The Easy Answer Newsletter 

Volume 7, Issue 1 July 30, 2006

In this edition of the Easy Answer II, you'll find...

* Just a Thought or Two 

* Give Yourself Permission to Play

* Becky's Famous ~ Almost

* New Director of Everything

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Just a thought or two... 

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

"Attitudes are caught ~ not taught." - Old Quaker Saying

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Give Yourself Permission to Play

It was time. Many of them had worked all day and the part-timers had come in on their day off. The color-copied handouts were in folders. Pens were on the table. Pizza and cokes were on the sidebar. Let the fun begin!

As in any group, there were those eager to learn, those who wanted to play, and those who folded their arms, leaned back in the chairs and seemed to dare me to entertain them. I’ve worked with tougher groups and in much tougher time slots. I was ready for them. It was time to loosen up, laugh a little and learn some awesome service techniques.

Imagine my surprise when one manager wouldn’t make eye contact with me. She didn’t open her workbook. She didn’t take notes. And when the games began, she refused to play. Eyes glued to her notepad, she doodled. When I asked for a certain movement, she ignored me. I knew the exact moment when her staff noticed. Their pens dropped and they disengaged.

Many people think WORK is a four letter word. Others believe it signifies activities that are tiresome, troublesome and accomplished before 6:00 p.m. There is no fun in work. There is no energy. There is no joy. Just crack the whip until the sun goes down.

Y’all know that my travel schedule brings some great perks. Recently, I visited Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. Just like in Stephen Lundin’s book, Fish!, I watched as grown men, dressed in the brightest orange overalls one could imagine (really), sent fish flying through the air. They laughed, customers laughed, bystanders laughed. Was that work? When the orders slowed down, would-be-customers were encouraged to step up. “If you order it, we’ll throw it. Otherwise, we’re just staring at each other…hanging out.” Bystanders received permission to play.

What about in your office? in your home? in your classroom? Can you accomplish the task with a little play? Toss it and laugh. Print it and smile. File it and joke. Cover it and nod. Sell it and high five. Cash it and inquire. Greet them and wave. Give yourself permission to play. Your coworkers, your families, your students, your customers, your members may just catch on.

Did she? No. But the others did. As they got involved in the activities and the stories and the fun, they reengaged. Everyone of them. I think she’ll have a difficult time bringing them back down.

 

A reminder from the Fish! Philosophy by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul & John Christensen

#1 Choose Your Attitude
#2 Play
#3 Make Their Day
#4 Be Present

Becky’s Famous ~ Almost!

Since our last mailing, Becky has presented in New Orleans, Dallas, Charlotte, Spearfish (SD), Greenville (SC), Columbia (SC), Bloomington (MN), Greenwood (SC), St Simons Island (GA), Indianapolis, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg (SC), Seattle, Houston, Charleston (SC), San Diego, Farmington (MI), Savannah, Summerville (SC), Las Vegas, San Antonio, Manning (SC), Birmingham, Monroe (NC), Sauk Rapids (MN), Annapolis, Green Lake (WI), Hendersonville (NC), and Mission (KS). Yes, it’s been a while since we’ve talked!!!

In the next months, she’s scheduled for

July 10th – 15th  Those precious grandsons will be here!
July 18th    SC Health and Medical Managers Association Columbia, SC
July 19th    The Peace Center of Performing Arts Greenville, SC
July 20th    The SW Georgia Chapter of Credit Unions Brunswick, GA
July 21st – 26th  The National Speakers Association Conference Orlando, FL
Aug 5th     Kentucky Credit Union League Pigeon Forge, TN
Aug 9th     Texas Bankers Association San Antonio, TX
Aug 16th   The Spartanburg Library Association Spartanburg, SC
Aug 28th – Sept 1st Vacation with the Love of My Life, Scott! Bless His Heart!
Sept 9th    NSA/Carolinas meeting Charlotte, NC
Sept 13th  The Department of Financial Institutions Lafayette, IN
Sept 29th  Mid-West Marketing & Training Conference Omaha, NE
Sept 30th  Missouri Credit Union Association Lake of the Ozarks, MO

If you’d like to bring Becky to your company or association, contact her office right away. While she still has some 2006 dates available, she is already confirming dates for 2007 and 2008.
 

 “Becky’s enthusiasm for and knowledge of the financial services industry made her presentation exciting, refreshing and more than worthwhile.”

Fonda Semerjian, Marketing Director
State Employees Credit Union
Atlanta, GA


“It was the most entertaining and informative seminar I’ve been to in a long time…”

Bettye Booker, Sr. Administrative Assistant
VELUX America, Inc.
Greenwood, SC

New Director of Everything

When you call the office, don’t be surprised to hear another upbeat voice on the phone. Becky has finally found help in Allison Mautz.

Her resume said she was dedicated, organized and results oriented. You know it was the "organized" that got her in!

Allison has 16 years experience in marketing and training. She's involved in professional networking groups, going back to school full-time to turn her English major into an Occupational Therapy masters, and is a member of MENSA.

Allison may also be calling you to make arrangements for Becky to speak at your event, verifying travel details, or confirming product shipment. Be sure and welcome her when you connect!
 

 “An awesome presenter who conveys her message with real life scenarios.”

Sandra Moore, Human Services Manager
Lafayette, LA


“She had my attention 100% of the time. I don’t recall this ever happening with any speaker before.”

Margaret Taylor, PR Director
CSRA FCU
Augusta, GA