THE CONFIDENCE CENTER NEWS

Easy Ways to Raise Employee Morale

And Build Personal Confidence

September 17, 2001 - ISSUE #67

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WORDS OF WISDOM

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WORD OF THE WEEK

*** FREEDOM ***

WORD OF THE WEEK ACTIVITY

*** This week, more than ever, we need to appreciate our freedom. Ask employees to list of all the things they appreciate about living in a free country. Post the lists on the walls of your company. ***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

*** How can you show your patriotism? ***

QUESTION OF THE WEEK ACTIVITY

*** Flying our flag, singing patriotic songs, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, writing letters to the editor, voting in every election, volunteering in charitable organizations, etc. are only a few of the many ways to show your patriotism. Think of something you can do this week at work or school and at home to express your patriotism.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

*** "Freedom isn't free" ***

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RAISING RAISING MORALE

What to Do This Week - The Aftermath of Disaster

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People are frightened and angry over the terrorist attack on our nation. Here are some things you can do to this week to help your employees.

1. Hold a staff meeting. They can be small department meetings or whole company meetings that show solidarity with our country and the people who are suffering.

Also discuss the relationship of freedom to the structure of your own company and how tolerance, respect, compassion, rules, and structure, help create freedom for all.

Reassure employees about your company's security provisions, and go over what to do in case of fire, etc.

2. Start and end each day with a patriotic song.

3. Ask employees to wear red, white, and blue clothes to work all week.

4. Collect money for the Red Cross. Call your local Red Cross chapter or National Red Cross at (800) HELP NOW (800-435-7669).

* More great morale boosting ideas in the

FIRE UP YOUR STAFF ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET manual

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BUILDING CONFIDENCE

Structure and Personal Freedom

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A country where everybody gets to do what they want to do, when they want to do it, does not have freedom, it has anarchy. Anarchy leads to only the strongest people having power which creates chaos and fear. In a free society, rules and structure give both the weak and the strong an opportunity to achieve happiness, become productive, and express their creativity within a framework that doesn't harm anyone else.

Likewise, in your personal life, you need structure and rules to have personal freedom. You need routines to perform daily tasks without having to think about them every day, You need to organize your "stuff" so that your things won't be in chaos. You need rules for your own behavior so that you will be able to get along with others. You need to set boundaries with people in your personal life who won't follow the rules.

Personal freedom begins with examining all aspects of your life. It involves doing an inventory of where you are now, where you would like to be, and what changes you need to make to get there. While it may mean discussing relationships with others, it doesn't mean blaming others for your problems. If everyone tended to his or her own garden, soon you would have a beautiful neighborhood. If you tend to your own life, you will increase your personal freedom and your chances for personal success and happiness.

*** From the Secrets of Self confidence workshop.

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