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Showing posts with label awareness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label awareness. Show all posts

Monday, November 26, 2018

10 Signs of a Great Leader

"GREAT LEADERS FOCUS ON CULTURE, AND CULTURE IS THE ULTIMATE ELEMENT OF YOUR BRAND"

In our current time period, it can be difficult to identify the qualities that make a great leader. The definition of a leader is not the same as the definition of a “boss”. In fact, many leadership attributes may even seem to oppose those of a boss. The standard and (now antiquated) concept of what makes a boss is one who controls its’ employees, often instilling fear to get the work “done”. The boss tells the employees what to do and the employee is expected to do so, otherwise they risk getting laid off. The boss is aware of your every move and how you are supposed to perform your job.

It is easy to spot a boss, as the only requirement is to have a title of “manager” or higher. Anyone can be “boss-like”; it is the simplest form of management. The toughest job is rising up to become a great leader with visionary purpose and humble respect.

FREE CASE STUDY
I have been lucky to have had the experience of working with a few great leaders. In comparing the two types of management styles, I have found the list below to define the best qualities of a great leader.

1)   Visionary

A great leader has a crystal clear vision of the one direction that the organization or team is heading in. They do not waver easily from this position and they do not try to do everything all at once. Instead, they are positive in encouraging others to join their great vision and very patient in the process. It is often a lofty and grand vision and one that includes an aspect greater than themselves.

2)   Creates a positive environment

A great leader understands that positivity breeds more positivity, as well as the opposite being even more true. Therefore, it is to the benefit of the entire company or team to provide the most positive environment possible for the employees. This is not just the physical environment, but even more importantly is creating a positive environment interpersonally. A great leader does this by eliminating any unnecessary stressors in the environment and by encouraging respect and openness for anyone to speak their mind often. Disagreements should also be very much encouraged, however, they should always be done so respectfully. Having debates and differing in opinions is vital to the progress of organizations, without becoming argumentative. Providing the type of environment that respectfully encourages all ideas and opinions, no matter how outrageous or opposing is vital to the company’s future success.

3)   Humble

 Screen Shot 2018-02-22 at 5.31.06 PM.jpg
A great leader is always humble. It is impossible for anyone to know absolutely everything. We are unfortunately, not on this earth long enough for this to happen. Therefore, there will be always knowledge gaps and mistakes made along the way no matter the position or title. In fact, it is to the benefit of the great leader to hire those that possess the strengths that the leader is weak on. In this way, the organization as a whole becomes that much stronger. A great leader understands this and always treats their employees with the humbling respect of learning from the strengths that the employees bring to the table. They treat their employees as equals, while possessing a learning frame of mind to try to better themselves throughout their careers and lives.

4)   Encourages differences

A great leader wholeheartedly encourages all differences, whether they are cultural, work style, orientation, background or otherwise. A great leader will actively seek out these differences and experiences in order to further enrich the team or company that they are building, as well as themselves. I have worked in a few global settings and the best workplace cultures were those that had the most diverse group of people and encouraged all employees to further enrich the current culture by openly integrating their own background and experiences. Differences of all types are included in this to provide a truly open environment where employees are free to be who they are and thereby bring forth their best selves and work. When this type of environment is created, creativity and cohesive teamwork will flourish.

5)   Frequent constructive feedback

This is a very tricky aspect of management that most managers struggle with. In general, confrontation is uncomfortable and the easiest option is to avoid it at all costs. However, if done so properly, this will not only greatly benefit the progress of the company, but it will also shape the next generation of great future leaders. Confrontation should not be confrontational at all; rather, constructive feedback is the goal, while also providing a healthy balance of genuine positive feedback simultaneously. The frequency can be debated, but often once per week or about twice per month is most beneficial. The idea behind this is to provide the feedback often enough to allow time for improvement. Feedback should not be a criticism, but rather an opportunity to help the employee rise to the next level.

Feedback is best done when coupled with a few more positive (and genuine) compliments. A ratio or 2 compliments to 1 point of improvement (or a ratio of 3:2) is optimal. There is a psychological reason behind this. As humans, we are often our own worst enemy and when receiving any feedback, we will latch much more strongly to the negative rather than any positive. When outweighing the feedback with positive, this will help to balance the outcome when the employee self-reflects post meeting. The result is an elimination of potential defensiveness and instead an openness to try to improve upon the points that have been discussed, with the help of the leader.

