happy

Do your friends and family think you are crazy?

What is this mindfulness stuff? a mental state achieved by focusing awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Calmness and an inner peace arrives with this state.

How do you focus on the present moment? There are many techniques. Meditation is popular but a walk in the park, painting or colouring are good too.  I recommend painting a soul map as your brain responds to the symmetrical pattern.

You were once so different; perhaps your life values were different for example; career driven at all costs, you valued big houses and expensive cars, or perhaps you were too shy to do what you wanted to do with your life.  You felt happiness in some way eluded you.  You did not have a sense of satisfaction with your life. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

The ‘Power of Knowing’ leadership techniques

It is hard to be a great chef when you have never experienced a fantastic meal, looked at a recipe or felt the ingredients. You can learn the techniques to be able to lead yourself and your teams.

Enabling change from the inside out: to do this you need to gain insight into your strengths, potential need to change certain habits, the values you hold and determine your goals.

7 steps to achieving success:

  1. Know yourself – Identify what stage you are in your leadership and life. What you have learned so far? Have you acquired any bad habits? Discover what change is needed.
  2. Gain insight on your strengths that you can build on and identify weaknesses that need to be dealt with. Develop the art of becoming the ‘detached observer’.
  3. Focus and Intention – Learn the power of focus and intention. Where your energy goes things happen. But are you focusing on the right things? Clarifying your purpose and develop your personal compass for the next stage in your life and leadership.
  4. Values and Purpose – Identify the values that are connected to your purpose. These guide and influence your choices, decisions and relationships, plus shape your character as a leader
  5. Vision for the Future – Create the vision of what you want your future to look like. Learn to clarify your priorities in key areas of your life – professional, family & friends, yourself.
  6. Overcome Obstacles and Challenges – Explore the obstacles and challenges that need to be dealt with for you to achieve your vision. Identify root causes of old patterns that are compromising your success.
  7. Goals, Strategy and Action Plan – Define your goals, strategies and action plan to achieve your vision of the next chapter in your life. Learn how to sustain your energy, commitment and enthusiasm for the direction you choose.

Now bring your vision into reality

Alison Pooley-Wem – life coach, author and leadership consultant, MBCS CITP, former Business Transformation Director, IT Director, Programme Director who led major transformation programmes for corporate and multi-national organisations such as Amey PLC, Christies. News UK. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Happy team: 6% higher net profit margin

Engaged team members care about their work and their company.  Engaged team members are motivated and happy. They are prepared to go the extra mile without being asked.

Towers Perrin research says,

Companies with engaged employees have a 6% higher net profit margin.

Well lead and motivated teams create greater customer satisfaction while experiencing increased job satisfaction.

Motivated teams are productive and achieve great things. 

Following and realising your passion is key to your own well-being.  Success in following your passion often comes from focus. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Relaxation: learn to remain still

Stillness is very powerful.

Mindfulness is a commonly used term these days. However it is true that meditation or just being still brings calmness which enhances your concentration, lowers blood pressure and aids sleep quality. All are good for enhancing your performance at work and improves your well-being.

The simplest way to induce stillness is to take deep breaths.

3-4-5 breathing is a simple exercise devised by @Dr Rangan Chatterjee.

1. Breath in for 3 seconds.

2. Hold your breath for 4 seconds. read more

By Alison Wem, ago