What Are Your Strengths?
What are your strengths? Are you using your employees' strengths?
Individual performance improves when you can identify and build on strengths rather than concentrating on improving weaknesses. Everyone has strengths. Too often we take a negative approach, looking for what is wrong with the other person rather than for what is right. Here are some tips and thoughts than can help you take a positive approach: • Be aware of what a person does uncommonly well, rather than focusing on what
that person does not do well; focus on developing strengths rather than
overcoming weaknesses (This is not to suggest that weaknesses should be
overlooked.)
• Observation - watch and listen
• Identification of strengths is essential to a positive motivational environment
• Individuals succeed by building on their strengths; when a person can utilize
their strengths on the job, they are more effective and probably more satisfied
• Find out what particular talents a person possesses; allowing them to use these
talents is the best way to achieve superior performance
• When circumstances do not allow an individual to use their strengths, they make
changes in the way they do the job, become frustrated and lose interest in the work
• "You learn from your mistakes"; there's truth in that statement, but we also learn
from what we do right
• Being aware of how you speak to people makes a big difference in the outcome
Focus on positive qualities. If you do, individual and departmental growth, productivity and job satisfaction just may find a new balance.For confidential help, call your Employee Assistance Program at 954-797-7555.
Bit of History
In 1923 Blanche G. Ely was named principal of what was then named the Pompano Colored School. When the wood frame school was destroyed in a hurricane, a new school was constructed on the south side of Northwest Sixth Street. The 11th grade was added and, through Principal Ely's efforts, students completing that grade were prepared to proceed directly to colleges.
Learn more about the history of Broward County Public Schools by visiting
www.browardschools.com/history.
Fat Findings
Understanding the various sources and types of fat and the role they play in the diet is the first step toward managing the fat content of a diet. It's also important to realize that - despite what is becoming "fat phobia" among many consumers - fats should in no way be eliminated from the diet.
Not only is fat the most concentrated source of energy for the human body (at nine calories per gram versus four calories per gram for carbohydrates and proteins), it is also critical for transporting fat soluble vitamins into the body and through the walls of the digestive tract. Furthermore, fats in foods contribute appealing flavors, aromas, textures and the feeling of fullness after a meal. To eliminate it completely would not only be dangerous from a health standpoint, it would also make dining a boring, unsatisfying experience. Individual calorie and fat needs vary by age, sex and activity level and must be taken into consideration.
Now is a good time to "graduate" into a lower fat diet. To cut down on fat, eat low fat or nonfat dairy products, lean cuts of meat, poultry without the skin and broiled fish instead of fried. Remember that a varied diet and plenty of exercise are the keys to good health. It's time to get outdoors and exercise your right to be healthy!
