams by enhancing communication and collaboration. Here are five of the best apps for supporting multilingual teams:
Conclusion For small to medium-sized businesses, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace by empowering multilingual teams is beneficial and essential for long-term success. Embracing language diversity can enhance communication, drive innovation, and provide a competitive edge in the global marketplace. However, it requires a proactive approach to overcoming language barriers and providing multilingual employees with the necessary tools and support. Call to Action SMBs have the potential to create an inclusive and dynamic workplace by valuing and supporting multilingualism. Start by evaluating your current policies and practices to identify areas for improvement. Invest in language training and cultural competency programs and leverage technology to support multilingual communication. Doing so will foster an environment where all employees feel valued and empowered, leading to greater success for your business. Thank you for reading, folks, and continue becoming the best version of yourself. Richard, No commissions are received from the apps suggested in this article. Image from Pexels.com A.I. assisted article. ![]() Organizational culture is the backbone of any successful company, agency, or non-profit. It encompasses the values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape the organizations social and psychological environment. A positive organizational culture attracts and retains talent, enhances employee satisfaction, boosts productivity, and drives organizational success. This article examines the role of organization culture in creating a positive and productive work environment and outlines four strategies for creating and maintaining a strong organizational culture. The Profound Significance of Organizational Culture A strong organizational culture is the foundation for a cohesive and motivated workforce. Here are some ways in which a positive organizational culture contributes to a productive work environment:
Strategies for Creating and Maintaining a Strong Organizational Culture 1. Define and Communicate Core Values Core values are the guiding principles that shape an organization's behavior and decision-making processes. To build a strong culture, it is crucial to define these values clearly and communicate them consistently across the organization. Leaders should embody these values and set an example for their teams. Regularly discussing and reinforcing core values through meetings, training sessions, and internal communications ensures they remain a central part of the organization's operations. 2. Foster Open Communication Open communication is essential for a healthy work environment. Encourage employees to share their ideas, feedback, and concerns without fear of retribution. Implementing regular check-ins, town hall meetings, and anonymous suggestion boxes can help maintain an open dialogue. When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to contribute positively to the organization's culture and overall success. 3. Promote Work-Life Integration A culture that promotes work-life integration shows employees that their well-being is a priority. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and policies encouraging taking breaks and vacations can help prevent burnout and improve job satisfaction. Employees with a healthy work-life balance are more productive, focused, and motivated. 4. Recognize and Reward Contributions Recognizing and rewarding employees for their hard work and achievements fosters a culture of appreciation and motivation. Implementing a structured recognition program, celebrating milestones, and providing career growth and development opportunities can boost morale and encourage a positive work environment. Regularly acknowledging employees' contributions shows that their efforts are valued and appreciated. Conclusion A positive and productive work environment is essential for the long-term success of any organization. By focusing on creating and maintaining a strong organization culture through clear core values, open communication, work-life balance, and employee recognition, businesses can foster an atmosphere where employees thrive and contribute to the organization's success. Call to Action Building a strong culture requires continuous effort and commitment from all levels of an organization. Start by assessing your current culture and identifying areas for improvement. Implement the strategies outlined in this article, one step at a time, and make a concerted effort to foster a positive and productive work environment. Remember, a strong organizational culture is not built overnight, but with dedication and persistence, it will become the cornerstone of your organization's success. This article provides a quick peek at the significance of an organizational culture with practical strategies for enhancing it. Let me know if you need any further details or adjustments! Thank you for reading. Take care and continue becoming the best version of yourself. Richard Other FREE articles on this subject from the eLearning Magazine Listen to the July 24, 2024 Podcast: https://bit.ly/3Dr9AFC Image created by Microsoft Copilot. Article written with the aid of IA. ![]() Whether trying to develop personally or professionally, embracing a mentor's guidance is valuable. If you think back to your past, you can probably point to several people with more experience who confidently walked through life and made you feel more confident when they patted you on the back, whether a teacher or a manager, early in your career. Finding the right mentor will allow you to build a dynamic partnership beyond simply teaching skills. It gives you access to wisdom, encourages mutual growth, and, as a result, creates a shared experience between two people walking similar paths. Playing the mentor role is just as important to the personal and professional development journey. Today, we'll focus on its role in the mentee's life. Transfer Skills and Knowledge The first and most obvious point of mentorship is the exchange of skills and knowledge. A mentor is generally someone much further in their field than the mentee, which means they can provide insights the mentee hasn't had a chance to gather through real-world experience. Similarly, this exchange of knowledge accelerates skill development because not only can a mentor teach the mentee new skills, but the wisdom they impart helps the mentee put all of it to