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Planning for Vacation

5/19/2019

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My vacation this year required considerable planning, as I am currently walking the Camino in Spain. Besides preparing physically I also had to prepare to be out of the office with limited access to the internet. I went back to the strategies we use at Actualize. 
Step 1: Assign Tasks
Before you leave, take an inventory of all tasks you complete on a daily basis and keep a log of all open items. Determine which tasks you need coverage for while you are out of the office, and then assign the most appropriate team member(s) to look after them while you are away.
Step 2: Educate Your Team
Make sure your team has all the information they need while you are out of the office. If someone is covering your open items, ensure to supply them with the proper steps and contacts, and a game plan in case a conflict or new situation arises. By equipping your team with these tools, you will reduce the need for any calls, texts, or emails while you are away.
Step 3: Choose an Email Strategy
While you are gone, the firm is still buzzing, and new developments are happening every day. Although this is great news, it can be particularly overwhelming for someone returning from vacation and trying to play catch up. To minimize inbox anxiety, have the team members covering your open items compile updates and notations for the day into one email that they will send upon your return. If you’re not ready to take the big leap of total disconnection, have them send one update email a day in the morning, evening, or afternoon – you choose!
Step 4: Schedule Debrief Meetings
Plan meetings after your return to work with those who helped compile update emails for you. Having these meetings already on the calendar is one less thing to worry about when you get back and will catch you up to speed on your daily tasks, open items, and any firm-wide updates.
Step 5: Let Others Know the Game Plan
Before you leave, send out a summary email to the firm or your division to let them know your vacation strategy while you are away. Come Monday, instead of getting your out-of-office auto-response, they will know they can contact person X for help with task Y, and person A for task B. This helps set the tone for a relaxing vacation and provides essential information to those who might need your help for the duration of your time off.
Step 6: Unsubscribe from Marketing Emails
Every time we make a purchase from a store, either in person or online, we get added to a marketing list. While these lists often do have good deals and discounts, it is unlikely we need all of them bombarding us with emails on the daily. Take time to unsubscribe or reduce the frequency of which you receive these newsletters for a less cluttered inbox upon your return.
Step 7: Set up an automated Out-of-Office Email
At the very least, set up an auto-response letting those who email you know that you are on vacation and for how long. Cut and paste the game plan summary email that you sent to the firm, so people will know whom they can contact when they need your help.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Time Off!
Here’s where the fun begins: relax and spend time with your loved ones! Enjoy your time off so you can come back fully rested and recharged – and by following these steps, less anxious upon your return!
Below is the video I took last year that inspired us to implement these strategies firm-wide.
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Leading by Example After Divorce

5/19/2019

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Family Time, 2008
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Gala, 2019
If there’s one thing to know about life, it’s that it never stays the same. Life’s dynamic nature can uproot us to places we never expected faster than the blink of an eye. Nine years ago, my husband and I got a divorce. When people hear the word ‘divorce,’ it’s often tied to negative connotations. And while it can be a negative experience for some, for others, it is a great learning and teaching opportunity. Many of the principles I apply to co-parenting can also be applied to the workplace. Once we take care of our own needs, we can successfully integrate personal lessons at a corporate level.

Recently, my daughter had a fundraising gala benefiting her school. As I was getting ready, I thought to myself how crazy it must seem to others that I am going with her father. But the truth is, just because things between us may not have had a stereotypical “happy ending,” it doesn’t mean that our “ending” wasn’t happy all on its own. Co-parenting has brought its lessons and its struggles for sure, but at the end of the day, we are a team and dedicated to our kids and their success. At Actualize Consulting we also focus on rising above our differences to function as a team. Our motto is, “Our Expertise and Commitment – Driving Your Success.
In my book, Culture Infusion, I talk a lot about the importance of leading by example. And when the time came to accept the invitation to the gala, I said yes without hesitation. We went to have fun together with friends, leading with our example that love and positivity are better than any differences we may have. This week, I ask you to reflect on where you can lead by example in your life. Where can you show your kids, friends, family, and co-workers that the high road is always the best route? If you are struggling, here are a few tips:

1.     Find Common Ground
What do you have in common? Do you have a shared goal? For us, our kids are our common ground. We want to provide all that we can for them and make sure that they have an example of a healthy relationship in their lives.
  • At work, we create common ground by aligning each individual’s personal goals with company-wide goals.


2.     Stay positive
Every single day in our lives, we have a choice of perspective: “How will I view the events in my life?” We can choose to be negative and dwell on misfortunes, or we can take every twist and turn as a learning experience. A very good affirmation for this is “I am always at the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.” The reason this affirmation sticks with me is because every decision and event in our lives is neutral. We are the ones who assign meaning. How can you recode the negative experiences in your life to be positive? For us, divorce meant strengthening our teamwork skills which were invaluable in both our personal and professional lives.
  • At work, we use across-the-board strategies to shift potentially negative situations into a positive solution-driven conversation. We use Pause, to Pivot, to the Positive.

