Author: maripat

Cardio Kick Boxing or Corporate Interview: Make first impressions count

On Saturday I went to take a cardio kick-boxing class I attend on a regular basis. It is normally taught by an energetic and very fit young woman named, Anne. As a bunch of us were mingling and waiting for the class to begin, a rather disheveled man came in to the studio space and appeared to be getting organized to teach the class. He looked as if he had just rolled out of bed, was in need of a shave and could have benefitted from running a comb through his long, stringy hair that seemed be be flying in many different directions. He wore what appeared to be sweat pants and a t-shirt left over from the ’80’s and capped off the outfit by tying a tattered red bandana across his forehead. His t-shirt, likely purchased when he was 20 pounds lighter, revealed a protruding belly. He explained that he was the substitute instructor.

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Communication that Complements Engagement

To foster a culture where employee engagement thrives it is important to have a common understanding of what engagement really looks like, sounds like and feels like. When I am working with a new corporate client I do my best to soak up the atmosphere determine whether or not I see employees who

Talk About – employees who openly talk about and share their company pride with others.

Stay With – employees who stay with your organization and are loyal

Strive For – employees who commit to striving to help the company reach its goals.

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Be a little brighter and lighter in the New Year

As 2009 winds down and the requisite ritual of New Year’s resolutions lies ahead I am reminded of the practice I value most at this time of year. It is the gesture that requires us to think of what we want to let go of and what we want to bring into the new year.

brighten your possibilities for the new year

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Make the Holidays Magical: Communicate you Care

I am as guilty as everyone else. As much as I tell myself I will be conservative this year when it comes to holiday spending – I spend more than I should. As much as I tell myself to not send cards and save a few trees – I still send them out. As much as I tell myself to spend time thinking of meaningful gestures for family and friends – I often don’t.

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