Leadership Summer 2015 by Ryan Lucas

LEADERSHIP Summer 2015

Creative Problem Solving 101 pp. 6-7 Lessons for Working the Night Shift pg. 11

Becom

ing a St

rong Le

ader Expecta tions 5 Exerc ises to A v o Aching Neck id an

Clarifyin

g Work

Leadership Summer 2014

MINES & Associates 10367 West Centennial Road Littleton, Colorado 80127 800.873.7138 www.MINESandAssociates.com

A word from your Account Management Team... Welcome to the Summer 2015 issue of Leadership!

As we round the corner into summer it will be important to keep a cool head both literally and figuratively. To help with this we’ve put together a collection of articles that address some stressors that may be going on. Working late? No problem, Check out some lessons for working the night shift. Moving to a new position at work? We’ve got you covered with an article on making the most of that transition. And while you’re at it make sure to check out the resources on preventing an aching neck, being a strong leader, and even take a lesson on creative problem solving. With the heat bearing down this summer don’t worry if it gets a little hot, we have your back. When things get intense please don’t forget to call your Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-873-7138. To your health!

– The MINES Team

. . . . . . . . C redi t s . . . . . . . Life Advantages - Author Delvina Mirtemadi ©2015 Being a Strong Leader pg. 4 Krames Staywell Making the Most of a Transition at Work pg. 5 5 Exercises to Avoid an Aching Neck pg. 10 Lessons for Working the Night Shift pg. 11 Wellness Library Health and Vitality Communications ©2015 Creative Problem Solving 101 pp. 6-7 Clarifying Your Work Expectations pp. 8-9

2015 Awareness is the name of the game in 2015! We here at MINES believe the first step to enhancing your wellbeing is becoming aware. By becoming aware you not only become cognizant of new ideas and open your mind to the world around you, but you also open your eyes to see yourself in a new light as well. Total Wellbeing will continue to bridge the gap between our potential and optimal wellbeing by bringing light to the 8 dimensions of wellness: Physical, Occupational, Intellectual, Environmental, Financial, Social, Spiritual, and Emotional Wellness and expanding your awareness of ways to support these dimensions in your life to help you promote your own Total Wellbeing.

Total Wellbeing

Focus on Awareness

Physical Spiritual Intellectual Social

Total

Emotional Financial Occupational Environmental

Keep an eye out on MINES & Associates in 2015 as we explore the awareness landscape. From financial planning to social influence, physical wellness to emotional health, all aspects of your life are connected and can affect your wellbeing. Let us help you stay on top of this constantly shifting world and make your wellbeing easier to focus on than ever before.

Your Own Perspective In the spirt of awareness in 2015 we want to hear from you. We want to know about the things you do to support your own happiness and wellbeing. So please share your stories, whether they are success stories or struggles you have faced. We will be featuring some of your wellbeing stories in our publications to inspire and let others know that they are not alone. Email your wellbeing story to: communications@minesandassociates.com

Wellness Webinars

Support from the experts

Wellbeing

Join our partner, Brown Richards, for any of their monthly webinars. 2015 will cover great new topics ranging from organizing your life, facts about Alzheimer’s, family cultivation, eating right, and much more! Visit our website to learn more, or register for upcoming events at www.minesandassociates.com/webinar.

Is there a topic you’d like to see us explore? We’d love to hear from you. Shoot us an e-mail at communications@minesandassociates.com and let us know what you’d like to see.

www.MINESandAssociates.com | 800.873.7138

Being a Strong Leader:

Tips on Making Decisions, Coaching Employees, and Communicating Effectively As a leader, you wear many hats. In addition to overseeing others, you are also likely to be in charge of making important decisions, coaching employees through situations, and communicating with team members about important matters. To better develop effective leadership skills that will help you be successful in each of these areas, follow the guidelines below.

As someone who makes decisions, you should:

• Think things through. Don’t decide too hastily, and make sure to consider alternatives. Employees can be a great resource. Ask them for input regarding decisions when appropriate. • Take risks, but know the consequences before you jump. • Admit when you make a mistake, and use it as a learning tool. Share with others the lessons that you have been taught.

As a coach who guides employees, you should:

• Envision the goals that you and your team can accomplish. Seek and share the goals with your team, motivating them to get there. • Show each member of the team that you are interested in his or her success. Notice unique skills and talents, and work with each member to develop them. • Help resolve differences between team members. You can act as a mediator between two employees who don’t see eyeto-eye. When doing this, make sure you are fair and supportive to each employee. • Be enthusiastic and honest to each employee. This will inspire them to be the same way.