Another feedback method is to use the O-I-S model, which stands for Observation, Impact and Suggestion when discussing the points for improvement. “Observation” is simply stating the point for improvement, in a reasonably gentle way, without sounding unnecessarily critical. “Impact” provides the reason for why this observation is being discussed and the impact that it has on others and/or the organization going forward. “Suggestions” for improvement on these are vital to providing genuine constructive feedback that has a clear and actionable goal. Additionally, a great leader expects constructive feedback in return and encourages employees to provide the same level of feedback for the benefit of the leader and organization as a whole. This may be even more important, as the tone from the top dictates the entire company and team culture.

6)   Emotional intelligence

A great leader is level headed, professional and respectful in every circumstance. They have a high level of emotional intelligence and they keep their emotions in check at all times, no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, sleeplessness is a rampant issue in our work cultures and it has been proven countless times that this greatly stymies the prefrontal cortex to operate at its highest level of efficiency. Therefore, maintaining professional conduct becomes more rare in a society that demands an ever-growing amount of our time. However, the irony is that the highest levels of responsibility and decision-making abilities can only be performed when one is running at their most optimal level. Emotional intelligence takes work and practice. The easiest reaction is to burst into a fit of emotions. However, this is very toxic and can continue to infect the environment in exponentially detrimental ways.

7)   Trust

Trust has been thoroughly studied as being one of the most valuable currencies in the workplace. A great leader provides employees a sense of ownership for their work, by encouraging them with the opportunity to make increasingly more important decisions. They also understand the importance of allowing failure. Failure should never be admonished, as it is always a learning opportunity. Leaders encourage employees’ learning progress and therefore, failing now and then is inevitable and a very important part of the process.

FREE CASE STUDY
Leaders do not micromanage, as it has been proven to be detrimental. The reason is again a psychological one, where one loses a sense of control when they feel that someone is watching their every move. It also contributes to the sense that the manager watching them is, in fact, waiting for the slightest slip-up opportunity to admonish them. Micromanaging can even be as small and as seemingly “innocent” as asking certain questions. For example, if a manager frequently asks what work has been done that day, the implication is that there is a chance one has not done any work. This is a destructive way to communicate as it reveals the insecurities that the manager has in not trusting their employees to get the job done. A leader would instead ask for the progress of a particular project and if there is anything that they need assistance on.

8)   Respect for others' time

A great leader respects all team members’ time (regardless of position level) and furthermore, will encourage time off to unwind and reboot. Respecting other’s time is both necessary at work and outside of the office. Just as batteries will wear down when overused, people will become burnt out without taking the time to rest. Vacation time is often a controversial topic in the U.S., whereas European companies are often found to encourage at least 30 days off each year. Great leaders understand the importance of providing enough time for employees to explore other interests and talents outside of work, so that they can come back to the office and become a greater asset to the organization. The days of having “robotic” employees are over and technology has elevated business to breaking down the walls between home life and the office, as well as breaking down previous global barriers. We now have access to the entire world, while also integrating both work and personal life into each other. Providing the opportunity to employees for taking the time to enrich themselves outside of their job responsibilities is the golden ticket to retaining the best talent and great leaders will be rewarded with the benefit of employees returning to work as an even greater asset than before.

9)   Mentors others to become great leaders

Great leaders genuinely want to see others learn and rise up as far as they can and want to go, whether inside or outside of the organization or team. They will provide any tools they have at their disposal to assist teammates as much as possible in the process. Great leaders are never intimidated by others’ rise to the top. They know that it is a valuable asset to have another great leader alongside them, especially one that they have combed along the way. The leader will often take the time out from the daily work routine to provide insights and assistance to others to encourage them to be the best they can be. 

10)  A clear sense of their personal integrity

A great leader has very clear personal ethics and moral compass and maintains this no matter the environment, both within the workplace and within their personal lives. A great leader will have the same viewpoint on what is right vs. what is wrong, as they have previously taken the time to consider the type of person they want to be in life overall. They are deliberate in this decision and clear in execution. A great leader understands that who they are in life will bleed into their work and especially vice versa.

I believe that the last point is actually the most important one on this list. The concept of separating work and personal life used to be easier done before technology came into the picture. I don’t believe having two different “selves” inside vs. outside of the office can ever truly be accomplished (or should ever be accomplished), but I do believe that it is becoming more and more impossible due to the advent of advanced technology. Technology now has us tethered to our work 24/7. Therefore, if work is starting to integrate into our personal lives, our personal lives are also integrating into our work. We must be extremely clear on the values, ethics and virtues that we possess for ourselves and therefore are bringing to our work.

