|
Last Updated: Jul 10, 2008 - 8:50:37 AM |
Food for Thought is a weekly column of insights on leadership, management, teamwork, and productivity written by Peter Vajda, PhD.
Food for Thought: A Weekly Column from Peter Vajda, PhD.
Consciousness and Unconsciousness - Jul 10, 2008 - 8:45:39 AM
In the five years or so that I have been sending you the “food for thought”
readings, I have never even remotely touched on “things political.” This week,
that changes as I reflect on an event at the recent G8 summit meeting in Japan.
The event was a six-course lunch followed by an eight-course dinner where the
agenda was — hang on to your hat, and take a deep breath — famine and the
global food crisis...
Food for Thought: A Weekly Column from Peter Vajda, PhD.
Living With Opposites - Jun 29, 2008 - 10:30:11 AM
One of the qualities of a "mature individual" (not chronologically mature, but emotionally, psychologically and spiritually) is the ability to hold in consciousness, and reflect upon, polarities at the same time, e.g., "light and dark" together. Many refer to this state as enlightening — being in a state where one does not have to, or choose to, opt for one over the other and can entertain both polarities at the same time, without judgment, and with curiosity.
Food for Thought: A Weekly Column from Peter Vajda, PhD.
How "reference anxiety" can cripple you at work - Apr 4, 2008 - 10:37:19 AM
Many folks are "making a living" yet lack a sense of significance: a "meaning" in what they do. Rather than exploring the nature of their dissatisfaction by going "inside" and looking at the real reasons for their frustration with work, they prefer to find fault with externals: the education and training programs, the health and pension programs (albeit, today often quite justifiable), management, and environmental conditions, etc.
They are driving themselves to their own spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical poorhouse in new automobiles, eating at smart restaurants, watching plasma TVs, all the while bemoaning the reality of increased stress, overwork, overwhelm, and an environment polluted by industry. They allow themselves to be devoured by the corporation and spend relentless amounts of energy and time (a lifetime, for many) scratching and clawing their way up the corporate ladder to achieve corporate success; to be "somebody."
Food for Thought: A Weekly Column from Peter Vajda, PhD.
The Void - Nov 17, 2007 - 2:19:45 PM
One of the reasons abuse, verbal abuse in the form of harsh, negative and demeaning judgments and criticisms, gossiping, bullying and other types of verbal assaults are common in the workplace is people’s lack of conversation skills, the type of skills that support one to speak to another openly, honestly and respectfully, about what really matters. Folks who are comfortable in their own skin who are able to listen and understand consciously, who possess effective communication skills, and who are able to speak up and speak out, who can discuss difficult topics with a sense of ease and grace are healthier than those who can’t.
Food for Thought: A Weekly Column from Peter Vajda, PhD.
Gratitude - Nov 17, 2007 - 2:06:13 PM
Here in the States, it's Thanksgiving this coming week; so I think a piece on gratitude seems appropriate.
"He who would be blest, let him scatter blessings." James Allen, in "Above Life's Turmoil".
James Allen wrote this line to make his point about sowing and reaping. He uses the line to make a point about the power of giving thanks, of having an attitude of gratitude.
Food for Thought: A Weekly Column from Peter Vajda, PhD.
Want to be Extraordinary? - Oct 29, 2007 - 5:07:46 PM
When I'm coaching leaders, managers and supervisors there's a single notion that sometimes comes up at some point in one of our coaching conversations. The notion — and it's paraphrased in many ways — is, "I want to be liked." or, "I want to be 'one of the guys' (read: gender neutral)." How about you? Does this thought ever cross your mind when you reflect on your relationship with your team members or direct reports? Be honest. Wanting to be liked is, in fact, a natural tendency. The important consideration is, as a leader, manager or supervisor, are you liked for the right reasons?
Food for Thought: A Weekly Column from Peter Vajda, PhD.
Harmony - Oct 22, 2007 - 6:36:14 PM
Each individual composes the music of their own life. When we experience upset of one kind or another it’s usually because we are out of harmony with ourselves. When we experience difficulty in our relationships at work, at home or at play, for example, it’s most often because our music and the notes of our life are not on the same page.
Food for Thought: A Weekly Column from Peter Vajda, PhD.
Your Value; Your Worth - Oct 4, 2007 - 4:39:07 PM
"Only by much searching and mining are gold and diamonds obtained, and a person can find every truth connected with his being, if he will dig deep into the mine of his soul." - As A Man Thinketh
The classic book Acres of Diamonds tells about a person who sold his home and land to travel far and wide in search of diamonds — only to die penniless. In the story, the new owner of this man's land discovered diamonds on the very property that the former owner had ignored.
In my coaching work, I'm often struck, initially, when I come across folks who act the the farmer did whenever they try to "fix" something in their lives — at work, at home, at play or in relationship.
|
