Three of my friends are currently fretting over the writing of their books, or rather, their lack of it. I too know this feeling from time-to-time. An idea can brew around in one's head for quite a while, but getting those first few words down are always the hardest, especially when you feel your motivation waning (but believe me, excitement for the project comes around again; it always does--these things are so cyclical).

If you can relate, the following strategies might help give you encouragement when you feel you're in a writing funk:

• Set small goals for your writing. A mere ten minutes a day is better than nothing (even if half of that time is spent pondering, "What to write, what to write?"
• Make a pact with yourself by writing down/deciding how many words you'll commit to writing during this sit (even if it's only a small word count of e.g. 200/300-500 words per entry); tell a trusted mentor or friend your word count commitment if you like and have them hold your feet to the fire over it! Sometimes having someone to report in to/someone to whom you promise to complete your task, helps (like using a personal trainer at the gym, instead of doing your routine all on your own). Most of us work harder at the gym if we have the personal trainer on our backs. Agree?
• Take some form of writing tools everywhere you go, whether a blank book you keep in your car or a smaller wire-ringed notebook and pen you stick in your pocket or purse, so you'll be spontaneously ready when the muse comes. Most days have at least some empty and idle moments, whether sitting in the car waiting for your kids after swimming, skating, piano lessons, riding public transit, or whatever
• Like a Pavlovian dog, setting aside a particular time slot and place to write could eventually condition your subconscious into snapping into writing mode when you arrive there...just like the ring of a bell. Maybe it might even be kind of fun and symbolic to actually have a bell to ring when you start!
• Some writers practice "free-association" writing as a preliminary or warm-up session (and sometimes instead of an actual serious writing session on the odd day); write whatever stray thoughts come to mind, like Julia Cameron's suggestion of "Morning Pages" (from her book, The Artist's Way). I know you may have a TON of reading on your list, but, The Artist's Way, may be a valuable volume to read if you're feeling stuck or blocked.

When it comes to enthusiasm for your writing, give these suggestions some thought and hold fast to your dream to create your article or book.

Are professional graces and manners--polite on-the-job behaviours and attitudes once thought a matter of "common decency"--going the way of current stock markets? Are many workers, of all stripes and in all industries, experiencing such a sense of smoldering stress that they either cannot or will not demonstrate anything beyond the bare basic technicalities of their job descriptions? Why is it that, in increasing numbers, everyone seems to be complaining sub-standard customer service?

Today, after repeatedly calling my Japanese car company's Canadian head office--repeatedly because all I could get for a solid 10 minutes was a rapid busy signal!--I was "greeted" by a mumbling man with a "from-the-get-go" belligerent tone. By the way, I mention the nation associated with my car company because it occurs to me that some may think I'm referencing a North American car company (and that, considering the current economic times in that industry, what I'm about to share is easier explained if you thought I was referencing, e.g. GM or Chrysler, etc.). This representative of the Japanese car company in question did not use any greeting to answer the phone--merely the name of his department, spoken gruffly, with suppressed exasperation and without any reference to his own name. When I asked for his name, he merely repeated the department's. When I asked again, for his name, he said he didn't need to give it and, essentially, "What did I want, anyway?" As I felt we had gotten off to such a bad start and since I didn't--I confess--have my usual patience to deal with and rise above his curt greeting manner, I asked that another representative take my call. To this he retorted, "There is no one else. It's lunchtime." And promptly hung up the phone!

Yesterday I received a phone call from my neighbourhood X-ray and Ultrasound clinic, reminding me of my routine appointment today. The phone call went like this (and again the organization's representative demonstrated an amazingly brusque voice tone): Nina Spencer? Yes. This is the ultrasound clinic...you have an appointment at 8:30 a.m. tomorrow. She barely waited for me to acknowledge, before hanging up the phone! I knew the caller (and she knew me from my recurring visits thought the years; we'd even had a lovely chat about her son the professional comedian last time I was in...and, we are on friendly terms, by the way). And so I said, "Hey there Barb...is everything okay...my goodness you were brusque with me just there!" "Well I'm just trying to get through all these calls I have to make", was her response and justification for treating a known client in such a manner.