work to tackle obstacles and challenges with an informed, strategic approach. Lean on Wisdom A professional mentor can be a wise compass for you. They can guide you as you navigate the industry, leverage their experience to offer helpful advice on your options and highlight your skills and opportunities. This is ideal for anyone looking to advance their career, but it also helps foster a sense of purpose and direction, directly beneficial to your personal life. Nurture Emotional Support and Growth Mentorship goes beyond the professional. A mentor can also help nurture emotional well-being and personal growth. Part of the role of the mentor is that the relationship creates a safe space for open and honest communication. This space allows you to discuss your fears, dreams, and challenges. That emotional support will help you in every aspect of life, not just your professional one. Networking Opportunities What many people forget to consider about a mentor is the networking opportunities. Your mentor wants you to succeed because they are helping you develop to be your best. As an established person in the industry, they can introduce you to influential contacts, which is a great way to build your network, and you never know when an opportunity will come your way, thanks to one of those connections. Gaining Inspiration When someone chooses a mentor, it's because it's a person they respect. They see their success and certain qualities in them and want to achieve the same. So, the relationship between the two isn't just about gaining wisdom or new skills. It's also about building a work ethic and establishing the qualities you want to attain, so a mentor is an inspirational role model. Or an aspirational one, depending on how you look at it. The interconnected world and mentorship. In today's interconnected world, the traditional concept of mentorship has evolved beyond face-to-face interactions. Advancements in technology have opened up a plethora of opportunities for mentorship to transcend physical boundaries. Whether through video calls, emails, or virtual collaboration platforms, individuals can now connect with mentors from across the globe. This virtual landscape facilitates convenience and access to a diverse pool of mentors with unique perspectives and expertise. Moreover, virtual mentorship allows flexibility in scheduling, making it more accessible to individuals with busy lifestyles or those residing in remote areas. By embracing virtual mentorship, individuals can tap into a wealth of knowledge and guidance, fostering personal and professional growth regardless of geographical constraints. Final Thoughts Ultimately, many people succeed without a mentor – but those people tend to deal with challenges and stresses they wouldn't have had to navigate alone had they reached out to someone with more experience and wisdom. If you aspire to greatness and you want to be the best version of yourself, then finding a mentor you look up to and respect is a great move for your professional and personal development. We're all students of the world, so why wouldn't you accept help from someone further into their journey? Thank you for Reading. Richard Effective leadership is not just about giving orders and expecting others to follow. It's about setting a standard, embodying the values you preach, and inspiring your team through your own actions. One of the great disconnects in the workplace is when leaders identify values but don’t live them. Leading by example is a powerful way to inspire and motivate your team members. It means demonstrating the values, behaviors, and skills you want others to follow. In this article, we will explore the significance of leading by example and provide a plan of action with real-world examples. Cultivates a Positive Culture: Leading by example plays a pivotal role in cultivating a positive organizational culture. When a manager consistently exemplifies gratitude and publicly acknowledges the achievements of the team, it creates an atmosphere of appreciation and camaraderie. This positivity extends beyond the leader, influencing team dynamics and fostering a workplace where individuals are motivated to contribute their best efforts. Builds Trust: Transparency and honesty are the cornerstones of trust in any organization. By embodying these values, a leader can build a foundation of trust among team members. When a leader openly discusses challenges, showcases vulnerability, and admits mistakes, it sends a powerful message that encourages others to do the same. Trust becomes a currency that permeates throughout the organization, facilitating collaboration and a sense of security among team members. Boosts Productivity: Leaders who lead by example in terms of productivity set a high standard for their teams. When an executive consistently meets deadlines, goes above and beyond expectations, and demonstrates a strong work ethic, it creates a culture of efficiency and dedication. This example motivates team members to match or exceed the productivity levels set by their leader, fostering a collective commitment to achieving organizational goals. Promotes Accountability: Accountability is a fundamental aspect of a successful organization. Leaders who lead by example in accountability take responsibility for their actions and mistakes. When a team leader openly acknowledges errors and works towards rectifying them, it sets a precedent for accountability. This example permeates the team, encouraging individuals to take ownership of their work and learn from their experiences, ultimately contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. Encourages Innovation: Innovation flourishes in environments where leaders actively engage in continuous learning. When a CEO, for instance, exemplifies a commitment to staying informed, embracing new ideas, and encouraging creative thinking, it establishes a culture that values innovation. Team members feel empowered to share their own inventive ideas, knowing that their leader values and fosters a culture of forward-thinking and adaptability. This approach fuels the organization's capacity to stay competitive and innovative in a rapidly changing landscape. Plan of Action
