Bridges

Edition of 4/7/2009

[Bridges]

For those who ask me what it is that I do, I offer Executive Coaching
and Human Resource consulting in the following areas:

- Business Consulting and Executive Coaching - As an unbiased
resource provide advice on business development and business
transition, on staffing issues, on developing emerging talent and
helping managers sharpen their communication and management skills.

- Career Coaching helping people advance their careers, make career
changes and/or career transitions.

- Not for Profit Consulting - provide Executive Directors with
independent sounding board, consulting on staff issues, board
relations and staff development.

If you would like to take advantage of a consultant or executive
coach, please email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com for a
complimentary coaching session or visit my website -
www.coachrobinfogel.com

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MULTIPLE GENERATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE
Last year I wrote a number of articles about the dynamic of multiple generations in the workforce - different ways of looking at work, different communication styles and suggestions on how to manage those difference. Since that time the challenges have multiplied. Many of the baby boomers who were planning on retiring have seen these plans change along with their 401K's. They are still in the workforce and unhappy about that. At the same time the generations behind them, who were ready for that next promotion, are stuck in the pipeline. Needless to say this has created quite a challenge in some companies.

So what can an organization do? First be aware that these factors exist and be willing to address them with your employees. Some of dividing forces may already be shifting. One main difference was communication style, with boomers preferring face to face interaction and younger workers using technology to communicate. Today the fastest growing demographic on Facebook is the over 50 crowd. One long time positive result may be how generations will learn from each other.

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POSITIVE FEELINGS IN TOUGH TIMES
I don't want to diminish the challenges that so many are facing in these tough economic times but I'm concerned how the daily barrage of negative news is affecting people. Last week we heard that unemployment reached 8.5%, a tragically high number, but no where did we read that 91.5% of the population is still employed. What are the effects of the constant focus on the negative news?

There is now a growing body of scientific evidence on how positive feelings affect us both personally and professionally. Last year I read an article called "Optimism as a Management Tool" which described research that showed that people with higher levels of psychological capital - hope, optimism, resilience and confidence- are more productive and have better performance and job satisfaction.

During that same time frame I read an article in the paper about the book "Choosing Brilliant Health". It described work being done at the Mayo Clinic and NY University Medical Center on how positive emotions boost the immune system. They outlined a set of nine steps to harness the power of positive emotions: "set a positive intention, stop blaming, visualize the positive, maintain centrality, recast negative experiences, consider your options, appreciate what you have, give of yourself and accept from others, and tell the truth".

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FINAL THOUGHT - SPRING CLEANING
Years ago I heard another coach say that spring cleaning is not just about closets and file drawers. She suggested that one spring clean their mind. She said, "It's time to look at those thoughts that are holding you back. Time to clear out the cobwebs of your mind...time to think clearly about what you want and what thoughts are holding you back".

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