And these sorts of stories go on and on...any day of any week. Private Sector. Public Sector. Big company. Little one. Doesn't matter. You've probably got one or two of your own tales to tell/that you'd like to share, right now!

Is this acceptable...that employees feel justified in treating clients or customers abruptly and tersely because they are in a hurry, understaffed and/or overworked, etc.? Yes, it may well be management's fault that many staff members have too much to do and too little resources, or too little time, in which to complete their daily tasks, but it is not the client/not the customer who should know about it, pay the price, experience the frustration or feel the disrespect.

No matter what the justification for communicating otherwise--especially in times of economic challenge--staff on the frontline/the ones who directly deal and relate to the consumer/the client must "suck it up", put on their "best bib" and demonstrate honest-to-goodness grace, manners and respect for those consuming their services or products.

So what customer service "nightmares" can you regale? Or, on the contrary, I'd love to hear your "Wow Factor" service excellence tales of heroics, too! Perhaps all of us will be encouraged and inspired to keep the faith by such positive tales you may report.

The other day a beautifully dressed young man, attired in full business regalia, knocked on my door wishing to make his professional introductions as a newly minted financial advisor with a well known financial institution. He was inspired to try the good old fashioned, door-to-door approach of stirring the pot to secure new clients. Funnily enough, I'm already with his very organization, but with a different advisor. Still, there was something so sincere, so earnest and authentic about him/about his zeal and enthusiasm to "get out there and get at it", that I couldn't resist wanting to help him out. I gave him the following feedback:

What he did right?

1. presented immaculately in quality professional dress
2. positioned himself nicely with a genuine smile and articulate manner
3. asked permission--actual permission--to proceed in conversation with me (rather than just blithering on from the start without giving me a moment to get a word in edgewise)
4. wore his official identification from his organization, including his institution's collateral print materials

What he did wrong?

1. did not present his personal business card (just his organization's)
2. when departing, he did not offer his phone number or business address
3. did not ask me if there was anyone I knew who might be interested in hearing from him, even if I was not

Now, the skeptics among you may think this an odd experience and perhaps even a scam--door-to-door financial advisor sales from a reputable institution??? Maybe it was, but I suspect not. More likely, he was just an inexperienced 20 something young man trying to do whatever it takes to getting his start, in professionally challenging times, in his chosen field of financial advising.

No matter what your age, and especially when it comes to asking for a leg up related to your career and professional advancement, remember to always ASK for the help you want. People are busy. Cut to the chase and actually ask for the "sale" (as fine sales people everywhere know!). Shamelessly and courageously working and networking your circle of influence and contacts is fine, and even expected, as long as you do so with grace and manners. Remember, the answer is always, "No!", if you don't ask. You've got to ask. Some people, indeed, are mind readers, extra generous, insightful, etc., and may very well, unprompted, offer you the help, the advice and the contacts you so ardently desire, but most are not. Most of those "others" probably would gladly help you if you asked, but won't if you don't. Most of the time it's up to you to move yourself forward first...and then, with a little help from your friends you can travel the rest of the way.

I've been speaking for a living for more than two decades. I'm still going at it strong and am booked each year to the extent I wish (and often times repeatedly by the same clients). So I must still be doing something right, as my client "Accolades"--well documented at ninaspencer.com will attest. Still, from time-to-time, it's hard for any speaker--professional or otherwise--to please all of the people all of the time. And if you must present at professional or staff events from time-to-time, yourself--as an "other duties as assigned" obligation or task, rather than as your primary professional focus--your skin for receiving the odd negative evaluation may not be as thick as that of a seasoned professional speaker. Even with a good, tough thick skin, however, we're all human and, therefore, underneath all that exuding confidence there just might be, from time-to-time, at least a little vulnerability to negative comments.

