My Holland, Author at EQuest Asia

Compassion at work… Why? Why not?

Compassion, Tâm Lý Tích Cực / My Holland

Compassion at work Experts reveal that by cultivating compassion, our health and happiness improves. But what is compassion and is it something we can learn? When you think of the word ‘compassion’, it is often linked to kindness, but it can encompass many things from empathy and understanding to courage. Another common misconception is that ‘compassion’ is a weakness of some kind. Far from it, understanding ourselves and others is the key to unlocking a happy life – at work and at home. Founder of Compassion Focused Therapy, Professor Paul Gilbert from the University of Derby in the UK explains it well in a blog of his on the Huffington Post … “we are only one possible version of ourselves as a result of our social upbringing and contexts. It takes courage to be aware that we are biological beings, built by genes we never chose; pushed and pulled by motives and emotions that are in-built; socially shaped by environments we simply found ourselves in. This is the basis of compassionate wisdom.” While we can’t help the way we are, as a lot of it is shaped by people, places and circumstances around us or beyond our control, we can choose to understand ourselves better. In fact, it is our responsibility to understand our own brain and personality and learn how to build the best, supportive environments to nurture ourselves and as a result, those around us. This can often be tested by external forces, but compassion is a strength and not a weakness or an indulgence and it is something important to come to grips with, especially in the workplace. Let’s take a look at how compassion can change a workforce for the better… If you find yourself being unnecessarily harsh about your own ability at work or constantly critical of your colleagues, or if you default to negative comments or work in a work environment filled with conflict or tension, chances are you can better understand and apply compassion. This means that work is more effective and staff wellbeing improves. Now you know WHY compassion at work is important, but how can you show it? Here’s 5 tips … If you see a colleague struggling with a work project or hitting a tight deadline, offer your assistance, even if this means making them a drink! Cultivate a creative environment by meeting to share ideas and visions and actively inspire and motivate each other Team building helps build communication among colleagues. Get to know the people you work with and connect with them. Remember staff birthdays or ask colleagues how their weekend was or what their holiday plans are. This helps everyone at work feel valued. Boost staff morale by recognising the achievements and strengths of individual members of staff and celebrate these (usually with meaningful praise). Encourage others in the workplace to communicate openly – using feedback and open dialogue, and exercise this yourself on a daily basis. Challenge things you see as unfair, in an open and mature dialogue and express feelings and thoughts. .

Compassion at work… Why? Why not? Đọc thêm »

Mindfulness and productivity. What is the Link?

Nhận Thức, Mindfulness, Productivity / My Holland

Mindfulness and Productivity Mindfulness is the buzzword of the moment, but while we might be aware that we ought to be practising it, do we really understand the benefits? How can mindfulness help us? This article outlines just a few ways in which mindfulness – the act of focused awareness on the present moment – can help us become more focused and productive in our everyday work and social lives. Prevents distraction We have all been there … sat at our desks typing away on a report or flicking through emails, while also pondering what to have for tea or scheduling when you can fit in a visit to the gym or who will pick the kids up from their sport club tonight. Distraction is the number one barrier to productivity. Our mind often wanders and worries about a number of things at the same time. We live in a society where we are connected to so many sources of information, often leading to information overload. But to focus, mindfulness can help us work on one task at a time with all of our energy and undivided attention and get the task done before moving on to the next. Reduces stress Mindfulness is a great stress reducer and it is proven that stress is detrimental to work productivity. Sometimes our mind exaggerates issues in our lives so that they suddenly seem bigger than they are and begin to spiral out of control. Before we know it, we are paralysed by this stress and negative thinking. Stress is detrimental to productivity. While a small amount of the ‘fight or flight’ mentality and the cortisol hormone can help boost short term alertness, it is not a long term solution.

Mindfulness and productivity. What is the Link? Đọc thêm »

Get Into Philanthropy In Your Workplace

Compassion, Workplace Culture / My Holland

It’s Good To Give It’s funny. You read the papers in the morning or turn on your car radio on the way to the office and you’d think the whole world has gone mad. Just about everything you read or hear involves, if not sheer evil, it’s about the destruction of human lives and property or about the unpleasant, hurtful things people, communities and, even nations do to one another. Whatever Happened To Charity? Where Has Love For One’s Fellowmen And Christian Compassion Gone?, Or, Has Man Enacted Laws Against These? The good news is that these are all alive and well. It’s just that for the broadcast journalists and newspaper reporters, there’s not much fun reporting the story about the good Samaritan. Much like today’s Hollywood producers, they’d rather spook the average family with vampires and monster stories instead of the refreshing, clean-cut, romantic tales of the Pollyannas and the girls next door. People Still Care In reality, beyond the dreadful newspaper headlines, most people still care for one another. They still give and share … time, money, food or whatever they’ve got. The fact is, in the United Kingdom alone, the average Briton is known to donate at least ten pounds a month to charity or some good causes. Many others donate larger sums annually for doing good. In general, ninety-six percent (96%) of people give to charity as they feel it’s their duty to give back to society and help resolve the inequality using their own good fortune. So, if you’re thinking of giving and sharing, you’d be in good company. And, you don’t even have to go those God-forsaken, disease-infested places Mother Theresa use to go to (unless you’re angling to be another saint!) You can do it right in your community or in your workplace. Get Into Philanthropy In Your Workplace. Being a philanthropist sounds big and impressive. Don’t let it fool you. They’re not only for the Bill Gates’ and Oprah Winfrey’s of this world. Philanthropy is something anybody can get into. That includes you and me. Any giving or sharing of time or money to charity is regarded as philanthropy. Here Are Some Fundamental Things You Can Adopt To Back-Up Whatever Charitable Activities May Be Happening In Your Company. Get Into It And Make It Personal. Be A Do-Gooder: One of the benefits of advocating philanthropy in the workplace is that you can align your work activities to revolve around an area of passion. Make It Social: Rather than spending lots of money on team-building sessions, You and your team can simply choose a worthy cause and together, you can go out into the field and learn some real team-ship is. Take Some Time Out To Do Good: One of the most common reasons for not engaging in some philanthropic work is “I don’t have enough time.” If you happen to be one of the head honchos in the office, then you’d be in a position to free up some time for your guys to get involved in some “do-good” activity. It’s been proven .. taking the time to incorporate and recognize philanthropy in a company motivates employees in better productivity. To be sure, these are just some of the simple philanthropic things we can do at the office. There are more. You should do them. It’s good for you, your co-workers, your company and your soul!

Get Into Philanthropy In Your Workplace Đọc thêm »

My Holland

Compassion at work… Why? Why not?

Mindfulness and productivity. What is the Link?

Get Into Philanthropy In Your Workplace

Liên Hệ