It has become a trend for companies to create a company-wide value system. However, if these values are not already genuinely reflected by the top leader of the organization personally, then this will not be truly implemented and it is, instead, just another sales gimmick to provide a certain impression to those outside of the organization.

A great leader will understand that just as an economy is made up of people within a country, a company is only as strong as the people who work within the organization. Employees are the company’s important assets and a great leader encourages and provides the tools necessary for others to step up, without ever feeling threatened by this. When one knows very clearly what they stand for and why, one can guide a company with that very clear and unwavering vision. A great leader always knows that the pie is not fixed, but a limitless expansion of opportunities for everyone.

What are the attributes that you have found in great leaders and what are some examples that you have encountered?



We are currently opening up the opportunity to accept guest writers! If you are interested, please write to us at info@ashworthstrategy.com.



Author: Tamara Ashworth, Marketing Strategy professional and founder of Ashworth Strategy

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

World Food Day 2018 !! - What can I do to help achieve #ZeroHunger?

World Food Day 2018 !! - What can I do to help achieve #ZeroHunger?

DON'T WASTE FOOD

If you have leftovers, freeze them for later, or use them as an ingredient in another meal. When you eat at a restaurant, ask for half a portion if you’re not feeling too hungry, or take your leftovers home.


 PRODUCE MORE, WITH LESS

With a growing population expected to reach in 9 billion in 2050, farmers should find new, more productive ways to farm food and diversify their crops. Using an integrated farming approach will not only help farmers increase their crops’ yield, and thus their profits, but can also improve the quality of their farmland.

ADOPT A MORE HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE DIET

Life is fast-paced and trying to fit in preparing nutritious meals can be a challenge if you don't know how. Nutritious meals don't have to be elaborate. In reality, they can be cooked in a quick and easy way while using only a few ingredients. Share your quick nutritious recipes with your family, friends, colleagues and online. Follow sustainable chefs and bloggers online to learn new recipes or talk to your local farmer to see how they cook their produce at home.


 ADVOCATE FOR #ZEROHUNGER!

Everyone has a role to play in achieving #ZeroHunger, but countries, institutions and people need to work together to reach this goal. Establish ZeroHunger partnerships, share knowledge and resources, develop innovative strategies and discover new opportunities to contribute to the fight against hunger. Raise the topic with your local and national authorities, promote related educational programs in your community and amplify the #ZeroHunger message through your network.

http://www.fao.org

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Facebook Facebook - Beware

Facebook Facebook - Beware 



Police Questioning a Robber:_
Police: How did you come to know that there was no one in the house?
Robber:The update of the entire family with 15 photos was available on facebook. 
"Enjoying Holidays away from home for one week".

Think about this seriously.
Be careful what you put on facebook.
Discuss this with your children and realtives.

Stop sharing personal information on the social media!!!

📛 Don't advertise your happiness on social media.
📛 Don't advertise your happy marriage On social media.
📛 Don't advertise your holidays on social media.
📛 Don't advertise your kids achievements on social media.
📛 Don't advertise your pregnancy on social media.
📛 Don't advertise your expensive buys on social media. (Car, house etc).

‼ No one is going to be happy for you.
‼ All the "nice" comments you get are just fake.
‼ You just attracting the evil eye on you and your family.
‼ You are just attracting jealous people into your life.
‼ You don't know who's saving your pictures, & checking your updates.
‼ You really need to stop this, as it is going to ruin your life, family, marriage.
‼ Social media is the devil's eyes,  ears & mouth.
Don't fall into the devil's trap.
May God help us, and  save us from social media disaster !!!
*

Thursday, March 24, 2016

World TB Day 2016: Unite to End TB


The World Tuberculosis Day takes place on March 24, 2016. It is a day to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease. The day is observed annually and commemorates the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch astounded the scientific community by announcing that he had discovered the cause of tuberculosis, the TB bacillus.

At the time of Koch's announcement in Berlin, tuberculosis was raging through Europe and the Americas, causing the death of one out of every seven people. Koch's discovery opened the way toward diagnosing and curing tuberculosis. Today tuberculosis causes the deaths of about 1.7 million people each year, mostly in the Third World.


In 1982, on the one-hundredth anniversary of Robert Koch's presentation, the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease proposed that March 24 be proclaimed an official World Tuberculosis Day. In 1996, the World Health Organization joined with the IUATLD and a wide range of other concerned organizations to increase the impact of World Tuberculosis Day. 


Tuberculosis is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is spread through the air when people who have an active TB infection cough, sneeze, or otherwise transmit their saliva through the air. If left untreated, kills more than 50% of those so infected. (With material from: Wikipedia). 