So how do you process and come to peace with negative evaluations after a presentation? Even if 90% of participants rate your presentation exceptional, how do you keep from being consumed by the thought that some people rated your efforts poorly? Do you adjust to try to please everyone, or do you merely surrender that there may always be some who rate you poorly? How do speakers internally process and move forward, after reading or hearing poor reports about their work, rather than dwelling on those negatives f-o-r-e-v-e-r?

Here are some silly and serious thoughts, suggestions and pearls of wisdom that just might help:

You must accept rejection and reject acceptance. -- Ray Bradbury

• Blame it on heartburn! Even if 999 people are "buying" what you're "selling"--laughing at your humour, playing along with your audience participation facilitation, etc.--there's often one guy sporting a conspicuous grimace who'll catch and hold your attention. Just tell yourself, "That, pour old soul...he must have heartburn, and his lack of response and his miserable disposition--written all over his face--has nothing to do with me."
• Remember, there are people out there you couldn't please if you twirled on your head spitting nickels! You may remind them of an ex-spouse or an irritating friend or colleague; they may have been forced to attend this event at which you're speaking, or have a permanent chip on their shoulder for reasons that have nothing to do with you!
• Go into your presentation or training anticipating one negative remark from at least one person; when you finally spot that one negative piece of feedback (for which you're already prepared and braced) declare, "Yup, there it is...the one I expected!" Often times you can even tell--right there in the middle of your presentation--from whom you'll receive such a comment. And lots of times you'll receive only glowing reports and feedback about your contributions. Of course, that can happen, too! J
• Take gushy, mushy over-the-top GREAT evaluations with a grain of salt, too. In those such cases, it could merely be that the participant waxes poetic about your presentation because you remind them of someone they love, or you said just the right thing at just the right time in their lives, or they may even be physically attracted to you! Let's face it, all you have to do is smile at some participants and you'll be rated highly (they don't call 'em "smiley sheets" for nothin'!) Still read those "smiley sheets; sift for truth in those positive participants' comments and compare their feedback to the majority of other evaluations. One good tid bit of advice, "Eat the meat and spit out the bones."
• Some speakers practice losing the top and bottom. That is to say: discard the top 10% and the bottom 10% of the evaluations and read and seriously consider the feedback from the rest.
• To some extent, all evaluations are valuable. Remember, however, there are always one or two that are way out of line from all the others. I've always liked the expression: "Some will; some won't; so what...next!" Saying "so what" isn't meant to be arrogant or flippant about thos ethat "won't (play along)...it merely offers the suggestion that it's past now...can't be fixed with that individual, so move on! If one criticism does continue to turn up, however, it's time for some heavy professional introspection and examination of what you're putting "out" up there on that platform.
• Year's ago I had a friend who hadn't missed a day of work in 10 years and still her boss would NEVER give her a perfect score for attendance, declaring that no one ever gets "perfect; "perfect" is the unattainable...that which you use as a beacon but can never achieve! What kind of thinking is that??? In that same vein, remember, like the stingy boss, there'll always be some people who just can't bring themselves to give someone high marks, even if they really did enjoy and get tremendous value from your presentation. Perhaps because of the nature of their jobs/professions, e.g. like lawyers, they may be wired to look for flaws...to constantly be adversarial...to look for the argument...the rebuttal. Therefore, be aware of this possiblity and focus on the participants you've helped instead.
• Remember this: Every day we meet and re-meet people we like and don't like and we don't necessarily consciously know why we feel the way we do/why they trigger us positively or negatively. It's just so...a fact. The same can happen with a participant in your audience. The negativity expressed may not necessarily truly pertain to you, but rather, to them...perhaps transmitting their feelings towards themselves in relation to others, e.g. feelings of low self-esteem. Therefore, focus your efforts on the majority of the participants who appreciated your stellar effort and performance. Sometimes negative evaluations are just as much a reflection of the evaluator as they are of the person being evaluated (presenter).
• To play a bit of devil's advocate, however, consider that sometimes a participant's negative evaluation may not be a product of their miserable personality but, rather, merely a well intended report letting you know that your presentation did not meet their expectation. Sometimes such comments can offer a fabulous morsel inspiring you to rearrange your presentation style or content for another time, causing future presentations to impress future audiences all the better. The "bad" news now can end up being the "good" news later that aids your professional improvement and growth. The bottom line...look for trends in comments and think about this sage advice: once is an incident, twice is a trend, three times is a pattern. If these negative comments come up on more than three percent of one event's evaluations, or on three occasions, or with three different kinds of groups/professionals/industries, etc., it may very well be time to reconsider your presentation content and style of delivery.

