…here’s one outside of my strengths….

More often than I generally concede, I see the need for positive encouragement. A ‘can do’ attitude really goes a long ways. A positive work environment brings the best out of everyone. Some verbal affirmation to press-on, timed just right, can really give an extra kick. I know, I know… it sounds corny. For some of us, it even sounds stupid to read this let alone practice it. But, it really is does make a significant difference to be a positive, forward looking individual.

Recently, during the course of undertaking a triathlon, I was passed by a fellow competitor during the biking portion on a straight away. I was about to let it get me pissed for motivation, then he said something positive towards me to spur me on. Remarkably, this guy was a stranger and technically an adversary. It was startling to realize that this actually motivated me a bit more than my uber-competitive sports anger does. We passed each other a few times that day. Once or twice I tried a positive word towards him when I went zinging by on the uphill sections. I have to admit, it was something new for me in this arena… and it worked.

My all-time fav. form of encouragement though is the ‘HIGH-FIVE’. Try it in the office! It really works anywhere. Just ask David Puddy.