Tougher than the Times: Fighting Fear and Serving
October 20, 2008
"Tougher Than The Times"
Relieving Suffering... Releasing Potential...
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Hello Laurie,
First, I want to start off by thanking you for signing up to receive this newsletter. This newsletter is an extension of the keynotes and workshops that I have been giving for nearly 20 years now. (Wow, how time flies!) Over these many years my life vision, both personally and professionally, has broadened yet paradoxically focused like a laser. This newsletter is part of the fulfillment of that vision. Living out my purpose of relieving suffering and releasing potential, as a keynote speaker I have been able to impact the lives of over ¾ million people on four different continents! Relieve suffering...and Release potential is not just a "slogan" for me, it is my personal life mission. So you can imagine, during this time of economic downturn, my concern for those who are suffering. My favorite way to relieve suffering and release potential is to help people find ways to build unity, especially during challenging and changing times when the likelihood of division is the greatest. I hope that you enjoy this newsletter, which will come out at least monthly. This month, we are focusing on serving and how it can impact the current state of your mind, your organization's people and your bottom line! To that end, please know how much I look forward to serving YOU. Thank you for your encouragement and support during these past few months! Warmly, Rolfe |
IN THIS ISSUE
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- Article 1: Fighting the Battle Against Fear at Work
- Inspiring Quotes
- Article 2: The Power of Serving During Tough Times
- News & Events
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FIGHTING THE BATTLE AGAINST FEAR AT WORK
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Worry in the Workplace
by Rolfe Carawan |
 Those I have talked to within the business community - from the small business owner to the corporate V.P. - are experiencing significant changes, challenges, and times of suffering.
Most conversations eventually turn to discussing the fears that have gripped the hearts of so many. Fear of the loss of a job. Fear of failure to meet the demands of your boss. Fear of letting people down. Fear of not being able to make this months rent. Fear of the unknown. Fear is a killer of potential. When people are afraid and anxious, helping them stay engaged and focused at work is critical to success. Here are five suggestions to help you focus on productive endeavors rather than your fears.
- Bring the fears to light. Acknowledge that fears exist and expose them for what they are - beliefs and imaginations that the worst is going to happen. Be honest, what percentage of your fears have actually come true? Talking about them tends to weaken their grip.
- Become a good storyteller. Recall stories and historical events that create hope and positive expectations of a good outcome. Remind yourself and others that from great challenges come great victories. "Others have overcome and so will we!"
- Take one day at a time. Worry saps your energy. Focus on what you can control and not on those things you can't. Take ACTION and use your potential to make a little progress each and every day! This boosts confidence and hope!
- Celebrate the "present". Live in the moment. Celebrate the small victories of today and set goals for tomorrow. Offer specific acknowledgment to those who have done well.
- Take Stock. Recognize what we have to be thankful for, write it down and say it out loud. Every one of us can find something to be grateful for.
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INSPIRING QUOTES
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"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
"No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." - Aesop
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THE POWER OF SERVING DURING TOUGH TIMES
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Give the gift of service
by Rolfe Carawan |
 Why did I turn on the news? Here I am cloistered away in a beautiful cabin sitting 200 feet from the river bank writing my book, and I turn on the TV.
"Dow drops more than 700 points!" is flashing across the screen. "Huge sell-off, investors flee the market as panic sets in over the continued weakness in financial institutions." Instantly I feel that "thing" in the pit of my stomach, that "Oh no, this ain't good" feeling.
My mind races to the challenges my own family is facing. "Two kids in college, our home value dropping, health insurance skyrocketing, and utilities increasing, Wow!" I was being emotionally hi-jacked. I had to remind myself to practice what I preach, quit worrying about what I can't control and focus on what I can. One thing I have learned, you give power to what you focus on.
One of the best ways to get beyond my own pain is to help alleviate someone else's. It really does help to get our eyes off of our own problems and look for someone else who needs help. And believe me, we never have to look very far. The silver lining of the bad news on Wall Street, is that it provides ample opportunity to help people in need.
When was the last time you volunteered to help a neighbor, co-worker or family member? It doesn't have to be earth-shattering. Just use the gifts and talents you have.
Ways to Serve:
- Are you a resume writer? Help someone recognize their accomplishments, and help them highlight their most employable assets. Build their confidence and help them navigate the career market.
- Are you a great organizer who can create order out of chaos? Help someone organize their home or office; their work station or their daily responsibilities.
- Are you a decorator? Help create beauty and order in someone's home.
- Are you a mechanic? Can you work on cars? Offer to help someone with their car. Give a free oil change.
- Are you good with children? Offer to watch a new mom's baby while she takes some much needed time to herself.
- Are you a cook? Share your talent in the kitchen with your neighbors or someone in need. There is nothing like a neighborly freshly baked pie.
- Are you good with your hands? Do you know someone who needs to make repairs to their home? Offer to help them.
