Cheers to a Three-Day Weekend!

Return to work on Tuesday refreshed and ready! Some suggestions for a weekend close to home:

1. Try one of Ro Morse's fabulous recipes of the week (visit http://www.supervalufoods.com/).


2. Visit http://www.ilistpaducah.com/ to learn about all of the fun events planned in our community.


3. Check out http://www.milehighstyle.blogspot.com/ as you begin to think about transitioning your closet for fall (remember, no more white pants/shoes after Labor Day).


4. Enjoy a cold one with a good friend. Roof Brothers on Park Avenue is one of my favorite spots! Helpful & knowledgeable staff, including the fabulous Denny Roof (as featured on http://www.ilistpaducah.com/ )


5. Take a walk or grill out with your family at our very clean (and very fun) Noble Park!

www.donnamariawalker.com

Sail On Silver Girl

Bridges are often used as positive symbols in everything from motivational posters to music. However, burning bridges can be a powerful tool in the strategic direction of your personal and professional life. Reckless actions can be damaging at best, while a skillfully planned deconstruction can prove to be a highly constructive, positive, esteem building experience.

Often times, the energy needed to maintain unhealthy relationships is grossly disproportionate to the energy needed to start over.

Fear is a common denominator in that complex bridge-burnin'-esteem buildin'-decision-makin' process. Fear of hamstringing future career opportunities, bruising social networks, etc.

While every situation is unique, the common question, regardless of circumstance, needs to be, "Is it worth it?" Only you can know for sure.

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Suggested Readings

Diversification of Your Human Investment Portfolio Can Yield Great Returns

Organizational leadership should employ strategies for diversity to leverage the strength of their organization in the globalized marketplace. The success of a business hinges on the success of its diverse human investment strategy.

To develop effective working relationships with diverse individuals, start with similarities not differences. By acknowledging our similarities and likenesses, we create a starting point for understanding and appreciating diversity in the workplace.

Research suggests that employees (regardless of age, gender, race, education, marital status, religion, etc.), agree on what inspires their commitment to a particular employer and cited the following top 3 factors as being most important:

Belief in organizational mission & business plan
Opportunity to utilize individual strengths and skills on the job
Reward package is competitive

Protect your organization from human and financial losses during this turbulent economy. Turnover is expensive, but attitude is a free way to market and grow any business.


http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Article also available on www.wkyx.com

Tab! You're It!

One of the most common forms of payment when dining with several people is to split the tab evenly. While this is an accurate mathematical scenario, often times, this is less than fair. Must we be Nobel Prize winning Physicists to successfully split a bill?

I was inspired to research and write about this topic following a phone call from a client I will call “Fran” regarding a recent dining experience. Fran ate 1 piece of bruschetta from a common appetizer tray. Some guests ordered entrees and split premium bottles of white wine. The bill was evenly split and everyone was asked to contribute $42. That’s right; Fran paid 42 bucks for a piece of toast.

My research hypothesis:
Fran is not the only person who has experienced the pitfalls of this common system of payment.

My findings:
Fran is not the only person who has experienced the pitfalls of this common system of payment.

Several notable economists have theorized that if 8 people are dining, each item ordered contributes 1/8 to your total cost and 7/8 to the cost of the others at the table.

My suggestion? If the restaurant permits, ask for separate checks. This system is less efficient on the part of the wait staff, but with the money you’ll save, you can afford to give them a generous tip for any inconvenience.

http://www.donnamariawalker.com/

Article also available at http://www.wkyx.com/

Waiting for Your Turn to Talk Isn't "Listening"

In honor of the Olympics, I thought I'd import an idea from the Chinese. Active listening is a term many people toss around like a chalk bag, but few can actually stick the landing.

Active listening is a critical skill that can really set one person apart from another (in every aspect of life).

Chinese Symbol for Listen

Schedule an active listening training for your group today!

Speechless Speeches

'Tis the season! Wedding season, that is! Which brings to mind memories of my brother's wedding reception and his best man's speech, which ultimately landed a spot on America's Funniest Home Videos.

The best man tried to propose a toast to the bride & groom, only to become overwhelmed with emotion. Each time he raised the microphone to his mouth, he would drop it back down to his side choking back his feelings and words. Ultimately, my brother grabbed the microphone and toasted to himself and his new bride!

Insofar as weddings are concerned, September is the new June. Some toasting tips:

1. This is a TOAST not a ROAST...do not berate or embarrass friends on their special day
2. Begin with a strong, heartfelt opening
3. Avoid negativity
4. DO NOT apologize ("I'm not good at giving speeches")
5. DO NOT hesitate ("Gosh, I don't know what to say")...chances are, you've had several weeks (or months) to plan and practice your speech
6. DO email me dmw@donnamariawalker.com to review and provide a professional critique of the most important public speech you will ever give!