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Keeping
the/your Spirit Alive at Work
taken
from material provided by Catherine
Fenwick
Meaningful
work is an expression of our humanity.
To a large degree, it defines who we
are and what contributions we make to
our community. Work as an expression
of self contributes to a happier, healthier
life. Meaningful work is challenging,
exciting, and fun. To have a satisfying
life we all need meaningful purposeful
activity, people who care, and the ability
to experience joy.
Meaningful activity means taking positive
action as well as having work that matters.
Support networks include a loving caring
environment at home, in the community
and at work. Joy and humour enhance
the quality of our activities. (taken
from Workscape - Keeping Spirit Alive
at Work, pg.1)
How
do you get more joy in your workplace?
It helps if you really like your work!
Lighten up and let go of some of your
need to control. Don't be afraid to
try new things. Plan spontaneity!
Organize informal social gatherings
outside of work. Celebrate successes.
Create an atmosphere of joy with posters,
pictures, cartoons, jokes and friendly
banter with co-workers and clients.
Create a staff skit for your next staff
social. Start meetings with people sharing
something funny that happened to them
in the past week. Create a comedy corner,
put jokes or cartoons on your memos,
reports, and strategic planning manuals.
The possibilities are endless . . .
(taken from the "Ask Cathy" (Column)-
"If I'm having fun I can't really be
working, can I?" written by Catherine
Fenwick for WHOLife Journal)
Ms.
Fenwick suggests that people who are
in charge of their lives (at home, in
the community, and at work) have developed
and demonstrate the following Personal
Leadership Qualities:
- I
accept responsibility for myself and
my actions. Recognize that action
and inaction is a series of choices.
To what degree do I feel in charge
of my life? What action do I need
to take in order to take full responsibility
for where my life is going?
- I
am a lifelong learner. What have
I done in the last 5 years to further
my education? What education plans
do I have for the next 5 years, 10
years?
- I
can do what needs to be done.
Do I trust my abilities and actions?
Will I be able to do the work? How
will I fit in with the new team? Can
I support the organization's new direction?
Are my personal values being compromised?
What can I do to facilitate the transition?
- I
see crises and obstacles as challenges.
What obstacle(s) am I currently facing?
What action can I take in order to
overcome this obstacle or to make
it work for me?
- I
love life and share my joy. Do
I make laughter work for me?
- I
know what I want and why I want it.
What really matters to me?
For
best results we need healthy motivated
workers in healthy organizational environments
. . . . the best workplaces provide
a safe physical space, clear job descriptions
with appropriate training, flexibility
to allow workers to handle personal
and family needs, a positive encouraging
atmosphere, respect, recognition, appreciation,
and sufficient salary to meet the financial
needs of the employer and worker . .
. . Research shows that workers who
know what they are supposed to do, have
the skills to do it, have a sense of
control over how their work gets done,
and feel valued and appreciated are
healthier and more productive. They
get sick less often, are less prone
to accidents, are better able to manage
stress and work more effectively.
(taken from the "Ask Cathy" (Column)
- "A healthy workplace is a more productive
workplace" written by Catherine Fenwick
for WHOLife Journal)
Cathy
Fenwick has more than twenty years of
experience as an author, educator, and
work and career consultant. She conducts
workshops in stress management, communication
skills, team building, embracing change,
getting through tough times and the
healing power of humour. Cathy speaks
at national and international conferences.
She has publications in several journals,
magazines and newspapers, as well as
having published a number of books/workshop
manuals including "Workscapes" (1998)
and "Building Bridges - The Heart of
Effective Communication" (1999).
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