WHEN THE WATERING HOLE SHRINKS...

by Rhoberta Shaler, PhD


I've heard it said that when the watering hole shrinks, the
animals look at each other differently. That's the way it is
at work when downsizing is occurring, too.

We look at each other differently. Our competitive nature may
leap to forefront. Our suspicions about people's motives and
behaviors arise. We watch for political moves. In fact, we
become hyper-vigilant. Everything is a 'sign'. Watch out for
this.

You can only do the best possible job you can do. Be wise. Be
pro-active. But, be assured that some things in the equation
are entirely out of your control. When you live each day in
fear, you are paying attention to what you don't want.
Newsflash! Paying attention to what you do not want attracts
just that into your life.

Does that sound simplistic? In fact, it is not. It is simple
but profound. Who is in charge of your attitudes? Who is in
charge of your sense of self? Who is in charge of your
behavior? Obviously, it's you. What are you paying attention
to? How is it affecting the quality of each day?

I was working with a coaching client the other day who was
obsessing about losing her job. At the beginning of the
lay-offs she had been twenty-five from the bottom of the list.
Now, she is fourth--and with twenty-five years on the job.
Naturally, she was concerned. And, she was at the top of her
'what if?" game. What if I lose my job? What if the economy
doesn't turn around? What if I can't get another job? What
if I don't have the rent money? What if my relationship
suffers? What will happen to my pension?

I didn't suggest to her that there is no wisdom in keeping her
eyes and ears open. I did not suggest that she hide her head
in the sand about the current conditions. Of course, reality
exists. I did suggest, though, that her power was in her
ability to keep the bigger picture in mind. Who was she?
What were her strengths? How did she demonstrate what was
important to her every day at work? What does she have
control over and how can she exercise her options?

Fear causes folks to panic, to forget themselves. Normally
pleasant, cooperative people clam up and keep their cards
close to their chests. Out-going people may talk more because
they are anxious. Quiet folks may withdraw for the same
reason. Fear exaggerates the negative in life. Don't let
that happen. Get on top of it right now.

I'm talking about your overall game plan in life. Make it as
positive as you possibly can. Focus on what you want, where
you're going and how you're going to get there. Make your
conversation about what you want to attract into your life.
Fill your mind with pictures of your ideal job, ideal
relationships, ideal life. Only when you can clearly see the
outcome you want are you likely to take a direct path to it.
Remember that line from
Alice in Wonderland, "If you don't know where you're going,
any path will take you there." Know the destination and
create the path.

How does this translate to daily life at work when fear lurks?
Again, your greatest choice every day is your attitude. Where
are you placing your energy? How pro-active are you being?
Are you willing to ask questions that will help you make good
choices and better plans?

Secrets seem to abound in workplaces that are dwindling. Some
people are 'in the know', others, 'out of the loop'. Ask
questions. Get the facts. Be grounded in reality while
steadfastly focused on the outcome you want.

If you believe in cooperation and collaboration, demonstrate
it in the workplace consistently. Remember, whatever you
value must be part of what you do and say every day, no matter
what the climate or scenario. Don't be pulled off course from
your beliefs and values by fear. Don't let the attitudes,
fears and follies of others sway you from your path.

Even if the lions are at the door, your best plan is to keep
your head. Be true to your values. Be pro-active. And,
definitely, don't feed them.



(c) Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, San Diego, CA.. All rights
reserved worldwide.
****************************************
International speaker, coach & author Rhoberta Shaler, PhD, is
an expert motivator. She gives you the strategies and
motivation to shift your results from acceptable to
EXCEPTIONAL in business and in life. Join her online
community, subscribe to her three ezines and listen to
Optimize! Radio at http://www.optimizelifenow.com

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