Today, in politics and business the general public can be easily distracted.
Much like distracting a child with a shiny ball in one hand so he he does not look in the other.
In politics, unfortunately, the media can force our attention where it wants. While our young men and women are fighting wars every day they want our attention on Lindsey Lohan for example.
When the Afghanistan war for example, with shock and Awe, there was 24 hour coverage. Then the media moved on, our soldiers remained for over 11 years but it was no longer news worthy.
Also rather than our politicians talking about education, future fuel technology or jobs they want us to continue to focus on things like Gay marriage and abortion. Again, the shiny ball theory.
Business is the same way, employees that are weak or cannot take control of their responsibility or duties will try to shine the light elsewhere. They blame everybody else for their failing but themselves.
They figure that if they get everyone talking about the other guy then they will not be talking or looking at them.
These theories may work in the short term but sooner or later they catch up to people.
Rather than wasting time and avoiding the true issue take a look in the mirror.
Take responsibility.
Try to improve yourself and the people around you. If there are other people that effect your job or are not performing up to their capabilities then tell them, help them. There is nothing wrong with constructive criticism if given with sincerity but just allow it to continue especially if it effects your job.
When in conversation try to listen to yourself, are you blaming others? Do you throw other people under the bus to save yourself? What could YOU have done to avoid a negative situation?
Try not to to get distracted...listen and bring it back to that person that you are speaking to and the subject that matters.
Control the conversation from fellow workers and our politicians.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Do you remember Hollywood Squares?
For those of us that remember Hollywood Squares: Q. Do female frogs croak? A. Paul Lynde : If you hold their little heads under water long enough. Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be A. Charley Weaver : Three days of steady drinking should do it. Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years... A. George Gobel : Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes. Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman? A.. Don Knotts : That's what's been keeping me awake. Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married? A.. Rose Marie : No wait until morning. Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older? A. Charley Weaver : My sense of decency.. Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say 'I Love You'? A. Vincent Price : No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty.. Q. What are 'Do It,' 'I Can Help,' and 'I Can't Get Enough'? A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment. Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking? A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget. Q. Paul , why do Hell's Angels wear leather? A. Paul Lynde : Because chiffon wrinkles too easily. Q.. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year? A.. Charley Weaver : Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries. Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score? A. Rose Marie : Ralph , the pin boy. Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet? A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom. Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls? A.. Marty Allen : Only after lights out. Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people? A. Charley Weaver : It got me out of the army. Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do? A. George Gobel : Get it in his mouth Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they? A. Charley Weaver : His feet. WE DON'T STOP LAUGHING BECAUSE WE GROW OLD, WE GROW OLD BECAUSE WE STOP LAUGHING |
Monday, February 27, 2012
FAMILY
" Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what ".
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Coping with Job stress
Spouses who talk through their job stress and offer support will help them to return to their jobs the next day less agitated, more tolerant of co-workers and their overall situation.and more satisfied with their career choices.
Those that engage in onesmanship, show no interest or downplay their spouses job quickly become dissatisfied at home and work.
In many cases both the husband and wife have stress in their every day work life and it is often difficult to generate the mental and emotional resources needed to help when your tank is empty.
Those husbands and wife's who are unable to generate coping support at home return to work even more agitated.
Couples need to feel that the communication lines are open.
For our drivers this can be even more difficult because many of the over the road drivers do not go home every day but it is still vital that you keep the lines of communication open with your spouse (maybe even more important).
Sharing your feelings is very important and when you bottle them up inside or refuse to talk about them then only bad can come of it. It will be released in another way, probably in anger and maybe not even at the person or people that originally started your negative feelings.
Sometimes when you say things out loud you may realize that it may not be that bad or by the end of the conversation you can step back and look at things a little different. Either way you need to get it out.
These days we all have stress in our life's, it can come from all different directions. Money of coarse is always the leader but medical is also a big contributing factor.
Do the best you can, cut back, scale down and enjoy the simple things.
My parents were blue collar workers who came into this world with nothing and left with very little.
They did not finish high school and worked to three jobs at a time.
They did not leave me with any great valuable items or great a philosophy of life but my mother would always say " if you have your health you have everything".
I never appreciated those words growing up but as I get older I realize that though my parents did not leave me with much they actually left me with all I really need to know.
We get caught up so much with the every day and can allow stress to rule our day but in the end as long as you have your health the rest of it does not matter.
We can control the rest.
How many times to you think you have problems then a doctor tells you something about yourself or your spouse or a loved one and the problems you thought you had seem to vanish.
Enjoy every day, share conversations and talk about what stresses you or what concerns that you may have,- and remember-" If you have your health you have everything"
Those that engage in onesmanship, show no interest or downplay their spouses job quickly become dissatisfied at home and work.
