The scene at the end of this fascinating movie is such:

“Sitting on his front porch, Vince tells the story that gives the film its name. He claims that when live cod were shipped to Asia from North America, the fish’s inactivity in their tanks resulted in mushy flesh in the Asian markets.

Eventually, the fishermen discovered that putting catfish in the tanks with the cod kept them active. Vince feels that people like Angela are catfish, who keep other people active in life.”

This is life!; we all need someone to nip at our tails from time to time.

We all need that motivational adrenaline kick. Or we would go to mush too.

Whatever the truth of the movie, it reminds us that we need to keep a fresh outlook on life or we will go stale.

Let’s go and find ourselves some catfish or be one our selves, we owe it to others and ourselves. Life is to short. So let’s find the Catfish in all of us

Because they appreciate what they have and what can be!

They see what they can do with it, they will make it last and make it better. They see more.

Negative people see the glass as half empty – because they see what is gone.  They see an empty space. They see the problems and not the solutions. They see less.

The positive person will think:  I can survive longer, because I will drink slowly, I will savor, and it will last longer. And I can always find more when this is gone. I believe in what can be.

The negative person will think:  I am going to die, there is nothing left. It is hopeless and I know better so I am right. I know more than others. I do not believe in what can be.

The “negatives” disrupt teams working together!  “Negatives” look not on how they can improve but why you suck at what you do.

*Positive people will see a cathedral                 *Negative people will see only bricks

*Positive people will say great Job!                   *Negative people will say, “Why didn’t you…”

*Positive people will be the life of the party    *Negative people will not get invited to the party

So how do we handle the “half empty personalities?” do we shut them out, or do we challenge them in conversation?  Do we ignore or do we need to let them go?

You see these are the folks who relish in having triangular conversations.

They are the ones that talk behind our backs. They are the ones with little courage and huge egos.

They are the ones that kill culture and bully their employees. They are the ones that drain your energy. They are the ones that yell and think they are worth more.

Working with half empty personalities isn’t easy; they will suck the life out of you.  The momentum of your team will increasingly be challenged.

Negative people want to stir you up, “Push your Buttons”!

Don’t let them, smile, leave the room, don’t get caught up with it.

Then simply decide: can they change or do you need to change them by hiring those that fit!

Smile and know that you are not superior or better but know that they are the ones that life does not shine upon and where relationships wither

Remind yourself that you are the creators of the future and the ones that others will follow to become their very own leaders.

Sister Mae I and HRMexplorer

How would you answer these questions at the end of each day?

1.     Have I said “I love you” to my loved ones?

2.     Have I helped someone less fortunate?

3.     Have I done something today to improve my community?

4.     Have I eaten healthy today?

5.     Have I exercised today?

6.     Have I avoided unkind words?

7.     Have I helped my business grow?

8.     Have I said “Thank You” God for keeping me & my family healthy?

9.     Have I left my job at the end of the day feeling satisfied?

10. Have I savored my memories of the day?

Live a life that gives more, takes less, and develop those all around you – leave a legacy.

Take control of your life, your family, your work; realize what is really important to you.

Success is not measured by money, it is measured by gratitude.

The results of these 10 questions, they will amaze you!

Guest Blogger:  Sister Mae I

HRMexplorer

Kelli has so many talents!!!

We were of all things talking about C-Sections.

As some of you know I am an HR professional and as Chief Human Resource Officer in a large Health System at one time I also ran OBGYN, Orthopedics and Occupational Medicine. AND that is how I got to speak on the show!!

During the talk show, Kelli reminded me of a time long before she was famous when as a neighbor my stepson, used to go and mow her lawn. Kelli will not mind me saying those were difficult times for her so when she backed over my lawn mower with her car the lawn mower looked like it had just been “squished by a giant.”

She has reminded me on several occasions since then that at she could hardly pull two pennies together to feed herself, husband and a growing family. We have all had those times.

I recall that she came to me tears rolling down her cheeks “ I will pay for a new one I am so sorry!!!!”

All I could do was to tell her not to worry and told her that I would create a “new walk” and limp in tandem with the now bent and buckled wheels of the mower!

Life has always been made up of the moments we live and share with others. It will always be so.

Kelli, I know that you would of somehow scraped the money together for a new mower.

You have given me much more though. You have given us a shared memory for the rest of our days.

One that we will always remember with fondness and with a smile.

So you see you did after all pay me back, but with something much more lasting and for that I will allays be in your debt.

This was unheard of, so the local news media wanted to interview him.

The reporter asked, “What is your secret?” “Where did you get this special seed from?”

The farmer said,  ““I developed it” after years of farming, I developed a type of seed that will produce award-winning crops.  You now see the fruits of my nurturing.”

The reporter asked, “are you going to share it with your neighbors?”

The farmer said, “Absolutely!”

The reporter taken aback asked, “Why in the world would you share your award winning corn seed with your neighbors?”

The farmer said, “Well, you’ve got to understand how corn is pollinated. “

“It’s pollinated from neighboring fields.  And if you’ve got fields around you that don’t have this top-quality corn, your field is not going to grow top-quality corn either.”

“So if my neighbors’ fields grow really strong corn, I will have awesome corn.  And that’s how I’ve won the “Best Corn Award” for the last four years.

The moral:

Cultivate business partners.  Build communities. Surround yourself with people that are motivated, creative, and enthusiastic,

nurture and develop them to be their very best, inspire them and all those around you, have good business sense and share for then you will reap a bountiful harvest.

