THE CONFIDENCE CENTER NEWS

Easy Ways to Raise Employee Morale

And Build Personal Confidence

April 2, 2001 - ISSUE #45

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WORDS OF WISDOM

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WORD OF THE WEEK

*** INITIATIVE ***

WORD OF THE WEEK ACTIVITY

*** Make a list of the areas in your life where you take the initiative. Then, list areas where you could take a little more initiative. This week take the initiative in something new.***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** How can you simplify your life? ***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK ACTIVITY

*** Make a list of the things you own that you don't need. Next make a list of the things you do that are not your responsibility. Choose some things from each list to get rid of. You will free up space and time as well as lower your stress.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

***"There is no failure except in no longer trying." Elbert Hubbard

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RAISING RAISING MORALE

Bubble Gum Blow-Up

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Idea contributed by Clarence Briggs of Experian - Allen, Texas

Here's an idea that only takes a few minutes and that's guaranteed to be hilarious at your next staff meeting or party.

Employees are given bubble gum and compete against each other by seeing who can blow the biggest bubble. You can have different categories for winners: largest, second largest, smallest, oddest shape, double bubble, etc. Each winner selects a colored dot from a list displayed on a poster board. Each colored dot is associated with a unique prize.

*More morale boosting ideas in the FIRE UP YOUR STAFF ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET manual. Information at www.ConfidenceCenter.com.

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BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Create a Time Budget

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Are you overwhelmed with trying to please everyone else as you also try to get your own work accomplished? Building confidence means learning to set and maintain limits. Here's how.

Take a monthly calendar, and create a "time budget" that sets blocks of time for work, social, family, personal, and helping others. Then when someone asks you for help, you can look at your "time budget" and easily see whether or not you can allot the time. If your time budget doesn't allow, simply say, "I'm sorry, I can't help you this week, or this month, or with your project, etc." Try to give them other ideas. "Perhaps you can ask Sally or Joan." This shows your concern, and gives them other options.

Saying "NO" will free up your time and help you focus on what is important to you. While you may feel a little guilty at first, others will respect you for setting limits, and you will increase your confidence.

From the "Secrets of Self-Confidence" seminar. For information go to www.ConfidenceCenter.com

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####ANNOUNCEMENTS####

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LUNCH AND LEARN

The Confidence Center offers lunch and learn presentations on site at your company. Topics are on employee personal development. Our most popular ones are on increasing confidence, lowering stress, and improving employee relationships. Please contact us for more information.

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DOES YOUR NON-PROFIT ASSOCIATION NEED A SPEAKER?

As a public service to the community, The Confidence Center's professional speakers and trainers will give a free 20 minute presentation on one of our topics to qualified non-profit associations. E-mail harriet@ConfidenceCenter.com

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We are now offering Customer Satisfaction workshops customized to your company's unique needs. Please contact us for more information.

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Beginning in April we will be offering a 6 week e-mail Creating Confidence home study course. This interactive e-mail course will be customized to each person's individual needs. For details go to www.ConfidenceCenter.com and go to the products and services page or click on reply and e-mail us.

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BUDGET MINDED GIFTS FOR EMPLOYEES

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PAPERBACK BOOKS CONTAIN QUOTATIONS AND WORDS OF WISDOM TITLES

=>Motivating Quotes for Motivated People

=>Stress or Sanity

=>Cornerstones of Success

=>The Secret Language of Men

->The Secret Language of Women

Price $5.95 ea or $5.00 each when ordering 10 or more

Plus tax and shipping

Order by phone 214-373-0080 in Dallas TX or 800-544-4011nationwide

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(c) Copyright 2002 Harriet Meyerson/The Confidence Center. All rights reserved.