Despite it all, if you've received a tough evaluation of your presentation, it's always a good idea--if you're open to it--to check in with your client/the person who booked you or invited you to speak in the first place. Although each participant in the moment of presentation is your client, in the end, it's the root client--the "one who brung you"--who's opinion really counts! That is the person with whom you contracted and made your performance agreements. Were they pleased with your contribution? In your conversation with that individual, you may remind: What you perceive you brought to the event and the manner in which you delivered what you promised; ask if they agree with your perception/see it the same way you. Ask : Did I meet your expectations? Consider: Despite the negative feedback, did you get any spin-off business or invitations to speak elsewhere? If so, that is a positive testament to your contribution (that counters the negative comments that may have weighed on you heavily). I've heard it said that, typically, 5% of any audience will not like you, just because. Deal with it. Accept that fact. Learn. Grow. And keep on enjoying and sharing what you have to offer...what you have to share.

To speak well in public--to hold an audiences' attention for long lengths of time--is a skill and a gift, and takes a lot of gumption...most people would rather die than do it. Keep that in mind next time! And wear a bulletproof vest for those occasional negative comments.

How to get the best bang for your conference buck

Here it comes...almost back-to-school time once again, and time for something else, too! The professional conference season--autumn meetings and beyond--is almost upon us, as well. Attending such events offer up such a deluge of information that, as one colleague expresses, "It feels like you've just drunk from a fire hose!" So, to get the biggest "bang for your conference buck", here are a collection of tips for integrating all that fabulous 2008/2009 conference learning and experience:

1. As soon after the conference as possible--even while still at the event, e.g. while in your hotel room or while enroute home (if travelling by plane, train, but not automobile--not if you're the one driving, that is!) block 1-2 hours for amalgamation and condensing of all your newly acquired information. How? Well, firstly, whether you took paper or electronic notes, retrieve and review. Practice the, "Law of 72"--not 1972!--the idea that that which you review and begin to implement within 72 hours (from exposure or suggestion) is much more likely to come to pass. Secondly, flash back to all those intervals in-between the formal keynotes and concurrent/breakout sessions, e. g. the informal or formal networking opportunities, the luncheon(s) and dinner(s) and even the scheduled or stolen free time. What did you observe (about yourself and others) during these in-between moments? Whom did you meet? At the corresponding trade-fair/exhibits 9if any), at which vendors' booths did you visit/stop for a chat? What interesting and spontaneous conversations did you stoke or partake? What did you learn from those exchanges? Did any interesting moments of serendipity occur/small world stories?

2. Gather all business cards you collected. From that bunch, determine with whom you really want to reconnect after the conference; make a tentative plan or note to follow up within the first 14 days after the event. With whom, from that bunch of cards/people, could you see yourself partnering, learning, or perhaps receiving mentorship; on the other hand, with whom would you like to offer mentorship? Reflect on why you exchanged cards with each person in the first place. Did you initiate the exchange or did they? What was the spark for you, or what do you think the spark was for the other to initiate the exchange of cards? Try to recall the conversation leading up to the exchange to help you realize your answer. And, although this is now somewhat of an age-old suggestion, as soon after the exchange as possible, write on the received card all the particulars that pertain to that individual, eg. physical attributes, distinguishing features, anecdotal info they may have shared, turn of phrase they may have used, children, pets, places travelled, anything unusual or quirky they may have shared. Quickly jotting down all this data will free your poor brain from having to recall all this information on its own and help you anchor your recollection of the individual if/when next you meet or chat.

