Tougher than the Times: Thanks and Gratitude
November 27, 2008
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"Tougher Than The Times"
Relieving Suffering... Releasing Potential...
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Greetings!
Everywhere we turn it seems that we hear only negative reports and doomsday predictions. I am convinced that there really is a silver lining in this cloud too. For those who are wiling to dig for the hidden treasure and persevere, opportunities abound both personally and professionally. We have the opportunity to pull together, to strengthen our relationships, encourage one another and prepare ourselves for better days ahead. Run to the Roar! Rolfe |
IN THIS ISSUE
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- Article 1: Thanksgiving Happy
- Run To The Roar Award
- News & Events
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Happy Thanksgiving! Better yet - Thanksgiving Happy!
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| by Rolfe Carawan |
 Happy Thanksgiving! Better yet - Thanksgiving Happy!
I know that looks and sounds a little strange but if you will read on I think my point will make sense.
Due to the stress and uncertainty we experience during tough and challenging times, our normal emotional reserves can quickly become depleted. That's what makes it "tough" right? We typically experience feelings of loss; loss of security, peace of mind and confidence about the future. The tendency then is to focus on what we have lost or no longer have. And we are none too happy about it!
This is where the Thanksgiving Happy piece comes in. Thanksgiving is all about, well, giving thanks. It is all about gratitude and gratitude has a profound impact on lifting our mood and increasing our sense of happiness. We just have to take the time to re-focus our attention away from what we don't have and onto what we do have and give thanks!
In his breakthrough research on how to develop authentic enduring happiness, Dr. Martin Seligman, found himself stumped by an assignment to "contrast doing something fun with doing something altruistic" and their respective impact on personal happiness.
Most people believe that doing something "fun" - a self-focused activity for personal enjoyment - will make them happier than doing something "altruistic" - an others-focused activity for another's enjoyment or benefit. What he discovered profoundly changed his life and the lives of the students involved in the assignment.
Altruism overwhelmingly had the greatest impact on enduring personal happiness. The class performed an exercise that shaped every participant's worldview. They created "Gratitude Night." Participants would bring a guest that had been important in their lives, but whom they had never properly thanked. The guest did not know the true purpose of the gathering. Each class member then proceeded to read the letter of thanks they had prepared to honor the guest they had invited.
The positive impact was both immediate and obvious. Imagine the joy that this expression of gratitude had on both the giver and receiver. The bonding, good will and connection at such a fundamental level was far more memorable, and contributed far more to happiness, than all of the fun activities combined. Gratitude is a powerful antidote to unhappiness!
So, may I make a suggestion that can strengthen you, your family, your team or organization during this season of Thanksgiving? Identify three people you have wanted to thank but have failed to do so. Write them a nice letter expressing your gratitude and go to them for a face to face meeting where you can read the letter in their presence. In an unhurried and relaxed atmosphere allow the conversation to go where it will. Lastly, leave them with a laminated copy for their own purposes.
Too much involvement you say. Then try this. Find at least one person in each arena of your life - family, work, team member or neighbor - and determine to go out of your way to just express something about them for which you are thankful. Do it to five or six others and then take note of your sense of happiness. If your mood is not better and your step a little lighter then please call me. I will thank you for trying and send you a Starbucks card that will at least lift your spirits while the caffeine lasts!
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Run To the Roar Award
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Freedom Ford of Virginia Beach - CEO, Scott Rigell
by Rolfe Carawan |
 A Sinking Ship
Many organizations experience highs and lows and transitions that cause considerable uncertainty among members and test the very fiber of what a true leader is made of. Such transitions are occurring in the business world on a daily basis and whether internal or external they tend to expose the core of an organization and test the true unity of its members.
In the late 1980s Freedom Automotive of Norfolk, VA, was facing this very sort of transition with little hope of recovery. With economic woes, poor market location, very little strategic edge, and a leader who was swiftly growing weary of the business itself, Freedom Ford was headed toward what looked like commercial ruin.
The Arrival of a Leader
In 1991 Scott Rigell became the president and owner of Freedom Automotive. Rigell knew that the only way to turn this company around and make it succeed was to unite his employees behind a common vision rooted in common values. He would have to focus on exceptional customer service by investing in those who administered it, his own employees. Coming from a state of seemingly unfixable brokenness and failure the company grew into a modern success story of fortitude, vision, values, and unification.
The Run to the Roar
In the face of the recent economic downturn Scott Rigell is once again demonstrating his courageous leadership by running toward the challenge. I was present last week at an all-company meeting where he re-affirmed his original vision for being a "Different Kind of Dealership."
He assured his employees that he would not waver in his commitment to investing in his company by providing innovative marketing. Their customers would continue to experience the exceptional customer service they have come to expect. Employees would continue to receive world class training.
He went further to say that he was increasing the company's amount of contribution in the employees' 401K plans. But he didn't stop there, he informed them that he would be reducing his salary by 66% and if necessary he would take no salary at all to ensure they continued to receive their benefits. Leadership like that takes courage and integrity, and that inspires all of us.
Way to go, Scott. Way to Run to the Roar!!
Send us your stories about how your organization and family are running to the roar 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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- Rolfe Carawan speaks to the The "It Factor" Career Club sponsored by Good Morning America with Tory Johnson in an effort to help job seekers navigate the market.
- Rolfe has stepped up his coaching offerings for clients who recognize the value and power of coaching to maintain their focus and overcome personal limitations during these challenging times.
- Opportunities in Asia are opening up. Rolfe is presenting his "Tougher Than the Times" and "Generations: Clashing or Collaborating" programs at the 2009 HRD Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Grand Opening with Rolfe Carawan Live online! Be sure to check out our new storefront.
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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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Jan 28, 2009
Tougher than the Times: What to Do- Do the Opposite
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Tougher than the Times: Going All the Way to the Top
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Tougher than the Times: Thanks and Gratitude
Oct 20, 2008
Tougher than the Times: Fighting Fear and Serving
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