Conclusion: In organizational settings, leading by example is not just a leadership style; it's a catalyst for positive change. By embodying the values and behaviors you expect from your team, you create a culture of trust, accountability, and innovation. The examples set by leaders reverberate throughout the organization, shaping its identity and influencing individual and collective success. Incorporating leading by example into your leadership approach requires self-awareness, consistency, and a genuine commitment to the values you espouse. As you implement this blueprint, remember that the impact is not only on the bottom line but also on the well-being and growth of your team. Through leading by example, you pave the way for a culture of excellence and resilience, setting the stage for sustained success in your organization. Thank you for reading, and continue becoming the best you can be… Richard Richard Fontanie Further Reading: Like it or Not, You Are Always Leading by Example Leading by Example This article was written with the help of A.I. Image by Pexels: Sora Shi Mazaki 566951 ![]() These days your senses are being bombarded with tons of information, sights, and sounds. Consider that while you are at work you will get interrupted, on average, about every 11 minutes. After that it takes you at least 15 minutes to get back on track with what you were initially doing. To top it off, scientists estimate that we receive, on average, around 34 gigabytes of information daily. It’s no wonder that Attention Deficit Disorder is on the rise. Our brains are constantly hopping from one thing to another that we’ve gotten to the point that our attention span is only 8 seconds, which is less than that of a goldfish! Luckily, there are things that can be done do to boost your concentration, focus and even memory skills. Read on to learn five of the most important concentration-boosting tips. 1. Listen to your body for your prime time. We all have those couple of hours when we feel we’re at our prime. For some, it’s early in the morning, while for others it can be later in the day. So figure out when your prime time is and use it to your advantage. Save those precious hours for your biggest projects. Also, make sure you work in 90-minute batches then take a 15-minute break. And no matter how good you think you are at multi-tasking, it’s best to avoid it. Doing many things at once cuts back your concentration levels by 40%. Besides, it leaves you frazzled and stressed out. 2. Eat right and exercise. Nutritious food, loaded with vitamins and minerals, helps boost blood flow to increase focus levels. Exercise regularly also stimulates your body into secreting endorphins which are ‘feel good’ hormones. They help motivating your creative juices and ability to concentrate for longer periods of time. Even if it’s just a walk outside around a nearby park, you’ll feel much better once you get some fresh air and enjoy being around nature. Exercise isn’t only for your body - but for your brain as well. There are numerous games that boost concentration, like crossword puzzles, number puzzles as Sudoku and many others. If you receive a newspaper most of these are free. You can also find them on the internet. Another game that helps you concentrate is Scrabble. In most cases you are learning how to concentrate while having fun. It’s even better when you have to work hard to complete a goal because your brain secretes dopamine when you are striving to accomplish something. Dopamine is a ‘feel good’ hormone, but when it becomes too low in your body it can negatively affect your ability to focus and concentrate. 3. Get tech-savvy. There are many new apps being introduced daily with the aim of organizing our lives and managing our time. And while many prove to be effective, there are those that manage to waste more time than actually save it. So pick and choose wisely the most efficient apps for your lifestyle. Being technologically smart also means knowing when to turn off your devices. There’s a time to check social media and emails, and there’s a time to wind down and get some work done - with no distractions from your phone. A time saving way to deal with your media activities is to put times in your calendar when you will go to them rather than they interrupting you. Another quick time saving technique is to color code those activities so that you can see them at a glance. 4. Organize your work area. Declutter, revamp and even redecorate your work area. Look at your workspace and determine what will help you be comfortable and organized. Do you need shelves? A plant? New lighting? And on your desk, you should have only the papers you need for the project you’re currently working on. Get rid of all the other clutter, they are just a distraction for you. 5. Establish a Routine If you have ever tried to focus on a task you know it isn’t always easy. We are always distracted by something that leads us astray whether that is at work or when we are carrying out other activities. One way to avoid this is to establish a routine and stick to it. This means setting time aside to work on your priorities for the day and then make sure you stick with your schedule. If can’t because of unavoidable circumstances then place the task for first thing the next morning. You could also start your day off with a morning routine. This could look different for everyone, but one routine that fits well with the morning is to set a few minutes aside for meditation and stretching. This allows you to put aside your smartphone for the first hour. You could also end the day with a solid nightly routine. Spend a few minutes reviewing your day and then plan for the next day so that you know when you wake up you have a plan for what needs to be done. This will keep you focused on what needs to be accomplished, improves your productivity, and sets the stage for confidence building. In Conclusion Hopefully these 5 tips on how to boost your concentration will help you achieve a more focused, more productive lifestyle. Each of them are not hard to do, you just need to commit to doing them. If you have difficulty trying to accomplish them all put them in your calendar one week at a time. In five short weeks you will have accomplished them all and in the end your will find your concentration and focus improved. Thank you for reading and as always folks stay safe, be well and continue becoming the best version of yourself. Richard We don’t need to wait until January to set goals. We can start at any time. The trick is to make the commitment to change. That is what it is all about. Goals set us up to change. But it is turning those goals into action that determines if you really have the mind set to make them happen. Here are five strategies ending with a commitment to make them happen. They are not hard goals but they will effect real change in the way you go about