Jul 29 2008

Tips for Enabling Others from PeopleTek

Tag: Businessadmin @ 1:04 am

 

 PeopleTek

 

"Leadership development is a lifetime journey, not a quick trip". - John Maxwell  

TIPS FOR ENABLING OTHERS:

  • Find ways to increase interaction among people who need to work more effectively together.  (Teamwork and trust can only be built when people interact informally as well as formally).
  • Commit to replacing the word "I" with "we". As a leader you can't do the job alone.
  • Replace the word "subordinate" with "associate" or "team member".
  • Assign important tasks to others and provide assistance as needed.
  • Regularly ask co-workers for their opinions and viewpoints.
  • Make sure everyone in your organization receives at least 40 hours of job-related training each year.
  • Hang out at the coffee machine each morning to engage in conversation and learn how things are going in your associates' lives outside of work.  (This is not to pry but to show genuine interest).
  • If your office has a door leave it open; use conference rooms for private matters.
  • Admit your mistakes and be willing to say "I don't know".
  • Consistently (preferably weekly) share how the unit is doing towards meeting their goals.
  • Publicize your team members' work; point out when teamwork is truly exemplified.
  • Volunteer to coach someone in a skill you have.
  • Build a network, get connected to the key people in your organization who are critical to your mission and goals and introduce your team members to them.  

***************************************
 
"Perhaps none of us knows our true strength until challenged to bring it forth". - Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner

Dear Leaders,                 
 
Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner provided these leadership tips in LPI - Leadership Practices Inventory.   
 
As leaders we not only have to have clearly defined vision and mission statements, (and goals that can be acted on), but we also have the responsibility to help others build confidence, increase knowledge and skills, inspire performance, and create an atmosphere of trust.
 
As you reviewed the list of tips, did any pop out at you?  If yes, was it because it was something you consistently did or something you'd like to start doing?  Helping others feel their sense of value and building cooperative relationships will enhance the work atmosphere, foster collaboration and ultimately improve results.
 
Remember:
Leadership = Taking others where they've never gone before and wouldn't go by themselves.

***************************************
PeopleTek Events for August 2008:

Leadership Journey I - 

  • August 6 -  Session 1 of 12 conducted in Phoenix, AZ
  • August 12 - Session 1 of 12 virtually facilitated.  

 

This is an open enrollment period for the above programs  

***************************************
Creating Individual and Team Excellence!
http://www.peopletekcoaching.com
888.565.9555   

Sincerely,
 
Mike Kublin & Jan Mayer-Rodriguez


Jul 24 2008

Ethanol Plants for Tennessee & L.A.

Tag: Environmentadmin @ 9:43 am

 

Cellulosic ethanol plants planned in Tennessee, L.A.

Reuters

DuPont (DD) and Genencor, a unit of Denmark's Danisco, said Wednesday that they will break ground this fall on a 250,000 gallon cellulosic ethanol pilot plant in Tennessee.

Ethanol should be available from the pilot plant by December 2009, with commercial-scale production by 2012, the companies said.

The companies said the pilot plant will initially process western Tennessee corn cobs into ethanol but plans to shift to switchgrass for conversion to ethanol, working with Tennessee farmers as dedicated switchgrass suppliers.

The whole story


Jul 19 2008

Digital TV - February 17, 2009 - $40 Coupons

Tag: NEWSadmin @ 2:13 pm

 

Digital TV Will Soon Be Here: $40 Coupons to Help Consumers with Transition

By Anthony G. Wilhelm, Director, Consumer Education & Public Information, TV Converter Box Coupon Program, National Telecommunications & Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

Imagine watching your favorite primetime TV program, when all of a sudden your analog TV screen goes to black…for good. There is still time to prevent this situation, as long as you know your options.

On February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.

Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?

The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after February 17, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation’s airwaves for use by emergency responders.

What is the significance of the February 17, 2009 digital TV transition date?

If households receive television programs over-the-air using “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after February 17, 2009. Consumers have three options, which include 1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV, 2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or 3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.

How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?

From now through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed and cannot be replaced.

For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons, visit www.DTV2009.gov or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009). The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161. Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208 or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).

Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?

Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.

What can the public do to plan for the transition?

Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on February 17, 2009.

