Article: What Kind of Leader Are You? M. Moore

There are literally millions of words written and spoken each week on enlightened leadership yet the fact remains that low morale, high stress and job dissatisfaction continue to be three of the most serious problems facing the workplace. We seem to be so effectively socialized into top down leadership that we find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to change our autocratic ways. All this in spite of the many workshops and seminars on new leadership paradigms which are rooted in the empowerment of people.

Change is both slow and painful but it is happening. To facilitate this process of change requires both desire and commitment plus a sound understanding of what an enlightened leader looks like. It is necessary to visualize the type of leader we are striving to become.

AN ENLIGHTENED LEADER...
* values the ideas and opinions of others.
* listens attentively.
* affirms generously
* criticizes gently and privately.
* trusts the collective wisdom of the group.
* encourages others to achieve their enormous untapped potential.
* catches people doing things right.
* involves people in decisions which effect their destiny.
* keeps people informed.
* has a sense of humour.
* trusts the decisions of others.
* realizes that his/her opinion is just one among many.
* isn't threatened when people disagree with them.
* rejects the " my way or the highway" paradigm.
* cares about the total well being of those with whom she/he works.
* believes that the most valuable inventory of any business is people.

* seeks out and acts upon the advice of others.

* gives credit rather than takes credit.

These are a few of the characteristics of an enlightened leader which, if present in the workplace, result in decreased stress, improved morale and increased productivity.

It is in the best interest of any business to care about the well being of its employees.

Mike Moore is an international speaker/writer on Humor in the Workplace, Humor and Stress Management and Maximizing Staff Potential.

Mike Moore speaks throughout Canada and the United States on the physical and social benefits of humor. " Humor makes great things happen." MM

Download a FREE copy of my 40 page SPECIAL REPORT on Humour In the Workplace
 http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?humorplace( No email required)

Retirement? Never!

I don't believe in retirement. I believe in changing direction.

http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?retirement

Divorce is Difficult but Often Necessary by Mike Moore

My barber and I have divorced. The separation came after much deliberation and soul searching. I just couldn’t take the doom and gloom another second. (I always seem to hang on to what is familiar even when I know it’s time to let go.)

God knows I hung in as long as I could out of habit and routine, hoping against hope that things would change… but they didn’t. I reached a point where I could no longer sit captive and endure his cynicism, negativity and fear inducing diatribes.

The fact that he would constantly stop cutting my hair then stand in front of me brandishing his scissors and comb while ranting on about something or other and expecting me to agree with him, made the decision to divorce the right one. Thank God there were no children involved.

Finally I couldn’t take it any longer. After he had finished his rant I looked at him and said,” Why is it that after every haircut you give me I feel like jumping off the nearest cliff? I noticed that even those waiting to have their haircut snickered in what I took as agreement.

We have been divorced about a year now and I’m getting on with my life. Things do seem to work out in the end.

If you’re interested in the follow-up to this I have now found a new barber who is more positive, joyful and more pleasant to be near. She can also talk and cut at the same time.

I have finally found happiness.

For more humour

The Positive Value of Having a Sense of Humour

When you have a good sense of humour and can easily make people laugh at home,work and at play great things begin to happen. People like you and are more open to your ideas and opinions.

When you able to laugh at yourself a bonding takes place that impacts positively on any group you are a part of. People like to be with people who are fun and don't take themselves too seriously. As C.S. Lewis once said," Life is too serious to be taken seriously."

When inevitable conflict raises its destructive head a sense of humour, and the resulting laughter, serves as a social lubricant which helps us deal with conflict in a reasonable way that avoids frustration,anger and alienation.

" When it feels good to laugh then laugh to feel good." M Moore Isn't this what enjoyment is all about?

It is important to remember that you aren't born with a sense of humour. It can be learned at any age. All you need is the desire and a few instructions.

How to Be Funny and Entertaining

 

Wedding Receptions: Power Speeches and Toasts

You are probably asking yourself what motivated a professional speaker to write a report on speaking tips and toasts at wedding receptions. I guess it is the result of attending receptions that I felt could use a bit of help in this department.