Guest Blogger:  Mother Mae I

and HRMexplorer

Resource:  Givers Gain (The BNI Story)

Picture: http://www.balispecial.com/images/balinese-people.gif

We see people the way we see them and often not as who they really are!

“Clothes maketh the man” as the saying goes! Not true!!

Neither are our mental models of:

• Physical beauty
• Where people have been raised
• Where they were born
• Their status in life
• The job they have
• Their accents
• Their monitory value
• The color of their skin

All of these judgments’ make us poorer for who we are.

The color of peoples’ souls is what is important to the life we live.

• The transparency of bubbling brooks that breathe life into nature
• The yellow of the sun that glows with a spirit that shines a light for others
• The green of a confidence that has no need for ego
• The blue of skies filled with snowy mountains that speak to climbing to heights never before reached within us.
• The vivid purple that shouts out “I am a person!” and within lives a spirit that is fragile and yet strong
• The green that speaks to desire and energy
• The red that challenges life to be lived and enjoyed
• The pink of a passion which is released for humanity and gives us love

Some of us are color blind some are simply blind to who people really are.

Our challenge is to chase the colors and breathe in their beauty.

Picture “Freedom Of A Soul “· Sandra Gonzalez.

Be inspired to be the best you can be

Be inspired to do no harm to others

Be inspired to have emotions and think heart as well as brain

Be inspired to have the courage to be who you are and then:

You will live a better life for yourself and in turn others

You will live a life of contentment and meaning

You will become a giver to others whoever they are and whatever they do

You will open your heart and soul and in turn your creativity

You will generate energy rather then take it away

You will create a healthy community around what you do

You will develop and build rather then destroy

You will not fear life you will breathe the possible

You will have no need for ego for you will be content with who you are and what you do.

In a year when there will be many opportunities and challenges, the way you face those will be how you determine whether you face them with fear or faith.

Whether you will fulfill your commitment, and whether you will live your purpose of heart and soul.

So develop the best version of who you are.

Go further… go beyond imagination and create something you could never have imagined. Go to a place of self-enlightenment and there you will find your gifts.

Take those gifts and build healthier workplaces and communities; serve others and create an environment of belief, positive energy and confidence.

The best gift you can give to yourself and others is “Heart and Soul Health and Leadership!”

Do all these things and you will have done much to change you and the world around you.

HRMexplorer and Sister Mai I

Family – family comes first!

There are many things in our life that cannot be replaced; one is family, so take care of the ones you have.  They are the most precious things in your life! They can never be replaced.

Career – some take it serious, some just show up! Make the right choice!

Your career is your wellbeing, it is who you are.  Ask those who lose their job, ask them how they feel! You can climb the corporate ladder or stay in a dead end position.  Retire on the job or turn it into a dream opportunity.

You are the owner of your career, it is your decision to make the best or the worst of it.  So go on make your “day.” And do something that will change the rest of life.

Finances – Get it under control!

The economy is not looking very positive, but not as bad as the news portrays it to be (for most.)  So, don’t wait until you are in that dark hole before you start digging your way out.

Ask the question, is it a want or a need, can I live without it?  Start paying off old debt and quit trying to keep up with the Jones!

Volunteerism – good for the soul!

Everyone should take a turn at volunteerism.  It reminds us quickly how fortunate we are.  All businesses should have programs to encourage employees to work as volunteers.

It should be listed under:  personal development and employee benefits, because of the sense of pride and satisfaction they will earn.

It builds leadership for our younger generation, who in turn will be more apt to get involved in their communities and the work of non-profit agencies. Business also will benefit from the role in society, as will society. A win-win for everyone!

Contributions – hands are out!

It is time to choose from the many non-profit organizations that seek your money. Choose your donation percentage and fund your passion.

You cannot do it all!  Take a percentage of your income that will be donated, and stick to it.  If you cannot give money, give time! You will find it fun and rewarding and will make friends along the way.

Best Friends – are the best!

Best friends are what keep us going.  They are the ones we vent to, cry with and dream with. Conversations that are never repeated. They give us hugs when needed, they remind us tomorrow is a new day.

Best thoughts – Remember to check in on these thoughts every day!

Happy New Year! It is yours to achieve what you desire.

HRMexplorer and Sister Mae I

How to Call in Sick
1. Be sick.
2. Don’t enhance your voice to “sound” sick.
3. Get dressed for work before you make the call.
4. Make the call when your handbook recommends. (1/2 hr before shift etc.)

Hmm no wonder HR gets a bad wrap!

Funny though! And a laugh for your holidays.

All the best for the new year. HRMexplorer

Thanks to all who follow me on twitter and read my blogs.

Are you in it for the long term and you should be asking yourself these questions.

1.     Do I have passion in my job?

2.     Are the goals I am given realistic? They did not ask me!

3.     Am I a helper monkey or part of the team?

4.     Years of no reviews, so, how am I exceeding expectations? Do they value me?

5.     Career Development?  Is it there? Do they care?

6.     Is my talent being used, or am I wasting away at no brainer stuff?

7.     Are our strategies and priorities’ in line with each other and what do they mean?

8.     Compensation “what is that?” When did I get my last increase?

9.     Team accountability. WHAT!  It is always someone else who shouts louder!

10.  Consistency or Chaos in the workplace. Structure or disorder? It never changes!

Sound familiar? Well maybe the job you have is not the job you want or is it the job you deserve?

It is that time of the year when you can ask yourself what do I want for 2012 and do I deserve more?

Contributions from HRMexplorer and Sister Mae I