your work and your life. If they are a fit for you seize the opportunity to make them happen because your personal growth and development matter. Strategy #1: Set Achievable Personal and Work Goals When people set goals conventional research shows they live longer. However we should write these goals in a way that shows action and measurement. Action means we will do something to make it happen. Measurement allows us to track progress along the way. Be SMART, when you write them. Be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Trackable. If goals are not SMART they usually will fall into the category of a wish list. Let's take a couple of examples. At work you can write something like, "Complete the policy on the wellness program." A laudable goal, but not fully measurable or trackable. There is no timeline for completion, so you can say, "I'll get to it someday." And, behold it will be completed sometime. Maybe! A great incentive to procrastinate, don't you think? If your goal is relevant to your work, you should ask: "How does it relate to my work? What priority does it have?" And if it isn't relevant then ask, "Why am I doing it?" If it is relevant then ask, "How important is it? Is it necessary and urgent? Is it urgent and necessary? Is it necessary but not urgent? Or, is it urgent but not necessary at all?" Once you have answered these questions you can write a SMART goal such as: "I will complete a draft policy statement on wellness and present my leadership team for approval by September 30, 20XX." Then you can break it down into achievable monthly tasks, such as:
We can use the same goal setting strategy for our personal life as well. Rather than saying "I'm going to lose weight this year," be more specific and write down; "I'm going to lose 30 pounds/kilos by June 31, 20XX. Then set out the tasks to achieve that goal. When we know where we are going, ambiguity is reduced, progress can be measured, and our comfort level is heightened. In the end our stress level is reduced. This month focus on writing five SMART goals that you can action. Strategy #2: Accept The Givens Often our anxiety level increases because we worry about things outside of our control. Worry doesn't accomplish anything except personal grief, and often grief for others. Here are a few for instances: we can't control time, but we can control what we do with it; we can't control the weather, but we can control how we plan for poor weather; we can't control how people will relate to us, but we can control how we relate to others. We will have less anxiety if we control those things that are in our control and accept those things that are outside of our control. This month focus on controlling only those things in your control. Strategy #3: Take Energy Breaks One of the hard lessons busy people learn is that their energy drains when they don't fuel up. They skip meals or skimp on meals, gobble down food while working the phone or their computer and eat junk food rather than nutritious meals. I knew all about eating well but I didn't follow my own advice. The result - quadruple heart by-pass surgery and that wasn't pretty for me or my family. Busy people also learn that when they are at their computer long hours without ergonomic seating or when the monitor is too close, they experience strain and pain from their eyes, backs, shoulders and wrists. Take heed when these things happen your body is shouting, "Take a break!" Try these suggestions this month:
Strategy #4: Exercise Regularly Our body is built to move, so move it regularly. We can be quite sedentary when we are working at our desk. Often, we are either standing or sitting for long periods. Overtime this takes its toll on our body and we find fat rolls creeping around our waist, back-end, and other places too numerous to mention. The antidote to this is exercise. Get up from your chair and walk around, take a ten- minute walk in the morning, over the noon hour and in the evening. Find a buddy and go for a run. Take the stairs. If sitting, stand up and read or walk about while you read. Join a gym, seek a lifestyle coach or trainer. Do something, just don't sit and stand for hours on end. Do one or two of these activities daily and you will find you have more energy. Make a commitment to exercise this month. Strategy #5. Think Positively Thinking positively means approaching challenges with a positive outlook. It doesn't necessarily mean avoiding things that make us feel uncomfortable or ignoring negative situations. Instead, it means approaching those situations in a positive light, or making the best of a bad situation. We can improve our ability to think positively by affirming or actuating the positive for ourselves and others. Rather than thinking "I can't do this," say, "I can do this!" Rather than thinking, "I can't get along with this person," think about the positive aspects of the person and affirm those within your mind's eye; rather than thinking, "This place is a lousy place to work," think about, "What I can do to make it a better place to work." Thinking positively is not Pollyanna, pie in the sky thinking. It is thinking that is realistic but tempered with a positive approach to life rather than a negative one. Thinking positively works. According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking can lead to a longer life span, less stress, lower rates of depression, increased resistance to the common cold, better coping skills, lower risk of cardiovascular disease, increased physical wellbeing and overall better psychological health. If your approach to life is more on the negative side, and you would like to change it take heart because positive thinking can be learned. In essence you are learning a new habit and as is the case of any change in habit you will need to develop habit changing strategies. In this case,
