Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Valuing Diversity

Strength lies in differences, not in similarities. ~ Stephen Covey

Often times I have come across people that cannot comprehend why people might view or do or even see things differently. If they do not fit into the box that they can comprehend; they must be doing something wrong or indifferent or have something left to learn. How often are people really appreciative of diversity? We speak it, we train about it, we are well aware it exists, but how many people really understand and value it?

Being confident in your beliefs, in your values and your morale compass means that you value the fact that other people might have different view points or beliefs. That you accept others because they are unique and have something to offer. That even though there are differences, there are a common set of goals.

Valuing people on all levels means you understand that people are unique and have something valuable to offer. The key may be finding what that is or guiding people to discover it for themselves or discovering that you might be learning from someone else.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Work/Life Balance

For years my life revolved around work and school. My routine started with breakfast, work, lunch, dinner, (meals are important) a drive to school, a drive home and bed time. Weekends were breakfast, homework, more homework, an hour or two of free time...did I mention homework? Fast forward to eight years of doing this and the routine changed, but not much. Breakfast, work, lunch, dinner, work. Weekends were breakfast, work, more work, an hour or two of free time...did I mention...you get the picture.
Yes, that is what happened. Homework prepared me for more work. After a few years of doing this, I've decided to change things a bit. Now it's breakfast, work, lunch, dinner, well whatever happens next. Weekends... breakfast followed by well, whatever happens next. No more spending free time doing work. Free time is meant to be....well you get the picture.