As a communicator, you should:

• Give the employee your full attention when he or she is speaking to you. Don’t be quick to criticize or judge, hear the person out, and think before you speak. • Check if employees understand goals. • Give feedback to employees. This can be constructive criticism, but make sure you present it in an encouraging and supportive way. Be specific when an employee needs to make a change. • Be calm when stressful situations arise. Be the voice of reason when things are tough. • When communicating praise or criticism, use “I” statements to demonstrate how you feel. For example, “I was impressed by your latest presentation to our clients,” or, “I was hurt by what you said to co-workers about the team leaders.” M

“Think things through. Don’t decide too hastily, and make sure to consider alternatives. Employees can be a great resource. Ask them for input regarding decisions when appropriate.”

Leadership Summer 2015

Making the Most of a Transition at work It’s crisis time. Your company changes the product line, downsizes or merges with another company, or you get a new boss. What can you do to weather the change?

“When it freezes over, ice skate,” says Patt Schwab, Ph.D., a professional speaker in Seattle who specializes in workplace change and humor. During a difficult transition, you may not be able to concentrate on your work, feel immobilized by stress, and be frightened about the future.

But don’t despair. Dr. Schwab offers the following suggestions to help you float through difficult transitions instead of thrashing around in a sea of confusion.

Analyze

Take time to “analyze what you can or can’t do,” says Dr. Schwab. “If you can’t stop a merger, then figure out what the next step is and live with it. Don’t waste time fighting a done deal.” If you’re being laid off, analyze your skills, assess your contacts, and determine how much time you have between now and your last paycheck. If your company is involved in a merger, do some research to learn as much as you can about the other company.

Look for opportunities that may arise out of the change. If you get laid off, you get to spend more time with your family, or you could possibly go back to school.

Say farewell

“There’s a whole progression of natural feelings you go through during a transition,” explains Dr. Schwab. “First you deny something is going to happen, then you resist it, then you explore different scenarios, and finally you accept it and commit to the new change.”

Use humor “Humor doesn’t belittle a serious situation; it lifts you above it and allows you to look at it from a different perspective,” says Dr. Schwab. “Humor empowers you. If you can laugh at something, it doesn’t feel so overwhelming, and if you can laugh together, it builds stronger relationships.” Here are two ways to use humor during a transition:

• This Day in History. Research the historical events that coincide with your difficult transition. Make a list of several terrible things that happened on this date, and end your list with the troublesome change at your company. Print copies to give your co-workers. • A Wine and Cheese Party. Get together with co-workers and bellyache together instead of separately. Exaggerate the problem until you start to laugh about it.

Be prepared

A crisis usually doesn’t give you time to prepare. But you’ll fare best if you live your life like the Boy Scout motto: Be Prepared.

“This means you’ve kept your training up to date, you haven’t extended yourself financially, and your relationships are good both in and out of the workplace,” say Dr. Schwab.

Even if your company isn’t in a crisis mode, preparing yourself for any possibility will help you ease through difficult transitions when they do happen. And in today’s workplace, they’re more likely to happen than not.

In other words, says Dr. Schwab, “Don’t wait till it freezes over to polish your ice skates.” M

Saying good-bye to the past is important to moving forward. You must let go of one side of the pool before you can swim to the other side.

Summer 2015 Leadership

Creative Problem Solving 101 Don’t despair if the same frustrating problems shackle you at work time and time again. Perhaps you’re bored with your job or concerned because the competition is passing your company by. Be aware that you can solve these problems with creativity.

Whether you realize it, you already have creative ability. “Ninety-eight percent of people are creative, but our socialization process causes them to put it on the back burner. The fastest way to tap into your creativity is to learn how to use creative problem-solving techniques,” says James M. Higgins, author of “101 Creative Problem-Solving Techniques.” Two of his favorite techniques -- one for individuals, the other for groups -- may work for you. “The fastest way to tap into your creativity is to learn how to use creative problem-solving techniques”

Mind mapping Mind mapping helps individuals brainstorm solutions to a problem; plan a meeting, party, or vacation; organize daily work duties; compose a speech; or take notes at a staff meeting.

An Englishman named Tony Buzan originated the technique, which starts with a core idea and works outward instead of from lists or outlines. The idea resembles streets radiating from the center of a city. “What makes mind mapping work,” says Mr. Higgins, “is that it mirrors the way the brain thinks, from a central idea out, with connections made between thoughts.”