In Conclusion Turning goals into actions is not hard. Committing to goals and actions is the hard part. One way to ensure you are committing to your goals and actions is to write them down and place them in front of you as a daily reminder. Another way is to ensure that they are front and center in your daily calendar. That way they will remind you to work on them. Changing a habit takes a bit of time and some of us are more stubborn than others. If you are like that a stronger commitment and reminder are necessary. Turn to someone you trust who can partner with you and keep you accountable until you have ingrained the new habit. Thank you for reading. Keep well. Stay safe. And, continue becoming the best version of yourself. Richard. ![]() You may now be returning to the workplace after a long two years of absence. You may be pleased to get back to the office, or maybe not so much. You liked the flexibility of working from home but now you are called back. Whether you like going back to the workplace or not, you will experience the push and pull of change. A quote by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus comes to mind. It is as true today as it was thousands of years ago, “the only constant is change.” Life changes, workplaces change, organizations change, sometimes slowly and sometimes very quickly. One of the keys to meeting change head on is to realize that is it not necessarily the change that happens that is important, but how you react to it. To cope effectively with changes, you need to develop key skills that will help you adapt and grow into your new reality. Below are seven ways to do just that. Respect Change Respecting change means accepting that change happens and striving to do what needs to be done to move through the change process. Finding balance and understanding between living with and adjusting your thinking to meet the challenges of change is a key coping skill. Accepting changes shows your strength. You may not like the changes that are taking place but understanding what you can accept versus what you can’t control helps you cope. The next step in meeting changes within the workplace is finding your comfort zone. This usually means clarifying for yourself what you have control over and searching out how the change will help you become better at what you do. Most people don’t like changes, but they can push you beyond your normal boundaries and help you grow. Give It Time Forever is a long time. Most changes don’t last forever because another change takes their place. One coping skill to deal with change is to remind yourself that your current situation can change too. When you learn to respect changes, you build the skill of moving yourself through them to a new and better situation. It’s meeting Heraclitus’s philosophical dictum head on -‘the only constant is change”. Both good and bad changes can happen slowly or unexpectedly. Either way, remember to frame the change as a part, not all, of your life. You don’t know how the next change will affect you, and it may be better. When you work on yourself to meet any kind of change, give yourself time to learn and grow. Learn from Mistakes There are a lot of stops and starts in organizational change. And, sometimes mistakes are made. You may be a person who wants to get on with it. Yet, the change may not go as smoothly as planned. It’s easy to become impatient when you want to make a change – or to adjust to change. Another key coping skill is to learn from the mistakes so that you can construct a better way to handle it. Don’t look at mistakes to find fault. And for goodness sakes don’t approach them with a mindset of failure. See them as mistakes that can be corrected. Use them to learn new skills and better ways of dealing with changes. Mistakes should be a teacher, not a barrier. Learning from your mistakes in the workplace helps you move past them and make better choices about how you will deal with future changes. Practice Self-Care Practicing self-care is also a key coping skill to deal with changes. Self-care includes taking the time to focus, build, and balance your mental and emotional health. The stronger your mental and emotional health is, the better you will be able to deal with changes. Self-care can include meditation, relaxing activities, or simply time spent pursuing hobbies and interests you have. Practices such as these outside of the workplace can help you deal with changes within the workplace. Even in the workplace you can slow your pace down by taking deep breaths and spending five minutes relaxing your brain with a quick meditation (see the 3 Minute Mental Break here). Taking the time to focus on yourself helps you build the mental and emotional strength needed to remain calm during changes and prepares you to make changes that will improve your life. Practice Gratitude When you struggle through the change process and discover what you can control, you will also learn to understand that changes can be opportunities. These opportunities can help you reach your personal goals by increasing your knowledge, seeking help from others, or committing to a course of action. When you see changes as opportunities, you become grateful for the chance to move forward. The skill of being grateful for even difficult changes helps improve your mindset. With a healthy, positive mindset, you will deal more effectively with changes now and into the future. Use Humor Scientists have studied the effects of humor on people’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Humor is a key coping skill for dealing with change. Laughing, smiling, and seeing the humor in situations can lower blood pressure, decrease stress, and boost your mood. Humor can put changes into perspective and remind you that not every change is as bad as you may think. Humor can also help you connect with other people who can support you during changes. Stay Physically Healthy When you are experiencing changes, you need to stay physically healthy. Poor health adds stress that can make changes more difficult. Needing to deal with health problems can steal your time and focus away from dealing with changes. Eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising your body will help you deal with changes. In conclusion You can see by how this article unfolded that changes you face in the workplace are fundamentally how you deal with change in all aspects of your life. Approaching workplace change with a sense of respect, gratitude and humor, a recognition that it could really be a time for personal growth, an attitude of learning from setbacks and mistakes, and a need to keeping healthy and looking after yourself, will help you become the best version of yourself. Use these key coping skills and it doesn't matter how big or small, good or bad the change is you can deal with it more effectively. Thank you for reading and as always take care, be safe and continue your journey of self-discovery. Richard F. ![]() What is with this topic? It seems odd to talk about a workplace culture when you are running a homebased business with few if any employees. Lets talk about this. Workplace culture usually means a collection of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that are found within a