3.     Communicate Openly
You’ve heard the old adage, “Communication is Key.” It’s cliché for a reason – it’s true. One of the main reasons we co-parent together so well is that we communicate so well. My kid’s dad is the one person I know I can always get in touch with no matter what - I don't know anyone else like that. We easily split up the responsibilities of organization with the kids because we realize that we are not mind readers and we communicate openly. We created a flow in which he schedules all sports on our calendars, and I handle school.
  • At work, we have sessions on communication that include practicing effective listening and how to handle conflict openly, immediately, and directly.

4.     Respect
When you are in a team with someone else, it’s important to be grateful for all that they bring to the table. In our relationship, we respect each other and make it fair. There is comfort in knowing he always has my back, no matter what, and that he will help with anything if needed.
  • At work, we respect our employees and take frequent surveys to see how they are feeling. We celebrate and appreciate our people with Star Player Awards and words of gratitude.

I realize now that I am applying mindfulness to both my professional and private life, which has been a goal of mine since 2005. Compartmentalization of my values is not an option. I take a holistic approach to, well, everything. I show up as the same person in all aspects of my life so I can better serve myself and others for our highest good.

If you would like to form a more holistic approach to success in either your personal or professional life, contact me for a customized session. I can be reached at kelam@actualizeconsulting.com 
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Mother's Day Gifts from the Heart

5/9/2019

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Mothers share a bond of unconditional love with their children and family. Mothers also want to feel loved and nourished in return. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, remember there are many ways to celebrate that special mom, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt – or anyone who has played the starring role of mom.

When Mother’s Day rolls around, it’s oftentimes tough to think of ways to thank mom. It seems no gift can ever compare to the love and support she’s given you or your family. But whatever you decide upon, remember the idea is to give from the heart. That is the best gift any mother could receive. She will shine and radiate love even stronger than before and will get a newfound energy from your love. And the best part is that the following ideas are either free or inexpensive, and you as a family get to create a great gift or experience for her:
  • Write a poem, or have the kids write a short story about their favorite time with mom.
  • Put together a computerized picture collage if you are good with technology, or simply place a collage of pictures in a frame bought at a local store. If you want to make it fancier, utilize the option of printing on canvas or metal.
  • Create a shadow box of great memories such as the birth of a child, other momentous events, ticket stubs or her favorite pictures.
  • Give her a day of pampering in which she not need to lift a finger the entire day while members of the family pitch in and take care of everything. Give her a back or foot massage. Ensure all her favorite food are in the house. Buy her a few new magazines. Treat her to a movie if you think she would prefer to get out of the house. Take her to her favorite restaurant. Ensure there is no complaining or bickering from anyone. Whatever she wants goes!
  • Finish the items on the honey-do-list she gave you…a while ago.
  • Take a photo of the kids writing the words “I love you” on their hands or feet with colorful markers and get creative with the poses. Let the kids decorate a simple frame to give it that extra special touch.
  • Wrap a small present for each hour of the day (from 8 AM to 8 PM), ensuring all gifts are thoughtful and heartfelt.
  • Create a booklet of free passes from the kids and you, such as taking out the trash without being asked to, massages, cooking (and washing the dishes!), or making her bed. Think of the things she is always asking you to do, and make sure those are all in the booklet.
  • Act out a skit with the kids showing her all the reason why you love and are thankful for her.
  • Decorate her bathroom mirror with stickie notes of all the reasons you love her.
  • Fill balloons with messages of love, gratitude and appreciation, and make popping the balloons a fun family activity. Another option is to place all the love notes in a hand-decorated jar.
  • Plan an outing to her favorite spot and include the whole family.
  • Organize a scavenger hunt for the family. This will be a fun, adventurous way to bond as a family.
  • Have a picnic at your local park, but make it as a magical experience by using nice lines, plates, utensils and flowers.
  • Let Mom decide if she’d like to have one-on-one time with each family member, i.e., taking a walk with her son; getting a pedicure with her daughter; or having a quiet lunch or dinner with you. She may prefer to do everything as a family, but this gives her an option if she is craving alone time with a family member.

No matter what you decide, be sure to shower Mom with extra hugs and kisses all day, use your imagination and, most importantly, remember to give from your heart.
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The Power of Surveys

5/6/2019

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Have you ever had your company participate in a third party survey only to find out that the survey company wanted thousands of dollars to share the full results with you? At Actualize, in-house surveys are one of our best strategies to increase employee engagement. On a recent survey, our team expressed a desire to receive training on the topic of time management; I felt unsure about what aspects of time management I should cover.  

THEN, I took my own advice and sent out another survey asking the team about their specific challenges, techniques they would like to learn more about, words of wisdom, and tips. I was able to use their survey results to create the training catered to their needs.

How can you use a survey to help your team?

Below is a video to share more ideas on the power of asking your team's opinion. I was also featured in The Medium and they highlighted the power of surveys. Click here to read the full article.
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