In many cases both the husband and wife have stress in their every day work life and it is often difficult to generate the mental and emotional resources needed to help when your tank is empty.
Those husbands and wife's who are unable to generate coping support at home return to work even more agitated.
Couples need to feel that the communication lines are open.
For our drivers this can be even more difficult because many of the over the road drivers do not go home every day but it is still vital that you keep the lines of communication open with your spouse (maybe even more important).
Sharing your feelings is very important and when you bottle them up inside or refuse to talk about them then only bad can come of it. It will be released in another way, probably in anger and maybe not even at the person or people that originally started your negative feelings.
Sometimes when you say things out loud you may realize that it may not be that bad or by the end of the conversation you can step back and look at things a little different. Either way you need to get it out.
These days we all have stress in our life's, it can come from all different directions. Money of coarse is always the leader but medical is also a big contributing factor.
Do the best you can, cut back, scale down and enjoy the simple things.
My parents were blue collar workers who came into this world with nothing and left with very little.
They did not finish high school and worked to three jobs at a time.
They did not leave me with any great valuable items or great a philosophy of life but my mother would always say " if you have your health you have everything".
I never appreciated those words growing up but as I get older I realize that though my parents did not leave me with much they actually left me with all I really need to know.
We get caught up so much with the every day and can allow stress to rule our day but in the end as long as you have your health the rest of it does not matter.
We can control the rest.
How many times to you think you have problems then a doctor tells you something about yourself or your spouse or a loved one and the problems you thought you had seem to vanish.
Enjoy every day, share conversations and talk about what stresses you or what concerns that you may have,- and remember-" If you have your health you have everything"
Saturday, February 25, 2012
What's happenning at Arpin
What’s happening at Arpin ?
We have sent out web sites and given agent and drivers access to view your grades and surveys on jobs that you have performed. You do not really need to do anything but take a look and let us know if you see anything that may be incorrect. We have had this site for a few years now and wanted to give you all access to it.
We have a driver profile web site where we have a simple form that introduces you to your customer. Once again there is really nothing that you need to do here we just thought we should give you access to this also.
We are excited about the computerized driver inventory program because we absolutely feel as if it will be a tool that will help what you do and ultimately save you time and money.
We are committed to assist you in the training and implementatio
Change is not easy, for any of us here also, here at the home office we are developing a complete computerization of dispatch. We will always have the dispatchers and planners and the personal touch here at Arpin. The system will help gather data better and quicker and help communicate better and faster with you, the agent and all departments.
As I said change is not easy but it is necessary, if there is a better way through technology to do things we owe it to ourselves and you to try to pursue them.
It is a typical February in the moving Industry but we do anticipate a very busy Spring and Summer season. This being our third summer with DP3 the Industry, the Government and Arpin have learned and have changed.
Because of your hard work and good scores along with the efforts of our agents we will be able to input lower discounts this summer with the military that will result in more revenue for you , the driver.
That is and has been our overall goal and will continue to be.
We are working with the government to help with suggestions to better the overall system. Our Chief Operating Officer, Matt Dolan, sits on the FMSA board and has been very instrumental in some positive changes. Matt was pivotal in pushing through doing away with the 70 day rule for example.
Our national account scores are up and thanks to you and the overall teamwork at Arpin we were awarded Partner of the year with Weichert. Once again this will result in more work for everyone to participate in….thank you !
Our cod business is on the increase and we look for a very good season . Arpin has implemented many programs to assist the agent and to help stay aggressive in the cod market.
Arpin is continually rated as the preferred carrier with GSA and their many accounts so we should have another solid year with GSA.
We will have a grand opening in April on our newly renovated facility here in Rhode Island. If you are anywhere close by, be sure to stop in for a tour. We are proud of our new digs.
Overall we are very excited about what we continue to build here at Arpin Van lines, utilizing the tools and technology around us while remembering what got us here…..you the driver and the hard work and dedication of a great overall team here in R.I. and around the United States.
Friday, February 24, 2012
8 CHARACTERISTICS
We've identified 8 characteristics that those with a great attitude have in common. Stick with us - believe you'll enjoy this!
1. Choose to have a great attitude - Successful people have chosen their attitude. Many folks tell me, "Gee, I'm usually in a good mood." Catch the difference there? Right - 'usually.' You see, a mood is temporary and an attitude is permanent. What we have found is that successful people with a great attitude are able to get out of a bad mood quicker than those who don't have a great attitude.