regular work environment and is normally found in workplaces outside the home. Healthy workplace cultures align employee behaviors with the vision, mission values, and goals of the company, while considering the overall wellbeing of individuals. Thriving companies have work cultures that recognize employees successes and provide rewards when they do well. This suggests that they are led by leaders and managers who continually look for positive attributes of everyone within the organization and foster the use of their talents. When the work culture is positive everyone pulls together, collaborates, coordinates work, and has positive relationships. Workplace culture is often described as the personality and character of the company. It is what makes the company unique in the eyes of the employees, those looking to join it, and the people it serves. So how does this apply to a homebased solopreneur enterprise? Solopreneurs operate out of their home, often without employees, and are self-managed. Well there is more to this then initially meets the eye. These days we have two major shifts taking place in our workplace communities as a result of the recent pandemic. First, we are seeing a more flexible workplace where employees split their work between home and the outside workplace; and secondly, there are a number of people who have left the corporate world and have started their own business from home. This article concentrates on the latter situation, the solopreneur homebased business. How do they create a homebased culture? The Homebased Business Culture For those who are operating a homebased business my personal research as led me to believe that the owners of these businesses need to take a hard look at how they approach their business from a business perspective. By that I mean they need to be clear about their own business vision, mission, goals and values. Many do not take the time to sort this out. They jump right into starting a business without clearly identifying where they want to take the business and how the business should operate. They lack systems, processes and strong time management skills. Homebased Business Culture Problems Here are six problem areas I have found when working with solopreneurs:
What is this saying to solopreneurs? It seems they are caught on a treadmill. They are busy but going nowhere. Not only that they are burning themselves out. A Way Out For You The only employee of a homebased business is most often you. You are the owner and the doer in the business. So if you are the only employee what are you doing to yourself? What kind of environmental culture are you creating so that you not only survive but more importantly thrive in your business? We know that the solopreneur failure rate can be reduced when owners have effective training, coaches and mentors. This has been proven time and time again. Our firm has also proved this. Our experience showed that 80% of those who started a business were still in business after five years when they had access to business training, coaches and mentors. It is clear that if you as a solopreneurs want to build a personal business culture where you don’t crash and burn then you need to carefully consider:
In conclusion yes, solopreneurs can create an environment where they are driven by purpose and strategic direction based on meaningful principles and values. As they do, they will be seen by their colleagues and customers as leaders in their field of expertise and will travel on a path that points in the direction of success. And, they will have a more balanced lifestyle giving time for those things that are most important to them. They will be building a satisfying culture for themselves. If you find you and your homebased business is not progressing in the direction you would like then contact me for a free personal consultation to determine the best course of action for you. Just click the button below. Thank you for reading and as always stay safe, keep well and continue becoming the best version of yourself. Richard Fontanie ![]() It seems that adults are subject to stress no matter where they are at: on the job, at home, in social gatherings and even on vacation. Unfortunately technology is feeding into the stress meter. So much so that it is one of the leading causes of anxiety overload we experience on a daily basis. In fact we can now positively say that a slave attachment to social media can be addictive. Recent studies are finding a direct link between productivity performance issues and the way people exploit social media worldwide. It may be fun to browse our friends’ posts or be tickled with the latest funny YouTube video or just taking a minute to glance at Tic Toc, but the truth is all that time spent on social media translates into lost productivity. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking about the positive impact social media can have, both on our work and business. What I am talking about is the misuse of social media in the workplace. Here are some examples. Delaying Pending Work There is no doubt many people put off meeting deadlines because of the work piled up on their desk or virtual desktop. We have a host of excuses as to why this may occur. Some legitimate while others not so legitimate. There are legitimate excuses that may relate to illness, children, and sickness within the family. Then there are not so legitimate reasons such as procrastination, lack of an action plan or lack of setting priorities. We fall to the favorite excuse of many, ‘there is just not enough time to finish the work.” Several years ago we could blame other factors for delaying the work we do, however, technology has now become an example of how lifestyle improvements can work both ways: technology can help us get the job done more efficiently or postpone it for an incredible amount of time. One of the first things we can do about this problem is to accept our responsibilities and acknowledge that social media does play a role in the way we deal with our work. Unless our job requires us to interact with social media we are wasting energy and that impacts the amount of stress we feel because we are not managing our time well. Playing to Insecurity Many people like to compare themselves to their friends. We used to call this “keeping up with the Jones’". Now we have social media which has opened the door to a large number of new friends. Some of whom we really don’t know, but we add them anyway to our list. These so called friends are nothing other than virtual acquaintances but