How to mind map Draw a small circle in the center of a large piece of unlined paper, and in it write a word or draw a picture representing your main topic. This is like the center of your city. Radiating from the circle, draw lines representing your topic’s different facets. These are like your city’s main streets. On each line print only key words rather than complete sentences. Connect smaller lines to the main ones to represent sub-categories, ideas, items or names. These are like your city’s side streets. Whenever you think of a new idea, simply add a line where needed. To spark more creativity and add organization, use different-colored ink for different categories, or draw symbols next to similar or interrelated items. 6

Leadership Summer 2015

Besides awakening your creativity, mind mapping allows you to see the total picture on one page.

Sample Mind Map Template

Storyboarding With storyboarding, a group can come up with a multitude of creative ideas quickly while viewing them in an organized fashion.

To use storyboarding in a group setting, encourage people to call out their ideas no matter how off-the-wall or outrageous they sound -- and allow no negative comments. One person’s zany idea can spark creative ones from other group members. Later on you can decide which ideas to use. As people express ideas, someone should write them on separate 4-by-6-inch sticky notes, which should be placed on a wall so everyone can see the ideas together. Put the notes under appropriate headings, and move them around as needed. Begin with these three headings: Topic, Purpose, and Miscellaneous. When several miscellaneous ideas have the same line of thought, group them under a new heading. When dealing with a complex project, create four separate storyboards -- one each for planning, ideas, organization, and communication.

Balance your brain Mind mapping and storyboarding use both the brain’s creative right side and its linear left side. “This is important,” says Mr. Higgins, “because you want a balanced brain so you can take your creativity and do something with it.” M

Summer 2015 Leadership 7

Clarifying Your Work Expectations The thought of talking to your boss about your work expectations probably sends shivers down your spine.

But if you’re a new employee and want to start off on the right track, or if you’ve worked at a company for years and feel burned out, stressed, or unhappy, you’ll need to muster up the courage to have just such a conversation.

To be successful when you do, you must be clear about your expectations, and you must communicate them in a way that will keep your boss listening.

“In a typical employment situation, certain expectations -- such as salary, hours, and job duties -- are clearly understood by both employer and employee. Other expectations, however, may be so closely linked to your idea of work that you simply assume the expectations will be met without clearly stating them,” reports Inscape Publishing Inc. in “Managing Work Expectations -- Transforming Attitudes,” a self-assessment workbook.

The “other” job expectations According to the workbook, these expectations often go unspoken:

Leadership Summer 2015

1. Recognition

6. Teamwork

2. Autonomy

7. Structure

3. Expression

8. Environment

4. Career growth

9. Balance

5. Diversity

10. Stability

To help clarify your thoughts, write each of these expectations on a separate sheet of paper, then answer these three questions for each one.

1. What do you expect? For example, let’s consider “autonomy.” Do you expect the freedom to make decisions about your job? How much supervision do you want? 2. Where are you now? How well has this expectation already been met? While you want to primarily focus on the un-met ones, it’s also important your boss know what’s working for you. 3. Where do you want to go? Company policy or structure may prevent some expectations from being met, so you must be willing to make some compromises. You must come up with possible solutions to your un-met expectations.

When to talk to your boss A good time to talk is during your regularly scheduled performance review.

Make practical suggestions It’s essential you come prepared to discuss several possible solutions for about three of your expectations. You want to give your boss choices, so make your requests short and concise.

Put your suggestions in writing and, when you leave, say, “I’ve written these down for you to consider. Thank you for your time and your interest.” Follow up with a thank-you letter.

A powerful impact Whether spoken or unspoken, met or un-met, work expectations have a powerful impact on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and are the key drivers of your attitude. Taking the time to address them can increase your success and reduce your stress at work.

Summer 2015 Leadership 9

Photo by Tom Woodward

5 Exercises To Prevent An Aching Neck One of the things many of us take for granted is the mobility and comfort of our neck. It’s only when we lose that mobility and it becomes painful to make even slight movements that we wish we had taken preventive measures. The information and exercises discussed in this article are to strengthen and stretch a normal neck. Anyone with pre-existing neck pain or a spine condition should check with their healthcare provider before doing these exercises. Although neck pain can be the result of stress, age, or injury, it is most often associated with poor posture, according to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR).

Necks need exercise, too

The muscles in your neck can be exercised and strengthened just like other muscles in your body. Plus, exercise will improve your neck’s range of motion. You should check with your doctor before doing neck exercises, however, and discontinue them if any movement causes you pain.