3. Identify your 3 best or favourite "take-aways". Commit to implementing each take-away as soon as possible once you're back to work. If any of the take-aways require planning or extra effort to implement, chunk down the inspired ideas into manageable tasks, using realistic yet optimistic timelines for ultimate roll-out.

4. Plan a meeting with a professional colleague, business coach, the person to who you report, etc., and discuss/share your three favourite take-aways, along with your vision for implementation. Ask for accountability and feedback support you suspect will be required to see these ideas manifest.

5. Prioritize the implementation of each of your favourite conference ideas based on your own business strategy, vision and goals. Keep your prioritized list handy, e.g. on a white board or cork board, under your desk blotter, in your briefcase and/or, of course, stored somewhere easily accessible and frequently reviewed on your computer. Refer to your list often, checking off each conference-inspired item as you complete.

6. Share key learnings with your work team and other professional colleagues (both within your organization and beyond). This is a terrific way to reinforce your personal commitment and vision to implementing your beast take-aways, offers the receiver of your sharing a chance to learn something new/new food for thought for their own professional growth, and even further extends the 'bang" for your conference buck.

July is raspberry time in my backyard and the choice pickings go on and on for weeks! The quiet of this past early Sunday morning was picture perfect for plucking an ample bowl for breakfast and folding in a working meditation along the way. When my mind strayed, it went to thoughts of the mantra, "Grow organically and support local markets". I thought, "Hmm. You can't get any more organic than growing produce in your own backyard, nor can you get a more local market than your own threshold; hey...this applies to the workplace, too!"

Too often employees just know they're the perfect "organic", "local market" candidate for certain jobs within their own companies but find they can't catch the listening of those in the selection process. And that's too bad for everyone concerned. That's what you call a lose-lose-lose. The employee loses the opportunity to professionally develop, the company loses the opportunity to select someone who already knows the ropes and the corporate culture, and the client potentially loses, too, as everyone knows that new "outsider" staff, right off the street, have at least 3 to 6 months of learning curve before they are fully-functioning, productive members of their teams.

It's frustrating to feel ignored--or worse, dismissed--when putting forth your fine candidacy for a new position. You know what they say, "It's hard to be a prophet in our own house"! So, you can passively point outwards and blame your employer for not seeing your talent and gifts, or you can actively point inwards/at yourself and work on strategies for making yourself more visible.

Ask yourself:

1. How hard am I constructively working on being acknowledged/recognized?
2. For what projects or special company events (internal or external/community focused, company sponsored) have I volunteered?
3. Have I kept a written record of my participation?
4. What are my specific successes on-the-job? Can I list at least three immediately? If not, why not? What can I do to turn that around?
5. Have I had a heart-to-heart with the person to whom I report regarding my desire to be acknowledged and get promoted? If not, why not? If such a conversation has not occurred because of personality differences or a cool relationship, what are one or two things I can do to warm the relationship up?
6. Have I specifically asked for what I want--shared my vision for my future within this organization--and then requested internal coaching (eg. from my most direct boss) to help me get there?
7. Have I kept my patience and persevered when things haven't gone my way?

My dear mum used to say, "All comes to those who wait". Having at least some patience getting to where you want to go is imperative, however, where is it written that you have to wait for your "ship to come in" so passively? If your "ship" isn't coming in fast enough for you, actively swim out to it!

In the meantime, if you're feeling--especially during these dog days of summer--that your day-in and day-out "berry-picking" job is mundane, underappreciated, boring, bland (you get my drift!), remember...all jobs have importance...a certain glory. If they didn't, they wouldn't exist! Both the most high-up/highly profiled executive positions, as well as the most humble of frontline occupations, are essential to the success of any organization.

* See pages 33 to 45 of my book, Getting Passion Out of Your Profession: How to keep loving your living, come what may, for more on the subject of acknowledging and declaring your Professional Self-Worth.