- Do you have a skill that you could teach someone? Schedule time to get together and teach someone your skill.
Let me tell you why this works. Serving others is really just loving them. You are saying "You are important." "You are valuable and worth it." Though serving is healthy anytime, it is vital for surviving tough times. When times are difficult stress increases, tempers flare, and people look for someone to blame. This is the time to fight the natural tendency to pull back and protect ourselves.
Serving gets even more rewarding when you do it with others. Get your co-workers or family members involved. There is nothing like serving together to build a sense of community that overcomes the forces that threaten to divide us.
As a business owner: Look for ways to unify your workforce during these tough times, create a culture of serving within your business and within your community. For example: Collect and donate food or clothing for the homeless shelter or take a collection for someone struggling under an unexpected hospital bill.
Mr. Rogers Windows, a local windows replacement company, donated their windows to a family who was in a desperate situation. Dozens of employees donated their time on a Saturday to do the installation.
As a family member: Look for ways to serve together, create a culture of service within your home. Mow a neighbor's lawn, open your home to someone who needs a place to stay, have a garage sale and donate the proceeds to a family in need, bake a pie together and take it to a sick friend or neighbor. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen.
How We are Creating a Corporate Culture of Service
We are committed to creating a corporate culture of service within our own company, Carawan Global. If you are looking for a place to serve you can join us, as we serve and support our community in the following ways:
Rolfe and Lea are committed to serving the Life Enrichment Center (LEC) as they partner with Norfolk Housing and Redevelopment Authority to offer Job Readiness Training to help the unemployed secure viable employment. Visit Life Enrichment Center (LEC)and find out the numerous opportunities available through LEC to serve Norfolk, or find an organization in your community that is serving those struggling through challenging times.
Laurie is taking part in a volunteer initiative with Tory Johnson of ABC News and WomenForHire to mobilize a Career Club for the Hampton Roads area. See Tips on Securing a Job During Tough Economic Times. If you are recently unemployed, a stay-at-home mom looking to make some extra money to cover increasing bills, retiree looking to re-enter the workforce, or are considering a career change than this group is for you. Groups will be established for each city within the Hampton Roads area. Weekly Accountability, Resume Critiques, Recruiting, Image Consulting, Social Networking, Interview Skills, Portfolio Management, Job Placement Assistance, and Expert advice from leading HR Professionals within the area will be received. Get ready to land your next dream job!
Myra, trained in organizational development, serves struggling companies with free consulting time and training sessions.
Doug is serving handicapped students through Young Life Capernaum. YLC gives young people with mental and physical disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships.
Send us your stories about how your organization and family are serving during these tough times we would like to highlight your service on our blog.
Rolfe is committed to helping companies survive during these challenging times. Please see Rolfe's offer below.
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| WHAT'S GOING ON WITH ROLFE |
News & Events
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- Grand Opening with Rolfe Carawan Live online! Be sure to check out our new storefront.
- Just launched my blog welcome to my adventures in blogging. I hope you will join me in the blogosphere.
- I just returned from giving the closing keynote to healthcare providers in Ohio at their annual Quest for Excellence conference.
- This week I am holed up in a cottage in North Carolina for a few days to finish up my new book.
- Always looking for ways to support great organizations, I joined the board of VA NSA in September.
- Next up: a day of leadership training for emerging managers at Towne Bank October 22.
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Rolfe Carawan
Carawan Global Communications & Consulting
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Free
Custom
Workshop
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Are you a leader in your organization? Are you responsible for empowering your employees? Do you get work done through others? If you are looking for strategies for empowering your employees during tough times, Rolfe is offering a free two-hour " Tougher Than the Times" training for a limited number of business owners, managers and team leaders. So, if you, or someone you know would benefit from a customized workshops meeting the unique demands of your organization, don't hesitate to redeem this offer. Contact Laurie Baggett to schedule your personalized company workshop with Rolfe Carawan. |
| Offer Expires: December 31, 2008 |
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Tougher than the Times: The Gift
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Tougher than the Times: Is Encouragement the Solution You Need?
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Tougher than the Times: The SAM Effect
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Tougher than the Times: The Key to Profitable Relationships
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Tougher Than the Times: Thoughts from a Recovering Pessimist
Jun 25, 2009
Tougher Than the Times: Leading in Tough Times
May 15, 2009
Tougher than the Times: The Trouble with Experts
Mar 31, 2009
Tougher than the Times: Breakdown to Breakthrough
Feb 27, 2009
Tougher than the Times: What in the World is Going On?
Jan 28, 2009
Tougher than the Times: What to Do- Do the Opposite
Dec 30, 2008
Tougher than the Times: Going All the Way to the Top
Nov 27, 2008
Tougher than the Times: Thanks and Gratitude
Oct 20, 2008
Tougher than the Times: Fighting Fear and Serving
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