Before you begin a neck exercise, it’s important to find the proper starting position for your head. This helps prevent exercise-related injuries. Do this by putting your head squarely over your shoulders, then move it straight forward and then back. This back or base position is your starting point. For each of the following exercises, begin with five repetitions and build up to 10:

1. Rotations: Sitting, turn your head slowly to the left and then to the right as far as you can, comfortably. 2. Shoulder circles: While standing, raise your shoulders straight up, then move them in a circle around, down and back up again. Circle in both directions. 3. Side stretches: While standing, stretch your neck slowly to the left trying to touch your ear to your shoulder. Repeat on the right side. 4. Resistance exercises: Place your right hand against your head above your ear and gently press, resisting the movement with your neck. Do the same with your left hand on the other side. 5. Head lifts: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift and lower your head, keeping

Leadership Summer 2015

your shoulders flat on the floor. Next, lie on one side and lift your head toward the ceiling. Repeat this movement on your other side and while lying on your stomach.

Easy preventive measures

Proper neck posture, a simple matter of good body mechanics, can offer you protection from neck pain. Here are suggestions from the AAPMR and other experts that can help prevent the misuse or overuse of your neck.

• Don’t sit in one place for a long time. If you’re stuck at your desk, place items around your office so that you are forced to get up or stretch to retrieve them. • Maintain good posture for your neck. Adjust your desk chair so your hips are slightly higher than your knees. Your head and neck will then naturally assume the correct position. When traveling, place a small pillow or rolled up towel between your neck and the headrest. • Don’t sleep with too many pillows or with a pillow that’s too thick. • When talking on the phone, don’t cradle the phone between head and shoulder. If you’re on the phone often, switch to a headset or speakerphone. • If you are reading or typing from other materials, raise the pages to eye level. • If you have corrected vision, keep your prescription current so you don’t have to crane your neck forward to see clearly. M

Lessons for Working the Night Shift If you work the night shift, you face unique health and productivity challenges. Many night workers have difficulty falling asleep during the day and staying awake at night.

Knowing what you can do to improve your daytime sleep and your nighttime alertness can help you maintain your efficiency and safety. Answering the following statements true or false will help you test your knowledge of working nights. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

If you work at night, try to maintain the same sleep schedule on the days you work and the days you’re off. Making your bedroom as dark as possible can help improve your sleep. Taking a nap before work may increase your alertness. Some over-the-counter pain relievers and other medications have as much caffeine as one or two cups of coffee and can disturb your sleep. Varying your routine by performing different tasks at different times during your shift can help you stay alert. Regular exercise promotes easier and deeper sleep. Bright light and cool temperatures (below 70 degrees) help keep you awake. Stretching or exercising when you take a break can help you stay alert. The most dangerous part of your day is probably your drive home after work.

The answers

Give yourself 10 points for each right answer. 1. True. Reverting fully to a typical day schedule during your time off will make it harder to sleep when you return 2. True. Hang light-blocking curtains or shades or tape black plastic bags or aluminum foil on the glass. Wear an eye mask if your bedroom is still lit. 3. True. Daytime sleep often lasts only 4 to 5 hours, so it may help to take a short nap (20-30mines) before your night shift. 4. True. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications could disturb your sleep. 5. True. 6. True. Thirty to sixty minutes of exercise most days of the week will help you sleep better and deeper. 7. True. 8. True. Physical activity triggers your nervous system and helps keep you alert. 9. True. To help prevent accidents, vary your route and drive with another worker, which will keep you alert. Call a cab, a friend, or a relative for a ride if you’re feeling particularly exhausted.

Evaluate your score 60 to 90 points. You know a lot about working the night shift. 30 to 50 points. You know a little about working nights. Reading a book or talking to co-workers about effective coping strategies can help you learn more. 0 to 20 points. You don’t yet know very much about working at night. Ask your supervisor for help adjusting to this shift. M Summer 2015 Leadership 11

A note to Supervisors... From time to time, situations arise when a supervisor is not sure how to respond to a particular behavior. The Employee Assistance Program is available on a 24/7 basis for consultation on issues such as: referring an employee to the EAP, how best to respond to and manage difficult behavior in the workplace, and whether training or some other form of group intervention (such as an organizational intervention or a conflict resolution) may be helpful for a particular situation. The EAP can serve as an ally to anyone who is working with a troubled employee.

• 24/7 supervisor consultation regarding problems in the workplace

• Assessment of behavioral risk on the job • Return-to-Duty conferences

• Advisory services in writing, revising, and implementing policies

• Supervisor and Manager training

• Unlimited formal Work Performance Referrals

• Coaching for management and leadership skills

• Conflict resolution for supervisor-employee problems

MINES believes that employees are an organization’s most valuable resource. Your EAP is always available to provide you and your employees with support.

The MINES Team

Questions? Reach us at 800.873.7138 | www.MINESandAssociates.com