I recently was the closing speaker at two events where speaker after speaker after speaker--all senior executive-types--read, word-for-word from their scripts, while hiding behind the podium in half-light and letting the bells and whistles of PowerPoint presentations deliver the main thrust of their messages. One "reader" would have been bad enough, but four? five? and in a row??? all morning long??? This was definitely too much. The audience must have been so bored and fatigued three hours in, even if they were interested in the subject matter, and even if they didn't say so at the time, or feed this back to the client on evaluation forms, afterwards.

I know many would point out to me, "It's easy for you, Nina! You do this for a living but the rest of us don't! We get nervous and so we need our scripts and podiums", And, to that, I say, "Fair enough". I also say, "Get over it!"

If you should find yourself with these occasional, "other duties as assigned", it behooves you to--not just for your audiences' sake, but for your own--do whatever it takes to get comfortable, natural/conversational and dynamic in your presentations. You've been asked to speak to the group, so somebody must believe that you are one (if not the only) expert on the subject upon which you've been invited to present.

Yes, I appreciate that it helps to use a few visually prompted words to remind you what you'd like to say next, and that there'll be occasions where the Power Point presentation, itself, must be the "star", eg. where charts and graphs must be referenced, etc., still, I find that entirely too many subject matter experts lean way too heavily and repeatedly on Power Point Presentations and scripts to get the job done and to get their important messages across. These people use scripts and formality of Power Point presentations so much that they even go so far as to actually read their closing comments, such as, "This Year is going to be the very best for our company. We can do it. Thank-you for attending." Why do readers have to read these declarations??? Can't they put their script down at this point...take their glasses off (if need be) and express from the heart, here?

Even if you are a good reader, and know how to put some dynamo and energetic tone into your voice while reading, it'll still always be reading...no eye contact, stiffer than your natural authentic self and will still always be delivered and experienced by your audience as a dimly lit, floating head and shoulder only experience and message.

You know who you are. Come on now...move away from that podium...and away from that script. Make an honest, enthusiastic and natural effort to win-over those whom you wish and need to connect. You know you can do it. Practice. Take some coaching. Speak at the next family wedding, reunion, anniversary event, big birthday party, etc.

Take a moment, right now, and ask yourself, "How much more authentic and engaged will my next presentation become if I'm on the floor with my audience, and speaking naturally with the group I'm addressing, while letting my visual aids truly be the aids, rather than the whole show? What do I have to do to move towards this result? How did you feel the last time you had to sit through a half day (or longer) event, listening to one reading, floating head after another? Did you really end up paying 100% attention? Did you really hear all the speakers had to share...or did you fidget and start thinking about chores and tasks you had to do later that day...perhaps even wishing you'd opted out of this event altogether and were doing those tasks right now?

Happy Valentine's Day to you! This date marks the second anniversary of the launch of my first book, Getting Passion Out of Your Profession: How to keep loving your living...come what may. And what a passionate year it's been, indeed, fulfilling a record number of client demands and engagements for my conference keynote and workshop facilitation services!

Now in it's fourth printing, Getting Passion...is well on it's way to becoming a Canadian best seller...and that, of course, dear reader, is with sincere and heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you, my clients and all the other lovely people who just happened across my book in stores or on the web...enjoyed it and recommended it to colleagues, family and friends.

Thank-you for your continued kind words of positive experience about my presentations, personal workplace tales to tell, heeding and applying my offered "pearls", subscribing to and sharing my complimentary monthly on-line newsletter, Working Wisdom, visiting and revisiting my website, and staying in touch through emails, phone calls and writing to me with your questions, suggestions and feedback. What a pleasure and honour it is to have been of service to you thus far. Until we meet again another day, it's my heart's desire that you get passion out of your profession--however grand or modest your current position--every day of the year...no just on Valentine's Day! And, if you take heed of the advice offered below--especially on this day focused on love of all sorts--may you always fill a job of prestige and power!