their influence affects us anyway. Not only do we compare ourselves to the friends we know, we now compare ourselves to the friends we don’t know, setting the bar even higher than it was before. In essence it seems we don’t want to appear ‘boring’ in comparison to our friends. We see them going on exotic trips, perhaps having more money than us they take extended vacations to places we can only dream about going to, or they post pictures of their latest purchase giving the impression that they are highflyers. The reality is, however, that many social media users portray a status they don’t have. The bottom line here is not to accept everything you see on social media as fact and more importantly avoid comparing yourself with others. Recognize your own importance and self-worth and the merits of your potential. Masking Mental Health Some mental illness can now be easily diagnosed such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. People with these conditions are not defined by them but they are seen as an illness, just as a physical ailment doesn’t define the person who is physically ill. There are mental health conditions that keep cropping up at different times in our history. Today, one of them may be a condition which we have masked as ‘shyness’. Now shyness can reflect a quiet and withdrawn character trait but some people hide behind the term ‘shy’ or ‘shyness’ as a way to cover up a fear if missing out. FOMO or the “Fear Of Missing Out” is a term used in this connection. What happens in cases like this is that people will tend to blame their lack of social skills by interacting with a growing number of “friends” online. This allows them to mask mental health issues by living in denial. In other words, since I interact with people online, I have no relational or social disorders such as “shyness”. People in the medical profession are beginning to recognize a growing trend of people seeking medical help which is directly related to our current use of social media. Perhaps an antidote to this is to tune out online activity and tune into offline relationships. The Results of Stress When we don’t take stress seriously it can be the main cause of a long list of life-threatening conditions. The Stressology 100 Learning Guide – Mind, Body and Emotions, points out that stress can cause intermittent anxiety attacks to chronic conditions such as gastritis, heart diseases, diabetes, and depression. The list covers almost every aspect of everyday life. Why does stress trigger havoc in our lives? The culprit falls to an imbalance produced by stressful conditions which in turn triggers massive amounts of cortisol – also known as the “stress hormone” – which directly impacts sleep patterns, elevated blood pressure, weight gain, hyperglycemia, and cognitive performance issues such as memory loss or disfunction; this is a cycle that repeats itself over and over again unless we decide to do something about it. So, what can we do about it? Well the good news is there are ways to deal with deep levels of stress through therapy groups, individual counselling, and even self-help approaches. The first step is to recognize that one has a problem and then move towards a healing process. Now it may not be easy, and one should not expect immediate results. But when attachment to social media reaches the addiction level then like most addictions, it can be healed but it will take time to both deal with it appropriately and adapt to a more normal social outcome. Awareness, Determination, perseverance and support are keys to resolution and the road to a more satisfying lifestyle. Thank you for reading, and as always stay safe, be well and continue becoming the best version of yourself. Richard Fontanie Further Resources Anxiety and Social Media Use : https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/digital-world-real-world/202002/anxiety-and-social-media-use What is Social Media Addiction, https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/social-media-addiction/ Stressology 100 and 200 – Stress Care For Today. And excellent resource for the cause and remedy for stress. Found in the FM Storefront. Shyness and Social Media use: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S074756321930158X It’s not personal article written by Sherry Knight, Dimension11
It's not personal! Really? When you hear someone say to you, “…, it’s not personal.” Does your brain automatically think, gee, this isn’t about me, it’s about the world at large? I doubt it! It’s like when Sam says to Georgia, “It’s not personal, but your work is the pits!” Now tell me, are you going to hear that statement and say, “Oh, that’s not a slam against me?” Of course not! IT IS PERSONAL! And that is because we are emotionally involved in our work – after all, it is where we spend a third of our day. Being emotionally involved makes you a great employee and if you aren’t emotionally involved in your work then you are in the wrong job or perhaps even the wrong organization. This saying got a lot of attention in the film, The Godfather when Michael Corleone develops his plan to kill his rival mob boss and the corrupt police chief. Sonny, his brother, laughs it off lets Michael know that it’s business and he is taking it personally. Michael Corleone replies “It’s not personal Sonny. It’s strictly business!” Fortunately, we understand that Michael Corleone was wrong! Yes, totally wrong! It stings, it hurts when that statement is used, and it usually is, to remind us that something is not right about us. And that’s the truth. So, if you want to protect yourself around those words that you hear, consider this:
Whether at work or at home or in the community take the time to never allow it to be, “It’s not personal!” Everything is personal – everyone cares! Be sure to be the kind of friend and co-worker or manager that you want, not one that puts you down and makes you feel like you don’t matter. Each morning, start with your own growth – a daily plan including: gratitude, meditation, exercise and a focus on what the result of the day is. Being emotionally strong allows you to let those who say, “It’s just business!” not leave an impression (on) your psyche. Try it! ![]() In less than one’s normal lifetime we have experienced computers that filled walls to computers that fills the palm of our hands - a result of a paradigm shift of significant magnitude to mini eruptions. It actually started about 60 years ago when clunky computers began showing up in workplaces. They were the big machines where numbers were crunched and bits of data were spun out. When Administrators and Systems Directors asked managers what data they wanted, the response was blank looks, or if they did respond the information they required wasn’t available. It was data that was produced where information was required. Computers and their output were a mystery to most office personnel. In the mid-seventies I traveled to the IBM Research Centre outside of the San Francisco to learn about what might be coming down as we moved forward. That was my first introduction to how computers of the future could assist the business planning process. I was hooked. From that time on I have worked with organizations of all kinds to help them develop business plans, processes and action plans. Then came the 80s’ when Steve Jobs developed one of the first friendly desktop computers. My first purchase when we opened our consulting and training business in the mid-eighties was a portable Apple IIc computer. By today’s standard it was a small (7.5 lb./3.4 kg) 128kB of Ram computer with basic Excel, Word and drawing capacity. That computer had just as much and often more computing power than the big machines I saw at the IBM research center. Then society experienced an explosion of computing power. The Internet was starting to get off the ground and we were beginning to work in cyber space. Desktop computers were developed with more capacity, people were linking with other computers, first at the office then at home. The desktops were transforming into laptops. They were heavy but they were portable. And people started connecting back to the office from wherever they were through the internet. The turn of the century 1999 to 2000 came the big Y2K scare. Computer dates were set to two digits rather than four. Would the computers turn over to the new century or would we witness the greatest crash in all of history? Will financial institutions fail? Will it trigger a world war? Low and behold when we got up on New Year’s day not much had changed except many of us had headaches because of the great parties that we attended the night before. The next huge shift occurred in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first Smart phone – the iPhone. From desktop to laptop to a talking computer in our hand. And for the past 15 years we have witnessed more advancements in the cellphone industry. There are now and estimated over five plus billion cellphone users and for millions of people it has become their computer of choice. People now connect with others all over the world and information is literally at their fingertips. Along with the advent of the Smart phone came the advancements in social media. Our connections with each other have improved and the way we interact with each other has changed. Some feel for the better and others not so much. Social media has been a blessing and a curse. It has given a platform for people who share information for the ‘good’ of people, while others cater to the underbelly of society and use it as a platform for negativity. Society has yet to come to grips with this new phenomenon to on the one hand to protect people from the harm it causes and on the other to allow people the freedom to speak their truth. The next paradigm eruption is occurring right before our eyes and has its impetus from the COVID 19 pandemic. Because of COVID 19 offices closed, retail businesses started to fail faster than before the advent of the pandemic, people moved home to work, Google Meet, Zoom, Facetime, WebEx, and other computerized face-to-face platforms came into their own. The cottage industry – or home based business – which started at the turn of the 21rst century with a few courageous individuals now grows at a faster rate than ever before. People are finding that they can work from home, industry is finding that people can produce from home and business measures work by individual output – the same as before but now different because of distance from the office. Workers are finding that the locus of control has shifted from outside themselves to inside themselves. They are now fully responsible and accountable to get the work done. In the main this too has not changed, but now the minder (read manager) is not hovering over them to motivate, encourage and in some cases prod to get the work done. Workers are now fully responsible and accountable. Leaders and managers are trying to figure out how the new office will look like. They know that it will not be business as usual once people are called back to work. They know that some of their personnel will want to continue to work from home and that they will need to change the organizational structure, job descriptions, and the way people are organized. Workers who work from home are also finding they need to meet with co-workers, they miss the socialization and teamwork that an office environment creates, and some just need a break from their home environment. At the same time they like the responsibility, accountability, and flexibility that working from home offers. So the post pandemic office will change – it will be more people focused, flexible, less top down, more interactive and more loosely structured. Coupled with the changing nature of the office is a growing homebased business spectrum. People are moving away from being tied to business minders to running their own businesses from home. They are taking their life into their own hands and forging new ways of earning income. Some are creators of digital products, some receive commission by promoting products and services, some are investors in products of services, while still others are finding ways to work part-time out of their home while at the same time work on their own home-based business. In conclusion what we have experienced in the past sixty years is not one paradigm shift but a series of mini paradigm eruptions. We are now ensconced in the information age where we are conducting ourselves much different than we did in the industrial age. This is the macro paradigm shift. The other shifts that we have and that we are experiencing are micro eruptions within that macro one. We are moving with ever accelerating speed in time. Businesses and work in general needs to adjust with ever increasing flexibility which in turn will demand new ways of coping, responding and respecting each other as we encounter the next waves of change. Thank you for Reading Take Care, be safe, and continue becoming the best version of yourself, Richard P. Fontanie. |
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