2. Visualize success - Successful people visualize themselves being successful. It doesn't mean you'll always get what you visualize, but it really helps to visualize what you need. Think about American Idol. Every one of those contestants firmly believe they have a chance of winning. And the successful cyclist Lance Armstrong, winner of 7 Tour de France, never saw himself losing. Visualizing success does help.
3. Energy, humor, and enthusiasm - Successful people walk differently. Watch how people walk - even in the parking lot. It's a special energy. Those who keep their head up high and have a gait that's a tad faster than just lollygagging along seem to have the attitude that makes them successful. Show me the slow, drag your feet, head down walker and I'll show you someone who, in all probability, isn't as successful as he'd like to be. And we know from all the very successful comedians, successful people laugh a lot. They enjoy making others laugh. Laughter is contagious. Successful people with a good attitude tend to find humor in things quickly.
4. Resist negative tendencies - Successful individuals stay away from negative tendencies. Successful people with a good attitude resist becoming part of others negativity. They feel better for it and their attitude stays in check.
5. Be a 'whatever it takes' person - Seems it is real easy to turn customers (or anyone) down and not make a second effort. Successful people are what we call double checkers. They look for positive alternatives. Their attitude tells them to double check the situation and offer a positive alternative.
6. Accept change - Things didn't go your way? You couldn't/didn't get what you want? Successful people can accept change and move on or forward much better than others.
7. Be grateful for what you have - Those that are successful with a good attitude are most often void of jealousy. They share. They help. They donate. They are genuinely happy for others. Are you?
8. Smile - We know the most successful individuals with that great attitude SMILE - a lot!
1. Choose to have a great attitude - Successful people have chosen their attitude. Many folks tell me, "Gee, I'm usually in a good mood." Catch the difference there? Right - 'usually.' You see, a mood is temporary and an attitude is permanent. What we have found is that successful people with a great attitude are able to get out of a bad mood quicker than those who don't have a great attitude.
2. Visualize success - Successful people visualize themselves being successful. It doesn't mean you'll always get what you visualize, but it really helps to visualize what you need. Think about American Idol. Every one of those contestants firmly believe they have a chance of winning. And the successful cyclist Lance Armstrong, winner of 7 Tour de France, never saw himself losing. Visualizing success does help.
3. Energy, humor, and enthusiasm - Successful people walk differently. Watch how people walk - even in the parking lot. It's a special energy. Those who keep their head up high and have a gait that's a tad faster than just lollygagging along seem to have the attitude that makes them successful. Show me the slow, drag your feet, head down walker and I'll show you someone who, in all probability, isn't as successful as he'd like to be. And we know from all the very successful comedians, successful people laugh a lot. They enjoy making others laugh. Laughter is contagious. Successful people with a good attitude tend to find humor in things quickly.
4. Resist negative tendencies - Successful individuals stay away from negative tendencies. Successful people with a good attitude resist becoming part of others negativity. They feel better for it and their attitude stays in check.
5. Be a 'whatever it takes' person - Seems it is real easy to turn customers (or anyone) down and not make a second effort. Successful people are what we call double checkers. They look for positive alternatives. Their attitude tells them to double check the situation and offer a positive alternative.
6. Accept change - Things didn't go your way? You couldn't/didn't get what you want? Successful people can accept change and move on or forward much better than others.
7. Be grateful for what you have - Those that are successful with a good attitude are most often void of jealousy. They share. They help. They donate. They are genuinely happy for others. Are you?
8. Smile - We know the most successful individuals with that great attitude SMILE - a lot!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Quote of the Month
Quote of the Month:
“Respect is honoring the worth or dignity in a person or process.
When we respect others, we take their preferences and ideas seriously.
We thoughtfully weigh our own insights and experiences against theirs.
Respect is merited particularly by those who are our elders, because knowledge, insight, and wisdom often are hard won through a lifetime of discipline and learning.
Cultivating respect as a virtue does not mean insisting that all ideas, beliefs, or actions are respect-worthy.
It does mean that we recognize the basic human dignity of others, even when their ideas or values are different from our own.
A general attitude of respect also assumes that each person has something to teach us if we are willing to learn.”
“Respect is honoring the worth or dignity in a person or process.
When we respect others, we take their preferences and ideas seriously.
We thoughtfully weigh our own insights and experiences against theirs.
Respect is merited particularly by those who are our elders, because knowledge, insight, and wisdom often are hard won through a lifetime of discipline and learning.
Cultivating respect as a virtue does not mean insisting that all ideas, beliefs, or actions are respect-worthy.
It does mean that we recognize the basic human dignity of others, even when their ideas or values are different from our own.
A general attitude of respect also assumes that each person has something to teach us if we are willing to learn.”
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