"Think enthusiastically about everything, but especially about your job.
If you do, you'll put a touch of glory in your life.
If you love your job with enthusiasm you'll shake it to pieces.
You'll love it into greatness.
You'll upgrade it. You'll fill it with prestige and power."

-- Norman Vincent Peale

a.k.a. Workplace Stress Time's Last Hurrah!

Okay, this is it. Don't get scared. Here we are--finally!--the last of 2007. For many, this week marks the home stretch before holy-days and vacation time. For others, the end of December merely represents a couple of extra days off work, followed by the stress of holding down the organization's fort while coping with the malaise of "skeletal staff syndrome" until Monday, January 7, 2008. Regardless, stress-on-the job can be huge this week. What to do, what to do?

How about trying the following stress buster tips and strategies:

1. Pay attention to your own pre-stress physiological signals and back-off before you reach the "danger zone", eg. moodiness, irritability, headaches, muscle tension.

2. Move away from the stressor, even if it's only for a short interval, to gain your composure and perspective.

3. Choose to be absolutely determined to stay positively focused (and not let any "turkeys" get you down), come what may.

4. Seek out a friendly "safe" person at work, for a one-minute only, speed "bellyaching session", and then get on with it...joyously.

5. Eat Breakfast. Eat Lunch. Really. And move away from your workstation while doing so!

6. Have at least one 15-minute quiet period in your busy day to consciously and emotionally relax, meditate or even pray (even if it's just to pray for the strength to get through all this!).

7. Take the time to laugh, at yourself and with colleagues and clients. A couple of daily guffaws are always good for what ails us.

8. Exercise--even if it's only up a flight or two of stairs, a brisk walk around the outside block of your own workplace building (or inside, through the corridors of your building, if it's big enough to provide a sufficient and satisfying mini-workout).

9. Sleep well. Get the hours you really need to feel well rested and stop eating all that festive fare at least three hours before you go horizontal!

10. Take regular, conscious deep breathes over these next few days--especially if your job is fairly sedentary.

11. Help others, who are conspicuously freaking out with stress, cope. One of the best ways to help yourself feel good is to help another.

12. Prioritize. Decide which things must get done and which can slide until the New Year.

13. Count 10 blessings about your current job. And mean it.

14. Assertively tell some people, "No", but instead of saying what you can't do because of.... , tell them what you can do and by when, eg. by the end of the first week back to work.

15. Be kind to yourself through this stretch, alongside all that extra kindness you're showing and demonstrating to others.

16. Delegate what you can. You don't have to be the "Grand Poo-bah of Everything", do you??? Give others the "gift" of "doing" some of the tasks, too.

17. Ask for help if you need it. Sometimes ya just gotta ask to receive.

I like lists of 10 or 12, 15 or 20 (you know, nice sets of numbers), but this time around it's 17 strategies that I offer up to you. Please feel free to help me out, and other professionals who read my blog, too, by throwing in your own two cents as to what else works at work when you're doing your very best to cope with year-end workplace stress.

All the best of happiness, health and serenity, too, to you, for the balance of this year and for 2008!

Organizations have embraced teamwork for at least the past two decades. Now comes the importance of recognizing the art of internal and "on purpose" networking. Many people still think networking is an on-the-side, personal activity for career pathing beyond their current positions and organizations, but employee dedication to broadening personal influence and wisdom, while still working within their company, is essential for organizational health.

Networking "on the inside" is not new (just think of how long the term "Old Boys Club" has been around). What is new, or at least newer, is the conscious choice to raise the form of networking from one of backroom favours, manipulations and hidden agendas, to one of smart business sense, focused on win/win solutions.

As organizations stop ramming employees into static job descriptions (which, in many cases, haven't been updated for years), and start redefining their services with each new project, the importance of internal networking increases.

Historically, departments and branches have felt a competitiveness that kept them suspicious and isolated from one another. Partnering rarely happened as a means to a common end. When it did happen, it was usually someone else's idea. This isolationist thinking between branches still dangerously exists in many companies today.