The text "World Tuberculosis Day" has been taken from www.cute-calendar.com

Friday, February 13, 2015

World Radio Day 2015 - Infographic: Youth & Radio

Celebrate World Radio Day and remind ourselves why we need greater participation of young people in radio, with this special info graphic made by United Nations Dialmundiaradio.org looking at the three sub-themes of World Radio Day 2015: 
Celebrating radio... by youth, for youth... in safety and security.


Monday, December 1, 2014

World AIDS Day & The Red Ribbon

The Red Ribbon

30 years after the first cases of HIV – the red ribbon is the universal symbol of awareness and support for those living with HIV. The red ribbon was the first ever ribbon symbol, inspiring later versions such as the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness.

Where did the idea come from?

In 1991 – a decade after the emergence of HIV – a group of 12 artists gathered to discuss a new project for Visual Aids; a New York arts organisation that raises awareness of HIV. They were photographers, painters, film makers and costume designers, and they sat around in the shared gallery space in New York's East Village.
After a short brainstorm they had come up with a simple idea that later became one of the most recognised symbols of the decade - the red ribbon, worn to signify awareness and support for people living with HIV.

Why did we need a symbol?

When the artists sat down to work on this project, their aim was to get people talking about HIV. This was during a time where HIV was highly stigmatised and people living with HIV were suffering behind closed doors, some too scared to even tell their loved ones they were living with the virus. The artists wanted to create a visual expression of compassion for people living with, and affected by, HIV.
The artists were inspired by the yellow ribbons tied on trees to denote support for the US military fighting in the Gulf War. Pink and the rainbow colours were rejected because they were too closely associated with the gay community, and they wanted to convey that HIV went beyond the gay community and was relevant to everyone.
Red was chosen as it is bold and visible – symbolising passion, a heart and love. The shape was chosen simply because it was easy to make and replicate – anyone can make one by just cutting out a piece of ribbon, looping it around your finger and pinning it on.

How did the red ribbon become so well known?

Red Ribbons
In the early days, the artists made the ribbons themselves and distributing them around the New York art scene and dropped them off at theatres. Initially there was a text that went with it, to explain why they were being worn, but eventually this was dropped as its symbolism no longer needed an explanation.
Within weeks of the red ribbon idea being born, world-famous actors starting wearing the red ribbon to high-profile award ceremonies such as the Oscars and talking about why it was important. The media also cottoned on, and within a short space of time the red ribbon symbol became universally recognised.
At the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert held at London's Wembley Stadium on Easter Sunday 1992, more than 100,000 red ribbons were distributed among the audience, with performers such as George Michael wearing one. The Red Ribbon continues to be a powerful force in the efforts to increase public awareness of HIV.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Fashion Kills...


Thursday, June 14, 2012

World Blood Donor Day 2012 - Every blood donor is a Hero


World Blood Donor Day 2012 - Every blood donor is a hero


World Blood Donor Day 2012 - June 14












Blood safety and availability


Global database on blood safety









Monday, June 11, 2012

Research On The Impact Of Blood Group....



--BLOOD GROUP OBLOOD GROUP A BLOOD GROUP BBLOOD GROUP AB
In a nutshell
Cannot stand people who hide the truth
Pessimistic and too sensitive
Cannot take orders easily
Romantic and sentimental
Basic Behavior
Make objectives clear
Careful about decision-making
Make decisions fast
Extremely practical
Possess great deal of confidence
Make things clear in black and white
Can be flexible
Excellent in analyses
Honest, optimistic and energetic
Care too much about social rules and standards
Do not care about rules
Give fair criticisms
-- --
Respect scientific and practical findings
Cannot decide when it comes to important issues
Tolerance
Strength and endurance depend on their aim
High tolerance for physical or repetitive work
Maintain the longest interest in what they do
Try to be hard-working
Give up easily if they find the job meaningless
Cannot take changes easily
Seem impatient
Tend to be impatient
--
Lose interest in a hobby easily 
Dislike repetitious work--
How do they see their future and past?  Positive about the past, thus do not regret about the pastTry hard to forget the past
Hard to forget recent affairs, but able to forget past and memories
Sentimental about the past
Seek financial stability for the future
Pessimistic about the future
-- More concern about the immediate problems than anything else
How do they express their emotions?
Usually stable and calm
Able to display cool outlook even though angry
Expressive
Sentimental
Sensitive towards sincerity
Short-tempered
Cool and objective
Usually cool and steady, but can get upset with an immediate, unsolved problem
Give frank, direct opinionsTake longer to heal a broken heart
Although joke a lot, could actually be very shy
Can get moody easily
You and your Blood Group!
Sensitive to others' opinions
Change moods like the weather 
--
----
Cannot stop complaining when they are upset
--
 