Wedding receptions are a wonderful part of our lives. They allow us to come together to meet friends and celebrate new beginnings with their families. When I was younger it was the weddings of close friends that we attended. Now we are going to the weddings of our friends' children. The great circle of life continues. For the most part they are enjoyable experiences, but the receptions are frequently experiences of frustration and a little tension.

I am sure that you, like me, have sat through receptions that made you say, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! The speeches went on forever and were often painful to listen to.

With this in mind I offer you my suggestions to help improve the quality of the talks and the toasts at you wedding.

Speech Preparation Outline

1. Think about the objective of your speech (What do you want to accomplish?) Do you want to thank them, praise them, welcome the bride or groom into the family? You must establish this before you continue.

2. List the 3 or 4 key points you want to get across. Don't list too many. You don't have all night.

3. List one or two well-chosen stories to illustrate your key points. Practice the stories so you can tell them well and effectively without relying too heavily on your notes.

How to Deliver a Dynamite Speech

* Prepare your speech thoroughly and practice before you deliver it.

* Always look at the audience when speaking. Don't look down at your notes.

* Don't read your talk. Give it. You can use cards with key points and story clues to assist you.

* Speak clearly. Don't mumble.

* Act as if you were born to deliver this speech. Remember the "Act as If" principle. If you act the way you want to be you will become the way you act. So if you act confidently when speaking you will become confident.

* Smile. Look as if you are really enjoying yourself and that delivering this speech is not only an honor but a pleasure as well.

* Use proper grammar. Have someone go over your speech with you beforehand. There is nothing worse than hearing someone giving a speech and using something like "Billy and me didn't do nothing... "

* Be yourself, of course, but be your best self.

* Avoid sarcastic humor in your speech. You are not there to hurt or insult others.

* Affirm and compliment the bride and groom throughout your talk.

* Avoid getting laughs by telling those present how much you and the groom can drink or how often you have seen one another throw up after a night of partying.
I promise that if you follow these few simple tips your speech/toast will touch the hearts of those present and will remembered with fondness for a long time.

This is a brief excerpt from my Special Report "Wedding Talks and Toasts." In it you will find you will find terrific tips pertaining to the role of Master/ Mistress of Ceremonies, how to select an MC, and how to deliver a dynamite speech//toast. I also offer suggestions on how to put humor into your speech that makes people laugh but doesn't offend and how to propose terrific toasts. Specific examples are also provided for your use.
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?wedding

When Life Overwhelms You...

We all know that life can overwhelm us at times. When this happens we need to experience the comfort and consolation of nature. This is one of my listening points where I go to experience the rhythms of the universe and be healed. It is a friend's farm in the Ottawa Valley near Pembroke Ontario, Canada. . A very special place

http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?mystery

15 Humourous One-Liners from Mike Moore

As many of you know I am a lover of funny and not so funny one- liners. They not only make us laugh but they also contain a kernel of wisdom to make us think. That is why I never give a presentation without sprinkling liberal doses of one line humour throughout the content.

Here are 15 of my favourites. When the author is known credit is given. One thing I find about one-liners is that credit is often given to many authors for the same one-liner. Who actually wrote a one-liner is frequently either unknown or lost in the crowd of history. So just enjoy them.

Here they Are...

1.  Seen on a highway sign: She looked / He didn't / She is/ He isn't.

2.  Three stages of life...youth, middle age and you certainly are well preserved. Mike Moore

3.  Dear Lord help me be the kind of person my dog thinks I am.

4.  A true gentleman is one who can play the bagpipes... and doesn't.

5.  You can  live to be 100 if you give up all those things that make you want to live to be     100    Woody Allen

6.  The lion and the lamb will lie down together but the lamb won't get much sleep. Woody Allen

7.  A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.

8.  Gossip is hearing something you like about someone you don't. Earl Wilson

9.  I like long walks especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.  Fred Allen

10.  Parents are the bones on which children sharpen their teeth. Peter Ustinov

11.  No problem is too big to run away from. Charles Schulz

12. Save water. Shower with a friend. (Graffiti)

13. Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. Isaac Asimov

14.  The best substitute for experience is being 16 years old.

15. The three most dreaded words by husbands everywhere are, " SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED."