Entrepreneurs are terrific networkers. So what do you call employees that demonstrate entrepreneurial vision and spirit who wish to apply these artful qualities and skills inside their organizations? Author Gifford Pinchot (Intrapreneuring: Why you don't have to leave your corporation to become an entrepreneur) calls them... Intrapreneurs!

If you wish to develop these skills and qualities for yourself, or if you're in a position of official leadership and wish to inspire employees to become intrapreneurial networking masters, encourage them to:

• Formally and informally communicating with customers, suppliers, industry experts, and business journalists for diverse perceptions of your company or industry
• Attend trade shows, conventions, and workshops that increase their wisdom and connections in their field (and share that wisdom with internal colleagues)
• Read and listen to cds/ on subjects in their field; and share that acquired wisdom with internal colleagues
• Ask information-seeking questions about their colleagues' needs and wants; help solve, lead the way ahead or put them in touch with what they need
• Know the interests and hobbies of key colleagues and sharing information in those areas (a sense of relationship beyond the work tasks often leads to heightened trust)
• Realize they don't have to have positional power to internally network (often effective internal networking works better without the "official" title because colleagues may be less likely to suspect such a person of hidden agenda.)
• Realize, though, that positional power often sees a project through; remind them to keep networking with those in positional power too
• Use/update their good ole Rolodex (or whatever more modern, electronic people/connection tracking system works fro them)
• Identify key people, within the organization, that are not yet part of their network; decide and act on how to bring them into their network
• Create case studies where team members finish sentences such as, "Who would you go to, to get this information? Who would you call? Who would you ask? What would you do?"

Internal networking is Systems Thinking! Internal networking is another name for that now stock organizational acronym, T.E.A.M...Together Everyone Achieves More! The larger the organization, the greater the potential for invisibility. Internal networking elevates the savvy and ambitious employee's professional visibility, and that helps both the individuals and whole organizations be more influential and effective in realizing their visions and reaching their goals

Sometimes, in some "sick" corporate cultures (bewildering as it may seem), expressions of staff appreciation rarely, if ever, occur. What's an individual to do? It's nice, and even feeds the soul, when your employer acknowledges and appreciates your professional gifts and talents but, if they are not being recognized, at least acknowledge them for yourself...it just may end up leading you down an entirely different career road!

A case in point:

Cardiff, Wales', Paul Potts was a "regular" kind of guy; a U.K. cell phone salesman who never really felt all that sure about his abilities and expressed he always had difficulty with confidence. One day, finally, his passion outweighed his self-imposed lack of appreciation and confidence in his professional talent. He stepped on to the Britain's Got Talent stage and the rest, as they say, is history. To experience this personally, and perhaps to give yourself your own butt-kick for fully appreciating what you bring to your professional table (and may be hiding), as well as appreciating what others contribute, watch this video now; as you watch,note the faces of the judges as Paul stands on stage...both at the start and during his performance. You can almost hear their thoughts of, "Here we go again...another salesperson who thinks he's got talent, spare me."

Turn up your computer speakers and click the link below -- then read the rest of this e-mail ...

Paul Potts sings opera

Paul Potts' premiere album was released on July 16, 2007 and quickly reached #1 on the UK Albums Chart with similar honours around the world. He is now a multi-millionaire.

Here's hoping you get terrific inspiration from Paul Potts' amazing tale of professional awakening to carry you through the rest of this year and beyond...to awaken you to your hidden professional talents!

And, if you're a mature professional--one who thinks it's pretty much over for you regarding the discovery of any new hidden professional talents--perhaps the following will help you reconsider your possibilities:

As with football and other sporting games, when it comes to the game of life and work, all the best "scoring" happens in the second half! If you're over 50, this philosophy may prove comforting and reassuring; if you're under, take heart in knowing that the best of your professional achievements, and expressions of appreciations thereof, are yet to come. In the meantime, appreciate and acknowledge the value of all that comes your way.