How do they work?
Ability to concentrate vary from time to time, depending on aim
Perfectionist
Creative and possess new ideas
Able to handle a wide scope of jobs 
Mostly prefer to lead
Handle one thing at a time
Cannot differentiate between work and hobby
Value hard work
Can overlook details
Work a line between work and personal affairs
Cannot take orders
Quick in understanding
--
Highly responsible
Do not hesitate to introduce innovative changes and are not worried about theirs criticisms
Not highly responsible and unable to follow-up on a project until its completion 
--
 
Tend to choose hobbies which help them release stress
--
Tend to be artistic in approach

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

AIDS - Common Myths

AIDS



Common Myths


There are many misunderstandings and misconception about HIV. Check how much you know with our 21 common myths and facts about HIV.



  • Myth: You can’t have a baby if you or your partner is HIV positive.
  • If someone with HIV decides to have a child, there are options available to them to enable them to have a baby without infecting their partner and steps that can be taken to ensure their baby is not HIV positive.
  • Myth: If you get HIV you’ll die soon.
  • Myth: You can tell by looking at someone if they have HIV.
  • Myth: It takes months before you can have a test for find out if you are infected with HIV.
  • Myth: If you have a test you face a long wait to find out the result.
  • Myth: Only gay men get HIV.
  • Myth: HIV is no longer a serious issue in the UK.
  • Myth: I don’t know anyone living with HIV.
  • Myth: My partner would tell me if they had HIV.
  • Myth: I don’t need to worry about HIV anymore because there are really good treatments available.
  • Myth: People with HIV can’t work.
  • Myth: Lots of people come to the UK to get free treatment for HIV
  • Myth: Only old people get HIV.
  • Myth: You can get HIV from someone who spits at you or bites you.
  • Myth: You can get HIV if you stand on a discarded needle.
  • Myth: HIV treatment is free to everyone in the UK who needs it.
  • Myth: It’s very easy for me to catch HIV from someone who is infected.
  • Myth: All young people learn about HIV and how to protect themselves at school.
  • Myth: There are no symptoms of HIV
  • Myth: There is no benefit to getting tested early if you think you have HIV.
  • Myth: My test results won’t be kept confidential.

AIDS DAY 2010 - Facts and Stats


FACTS AND STATS


HIV: The basics

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system - the body's defence against diseases.

Are HIV and AIDS the same?

No. When someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body. A person is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.

How is HIV passed on?

HIV can be passed on through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk.
The most common ways HIV is passed on are:
  • Sex without a condom with someone living with HIV
  • Sharing infected needles, syringes or other injecting drug equipment
  • From an HIV-positive mother (to her child) during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding (but with effective treatment and care the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced)

I don't know anyone with HIV... do I?

Today there are more people than ever before living with HIV in the UK, but less people report knowing someone with HIV.  People with HIV generally look healthy and many do not find it easy to tell other people, so you may not realise if someone you know if HIV positive.  To learn more about the different groups of people affected by HIV view the statistics.

Is there a cure for HIV?

No, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. People on HIV treatment can live a healthy, active life, although they may experience side effects from the treatment. If HIV is diagnosed late, treatment may be less effective.

How can I protect myself and others from HIV infection?

Always use a condom when having vaginal or anal sex. You also may want to use a condom or dental dam during oral sex although the risk of transmission of HIV is much lower. You can get free condoms from a sexual health clinic, which you can locate at via the FPA website. Never share needles, syringes or any other injecting equipment.

Did you know?

  • Over a quarter of people with HIV in the UK don’t know they are infected.
  • One in 20 gay men in the UK is living with HIV.
  • For someone diagnosed today at 35, the average age of diagnosis in the UK, life expectancy is over 72.
  • The most common treatment today for someone diagnosed with HIV early is one pill, once or twice a day.
  • Lots of people with HIV work and their HIV does not affect their working life.
  • With the right medical help, the vast majority (approximately 99 per cent) of HIV positive women can give birth to healthy uninfected babies.
  • There is no known case of HIV ever being transmitted at school yet some schools in the UK still refuse to accept children with HIV.
  • HIV affects all ages. One in six people living with HIV in the UK are over 50. Last year one in ten people diagnosed were aged 16 to 24.
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