Mike Moore is a Canadian speaker/ humourist/cartoonist working out of Brantford Ontario.
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?motplus

If you would like to read more funny one-liners and learn how to use them in presentations or in general conversation click here http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?funny15

Inspirational Scene With Message

For More on Living Life to the Fullest

Wedding Planning: Effective Toasts and Speeches

You are probably asking yourself what motivated a  professional speaker to write
a report on speaking tips and toasts at wedding receptions.  I guess it is the
result of attending receptions that I felt could use a bit of help in this
department.
Wedding receptions are a wonderful  part of our lives. They allow us to come
together to meet friends and celebrate new beginnings with their families.
When I was younger it was the weddings of close friends that we attended.  Now
we are going to the weddings of our friends’ children. The great circle of life
continues.

For the most part they are enjoyable experiences, but the receptions
are frequently experiences of frustration and a little tension.
I am sure that you, like me, have sat through receptions that made you say,
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!  The speeches went on forever and were often  painful to
listen to.
With these motives in mind I offer you my suggestions to help improve the
quality of the talks and the toasts at you wedding.

http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?wedding

Why You Should Always Tell Stories...

Why I will always tell stories whenever I speak...

A good story...

shows us the world as it is and as it could and should be.

It affirms and challenges our beliefs and values.

informs and entertains.

helps us recall ideas and concepts.

helps us navigate the sea of life.

aids in understanding the human condition.

entertains, motivates and inspires us.

explains the meaning of life.

makes us laugh and cry.

develops empathy and understanding.

grabs our attention and keeps it.

"We are the products of our stories." M Moore

"Tell me your story and I will tell you who you are." M. Moore

" When we forget our story we forget who we are." M. Moore

For more on the magnetic art of storytelling visit
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?storytelling

Article: When I Was Your Age... By Mike Moore

Have you ever noticed that we often end up doing and saying things we vowed we never would? 

When I was a teenager I asked my Dad for a ride to school after a severe snowstorm covered Sault Ste. Marie to a depth of six miles. The school was about two miles from my home and I was trying hard to convince my Dad that my death would be on his conscience if he made me walk in that kind of weather. His response was predictable.  “When I was your age I walked to school in snow drifts up to my neck. ”

 I always doubted him when he said this as I knew he grew up in Ingersoll in southern Ontario.  I don't think Ingersoll ever got snow drifts as high as Dad described them.  Anyway, I got his message and headed out to school under my own power. I recall thinking as I ploughed through snow, I will never, under any circumstances, say to my kids, “When I was your age.”

The years rolled by, I got married and fathered four wonderful children.  On many occasions I found myself uttering the very words I vowed I would never would, “When I was your age.... ”.  I am sure their thoughts were the same as mine, “I will never utter those words when I have kids of my own.”  But, I was wrong.

Years later when my son Kevin was in his early twenties he got a summer job harvesting tobacco.  It was a long, hard, dirty job and he would come home each night with his buns around his ankles. 

One evening he stood in front of me with a smile on his dirty, weary face and said, “Well now I've got my own, when I was your age”. Someday I'll be able to say to my kids, “When I was your age I worked on tobacco from dawn to dusk in the heat and humidity, never complaining.......” And so it continues

This is just one of the stories from my popular book, “Light Up with Laughter”. Check it out at

http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?light

 

 

17 Ways to Think Yourself Young

Everyone perceives reality through their own filters. And your perceptions of any reality are the foundations of your attitudes, beliefs and behaviours.

If you perceive the aging process to be one of decline, decay and loss then that is exactly what aging will become for you.

If this is true then we must involve ourselves in a frequent analysis of our existing perceptions. If we find them negative and destructive then we must transform them into more productive and constructive perceptions. When you change your perceptions you change your behaviour and thus change your life.

This is especially important when it come to aging and staying young.

Let me illustrate with 17 Effective ways to think yourself young no matter how old you are.
http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Think-Yourself-Young&id=8950637

The book with over 120 more effective ways to avoid getting old.