The TV transition deadline will be here soon. Working together, we can make this historic digital transition a success for all Americans.


Jul 14 2008

Time magazine really hammers Florida

Tag: Business, Generaladmin @ 9:07 am

Man, Time magazine really hammered Florida in it's latest article.

"Is Florida the Sunset State?" Time magazine is revisiting Florida by writing another negatively accurate picture similar to the article over 30 years ago about of its classic Paradise Lost article. The article was from November 23, 1981 - Paradise Lost? It was the Time magazine cover that referred to the situation in Florida after the Mariel boatlift. Now there are a new host of topics and challenges to Florida.

  • Water Crisis
  • Mortgage Fraud
  • Real Estate Meltdown
  • Political Dysfunction
  • Environmental Challenges
  • Algae Polluted Beaches
  • Declining Crops
  • Failing Public Schools
  • Massive Foreclosures
  • Spiraling Insurance Rates
  • State Budget Crisis

The article paints Florida in a most troubling light that will have far reaching impact on many.

http://www.time.com

Even The Miami Herald writers review the article:

http://www.miamiherald.com/newsletters/five_min/story/603860.html


Jul 12 2008

The White House Turns a Blind Eye to the Future

Tag: Environmentadmin @ 12:09 pm

Instead of thinking of ways to incorporate the studies performed by their own experts about greenhouse gases, the Bush Administration is just going to ignore it. What a poor excuse for a National Leader…

Administration won't regulate greenhouse gases

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Bush administration, dismissing the recommendations of its top experts, rejected regulating the greenhouse gases blamed for global warming Friday, saying it would cripple the U.S. economy.

EPA says Friday that Clean Air Act is "ill-suited" for dealing with global warming
Press secretary says "right way" to deal with climate change is using new technology
"Wrong way" is to increase gasoline prices, home heating bills, energy costs
Ruling kicks decision on global warming solutions to next administration

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/11/bush.global.warming.ap/index.html

http://topics.cnn.com/topics/global_climate_change

 


Jul 09 2008

The White House & Global Warming

Tag: Environmentadmin @ 9:31 am

Vice President Dick Cheney's office and the White House demanded that all mention of how global warming harms human health be cut from testimony to Congress last fall, a former Environmental Protection Agency official who had a key role on climate policy said Tuesday.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., charged that the new information from the former official showed that the White House and Cheney were covering up the dangers of global warming in an attempt to block the EPA from taking action.

The whole story

 


Jul 07 2008

South Florida Hurricane Supplies

Tag: General, Healthadmin @ 3:54 pm

I ran across some excellent Hurricane Supplies on Amazon.com. Amazon usually has free shipping for over a certain dollar amount.

  • Freeze Dried Foods are great for hurricane season.  They have Long Shelf Life and are easy to make in Emergency situations.
  • Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables in resealable bags and cans. You can add water to them or eat them as they are.
  • A nice selection of First Aid Kits when you have minor emergencies after or during the storm.
  • Clean water is essential right after a major storm. It takes time to get the water systems restarted. These handy Camping water filters from Amazon are simple and easy to use.
  • There is a wide assortment of protein and breakfast bars. These are good tasting and will help you make it through the day.
  • There are also a fine assortment of Emergency BBQ Grills. They take up very little space and are compact for storage.
  • Solar Power Chargers for your laptop, cell phone and ipod. When the electric goes out, you can still charge your small electronics.
  • Then for the larger power needs, there are these great Solar Panels, Inverters and Batteries for bigger appliances.

Take a look at them and see how they can fit into your disaster plan.

Hurricane Supplies from the broward-directory.com


Jul 06 2008

For Back Pain Suffers

Tag: Healthadmin @ 9:00 am

I ran across this useful article I got in an e-mail subscription:

From the Editor-in-Chief of Men's Health
Beat Back Pain

Enjoy a pain-free holiday and stand tall this Independence Day
 
Dear Online Reader:
 
What's the single best thing you can do when low back pain flares up like a firework? Get up and get moving.

The Abs Diet-friendly curlup, side bridge, and bird dog can help you build protective strength in your midsection and endurance in your back muscles while imposing minimal cost to your spine.

They may seem easy at first glance, but to get the most from these exercises you need to pay close attention to technique, which is everything. A circuit a day keeps the back doctor away.